Aging takes its toll on all of us, including our feline companions. As cats grow older, they may develop new habits, health concerns, and behaviors that leave pet parents wondering how to help. Whether your elderly cat is drinking lots of water, showing signs of diarrhea, losing weight, or even not eating, it can be distressing to see these changes without knowing what they mean or how to respond.
This guide covers signs of aging in cats, common senior health issues, and simple adjustments you can make to improve your cat’s comfort, including choosing the right cat food for elderly cats and using natural supplements for added support.
When Is a Cat Considered Elderly?
Cats age faster than humans—about four human years to every one cat year. Most cats are considered “senior” between 11–14 years old, and “geriatric” at 15 years or older. As they enter this stage of life, their bodies and needs begin to change significantly, often leading to health symptoms that need close monitoring.
Common Behavioral Changes in Senior Cats
Aging in cats is often accompanied by noticeable shifts in behavior. Some of these changes are part of the natural aging process, while others may signal underlying medical conditions. Here's what you might observe:
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Increased Vocalization – Many senior cats meow or yowl more, especially at night. This can be linked to cognitive decline, disorientation, or seeking attention. A 2022 study in Animals journal reported that 40.5% of owners of cats with cognitive dysfunction identified disorientation or attention-seeking as the main cause of increased vocalization. Read the study
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Changes in Social Behavior – Some cats may become more affectionate and clingy, while others grow more withdrawn.
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Altered Sleep Patterns – Older cats may sleep more during the day and be more active or restless at night.
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Litter Box Issues – Missed litter boxes can be a sign of arthritis, cognitive decline, or urinary issues.
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Less Grooming – Declining flexibility or dental discomfort can reduce grooming, leading to matting or poor coat condition.
If these behaviors arise suddenly or worsen, they may indicate an underlying health issue, and a veterinary check-up is advised.
Common Illnesses in Senior Cats
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Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
Affects over 30% of cats aged 15+, often showing as increased thirst, urination, and weight loss. -
Hyperthyroidism
Causes weight loss despite a good appetite, restlessness, and increased vocalization. -
Arthritis
Often goes unnoticed but affects over 90% of cats over 12; signs include stiffness, reluctance to jump, or behavioral changes. -
Dental Disease
Common in aging cats, leading to pain, drooling, bad breath, and reduced appetite. -
Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS)
Similar to dementia in humans—causes disorientation, nighttime yowling, and changes in social behavior. -
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Chronic vomiting, diarrhea, or weight loss may indicate this common digestive disorder in older cats.
Signs of a Healthy Senior Cat
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Stable Body Weight
No unexplained weight loss or gain—a sign their metabolism and organ function are in balance. -
Normal Appetite
They eat consistently and show interest in food without being overly ravenous or disinterested. -
Glossy, Well-Groomed Coat
A clean, shiny coat indicates good grooming behavior, skin health, and nutrition. -
Bright, Clear Eyes
Free of discharge, cloudiness, or excessive tearing—suggests overall good health and hydration. -
Normal Mobility
Able to jump, walk, and stretch without stiffness or signs of pain—shows joints and muscles are functioning well. -
Consistent Litter Box Habits
Urinating and defecating regularly with normal stool and urine—no accidents or signs of straining. -
Sociable and Engaged
They still enjoy interacting, playing, or exploring their environment—indicates mental sharpness and emotional well-being. -
Good Dental Condition
No visible tartar buildup, bleeding gums, or bad breath—shows dental disease is under control or absent. -
Healthy Hydration
No signs of dehydration like sunken eyes or sticky gums—senior cats often need help staying hydrated.
When your senior cat is showing these signs, it's a great indication that their health is well-managed. But even healthy-looking cats should get regular wellness exams—early detection is key to keeping them thriving.
How to Support Your Senior Cat's Health
Here are five tips to help your elderly cat age gracefully and happily:
1. Enrich Their Environment
Even older cats need play and stimulation. Try interactive toys, short play sessions, or puzzle feeders to keep their minds and bodies active. Mental enrichment helps prevent cognitive decline and boredom.
2. Offer Tender Loving Care
Older cats may become more attached to their humans. Extra cuddles, grooming, and calm, reassuring interactions help them feel secure. Grooming may also become difficult due to arthritis—help by gently brushing them daily and trimming their nails as needed.
3. Adjust Their Living Space
Make life easier for aging joints by placing ramps to favorite spots, providing low-sided litter boxes, and offering cozy beds in quiet areas. If your cat is having trouble getting around, simplify their environment with everything they need (litter, food, water, resting spots) in one accessible space.
4. Support Joint Health Naturally
Senior cats often suffer from stiffness or discomfort due to arthritis. Joint health supplements like Arthri Pawz with glucosamine may help with inflammation and improve mobility, especially during cold, damp months. Learn more about how to support your cat’s joint health naturally, here.
5. Choose the Right Cat Food for Elderly Cats
Instead of relying solely on marketing labels like “senior cat food,” focus on your cat’s specific health needs. A 2020 study published in Veterinary Sciences found that while senior cat foods generally contain more crude fiber, their overall nutrient content and caloric density vary widely and are often similar to adult cat foods. The study advises veterinarians—and pet parents—not to make broad assumptions about these products. Ideally, choose a diet that is rich in high-quality protein, lower in phosphorus if kidney support is needed, and easy to digest, based on your cat’s individual condition and any existing medical issues.
If you’re ready to take your cat’s nutrition to the next level, consider gently transitioning to home cooked meals. Home cooking allows you to control ingredient quality, avoid unnecessary additives, and tailor recipes to your cat’s health status.
👉 Explore our CrockPET Diet recipes—a veterinarian-developed approach designed to support pets through every stage of life, especially the senior years.
🔗 Want to learn how to support your cat through food and supplements? Read our in-depth blog about the best foods for senior cats.
Helping Your Cat Age Gracefully
Aging is a natural journey, and with the right care, your senior cat can continue to live a joyful and comfortable life. By staying attuned to their changing needs, providing a balanced diet, and supporting their health with targeted supplements, you can make a meaningful difference in how they feel every day.
👉 Explore our Senior Cat Supplements to help support mobility, digestion, cognition, and overall vitality.
Let’s make their golden years truly golden.
