Your cat has been an integral part of your life for many years now, and he or she has gradually slipped into the category of a senior-aged cat. Now more than ever your cat needs special care and consideration from you to ensure the golden years pass in comfort and good health. A life of leisure Your elderly cat, like an elderly human, probably moves more slowly and needs extra consideration on a day-to-day basis. Senior cats live a more leisurely life, with less activity, more rest, and reduced mobility compared to younger days. There are many things you can do to help your senior cat live comfortably and safely until the end comes. An older cat will not be able to jump as high or as far as a younger cat, so if his or her favorite spot is up high you should be prepared to establish a new favorite spot at a bit lower level. After a while, your senior cat may even need help getting up onto the couch or into their favorite easy chair, a situation that can easily be helped by creating steps out of stools or cushions to help your cat get into their spot. Just like humans, older cats get stiff and sore joints so their level of exercise declines over time. You can help relieve stiffness by providing soft, comfortable places to rest and sleep, making sure they are located in warm spots and away from drafts or cold air. Many senior cats enjoy having a heated pad in their bed; these are available in a variety of sizes and shapes at nearly any pet store. Please note, these warming pads are not the same as heating pads used by humans, so make sure you buy a pad that is specifically designed for Nutrition, health and safety Senior cats have special nutritional needs as their bodies grow older, so talk with your veterinarian about the best food for your feline. There are a number of good senior cat foods on the market so your vet should be able to tell you which ones will be best for your senior cat. You will probably notice that his or her appetite will decline in later years, too, which is entirely normal and to be expected. Most elderly cats will nibble at their food several times a day instead of eating a couple of large meals, so do not be alarmed if their pattern of eating changes over time. As cats grow older, their coats tend to become less glossy and lose their protective qualities. This means that your senior cat will be less able to deal with cold weather, wet weather, and the general effects of being outdoors. You can help compensate for this by continuing with regular grooming and allowing your cat to spend more time in the comfort of the indoors. Watch for signs of declining health, such as sudden loss of appetite, difficulty with elimination, or general body discomfort. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, take your cat to the vet as soon as possible for an evaluation. Many disorders common to elderly cats can be easily managed if caught early, but become dangerous to their health if allowed to progress too long without treatment. The need for peace and quiet Senior cats tend to be less tolerant of noise, distractions, and frequent handling. Protect your elderly feline from other cats, dogs, and children by providing a safe place to rest and relax. Be careful introducing a new cat or new pets into the house, and allow your cat to safely retreat from uncomfortable situations. He or she has earned the right to not hassle with a young kitten or an overly curious child, so make the necessary accommodations to keep your older cat comfortable and protected. Most elderly cats will do well for many years, happy to spend their time quietly with family. They will sleep a lot, exercise according to their comfort level, and eat enough to feel satisfied. This is a time to let your cat live a life of leisure and lavish him or her with love and attention. With proper care, a senior cat will live happily for many, many years. When the end comes Many senior cats reach the end of their lives quietly, passing away peacefully in their sleep. Many people consider this the best possible ending to a pet’s life. Many cats, though, go through a period of declining health and increasing discomfort as they age, until their lives are filled with pain, discomfort, or generally ill health. In these situations, you have a responsibility to work closely with your veterinarian to assess your cat’s quality of life. At some point, if quality of life declines too far, you will be faced with making a decision about euthanasia. It is never easy to euthanize a well-loved pet, but when you consider it from the cat’s point of view, it often becomes an easier choice to make. Just as your senior cat has depended on you for love and good care all of his or her life, when the time comes to consider euthanasia your cat also is depending on you to make a decision. As hard as it may be, your veterinarian can help you evaluate your options from the standpoint of what is best for your cat.