Making your home easier for an older cat
Cats rarely complain. They adapt, hide discomfort and keep their routine as long as they can. That is why small changes at home often matter more than any single product. This guide covers practical ideas for a cat in the later part of life. Many cats are often considered senior from around ten or eleven years, though it varies.
Start by watching, not changing
Before you move any furniture, spend a few days watching. Where does your cat sit? Which jumps do they skip? Do they pause before the stairs, or eye the windowsill for a long time before deciding against it?
Write down what you see. A short note on your phone is enough. Changes in how a cat moves, jumps or uses the litter tray are worth sharing with your vet, since they can have many causes.
Litter trays
The litter tray is the place where many older cats first struggle, and where owners often misread the problem as bad behaviour.
- Choose a tray with a low entry. A storage box with one side cut down works well.
- Make it big. Many cats like a tray longer than their body.
- Keep one on each floor of the house, so the cat never has to climb stairs in a hurry.
- Place it somewhere quiet, away from noisy appliances and from the food bowls.
- Scoop daily and keep the litter type the same unless there is a reason to change.
If a cat that was always tidy starts going outside the tray, do not scold. Book a vet check first. It is commonly discussed as a sign something is bothering them.
Beds, warmth and steps
Older cats often seek warm, soft places. A bed with firm padding that does not sink too far is easier to get out of than a deep beanbag. Put beds at floor level or low down, near where the family is.
Pet steps or a sturdy stool can help a cat reach a favourite sofa or windowsill. Choose ones with a non-slip surface and a gentle rise. A folded blanket on a radiator shelf is a simple warm spot, but check it never gets hot.
Slippery floors can make a stiff cat nervous. A few rugs or runners along their usual routes give grip.
Food and water
Place food and water where the cat spends most of the day, not tucked in a far corner. Wide, shallow bowls are often more comfortable than deep ones, since some cats dislike whiskers touching the sides.
Offer several water points around the house. Some cats prefer a fountain, others a plain bowl. Watch how much they drink. A clear change in thirst or appetite is a good reason to call the vet, not a thing to wait out.
Weight can drift both ways in later life. Weigh your cat every month or two, on the same scales, and keep a record. Your vet can tell you what a healthy range looks like for your cat.
Grooming and touch
Older cats may groom less, especially along the back. A soft brush a few minutes a day helps keep the coat tidy and gives you a chance to feel for lumps, sore spots or changes in skin. Keep claws in check too, as they can grow long when a cat scratches less.
Go gently. Let the cat decide when it is enough.
Routine and calm
Cats like predictable days. Feed at similar times, keep furniture in familiar places and introduce changes slowly. A new pet, a house move or building work can be harder on an older cat than on a cat in her prime, so give extra quiet places to retreat.
Play still matters. Short, gentle sessions with a feather wand or a rolled-up ball keep the mind busy. Stop before the cat tires.
Signs to mention to your vet
Do not wait for the next routine appointment if you notice:
- Drinking or urinating much more than usual
- Eating less, or losing weight without a reason
- Hiding, or a clear change in mood
- Difficulty jumping, limping or stiffness
- Bad breath, drooling or dropping food
- Increased night-time calling or confusion
- Changes in the litter tray
Many of these are common in older cats, and common does not mean normal. A vet can check and advise.
Little things add up
None of these changes needs to be expensive. A lower tray, a warm bed, a step to the window and a calm routine can make a big difference to how comfortable a cat feels each day. Make one change at a time, watch how your cat responds, and keep notes for your vet.
What to do next
PAWER is for dogs today. It is not for cats, and we do not suggest giving it to them. Some compounds that suit dogs are not suitable for other species, so ask your vet before you add anything to their routine.
- Join the waitlist for updates
- If you also have a dog, see PAWER for dogs
General information for pet owners. Not veterinary advice.