Caring for your mature moggy

As cats enter their senior phase, generally from around eleven years onward, they bring a calm and gentle affection that transforms your home into a heaven of purrs of contentment. Whether you’re welcoming an elderly stray or supporting a lifelong buddy into their twilight years, these simple adjustments ensure your mature moggy thrives physically and emotionally.

A few thoughtful tweaks can keep your older cat safe, comfortable, and confident in every corner of the house:

• Keep food, water, beds and litter trays on each level of the house (but still separately from each other) in case your cat prefers to avoid stairs.
• Ensure litter trays are offered (even if cats are still toileting outdoors), are large and deep filled with litter that is comfortable underfoot. Keep trays as clean as possible.
• Add non-slip mats or rugs on slippery flooring.
• Provide multiple warm, padded resting spots in quiet areas, with easy access; radiator hammocks and sheltered baskets are ideal, or you could consider a Cats Protection Hide & Sleep®. A step up should be provided where possible for easy access.

The nutritional needs of cats can change as they age and some cats may need more calories, yet have smaller appetites. Catering to their changing needs boosts both nutrition and enjoyment. Please speak with your vet if there are changes to your cat’s appetite or thirst. Your vet can also help advise you on the most suitable diet for your cat.

1. Offer small, frequent meals (4–6 a day) to maintain energy without overwhelming them.
2. Experiment with textures, paté, flaked or minced and familiar foods, to accommodate reduced sense of smell or dental sensitivities.
3. As well as offering their normal bowl, you could elevate bowls or use shallow dishes so they can eat comfortably.
4. Scatter water bowls around the home (away from food and litter trays) to encourage hydration.

Arthritis is very common in senior cats, and there are lots of treatment options available to ensure cats don't live in pain, which your vet can discuss further with you. Alongside this, you can do the grooming care below. As arthritis and reduced flexibility set in, self-grooming can become a challenge. Your regular attention keeps their coat and skin healthy, and deepens your bond too.

• Brush regularly to prevent tangles and detect unusual lumps or skin changes.
• Check claws every few months and look for signs of overgrowth such as snagging on the carpet, then trim if overlong. If needed a veterinary nurse will be able to provide this service.
• Ensure grooming is a positive experience by allowing them to move away if they prefer, offering breaks and soothing words. Some cats prefer different types of brushes, too. 

Play remains a vital source of exercise and mental stimulation, even when your cat’s pace has slowed.

• Feather wands and slow-moving teaser toys encourage gentle stretches.
• Soft kicker toys allow them to use their hind legs without high impact.
• Puzzle feeders and treat balls engage problem-solving skills and reward them with tasty bites. Ensure you offer their regular food which is available and accessible too in case they prefer not to use these.
• Window perches offer hours of wildlife-watching entertainment. A step or box to help access will help prevent unnecessary jumping.

Early detection of age-related conditions; arthritis, hyperthyroidism, dental disease and kidney issues, improves quality of life.

• Book bi-annual vet visits, which may include blood tests and weight monitoring.
• Keep vaccinations, parasite control and dental checks up to date.
• Observe changes in appetite, thirst, litter-tray habits, mobility and behaviour.
• Discuss pain relief, joint supplements or modified diets tailored for seniors.

1. Calming companion
   Forget the curtain-scaling kitten phase. Mature moggies prefer naps, sometimes on a lap, and gentle head bumps.
2. Suited to busy lifestyles
   If your diary’s full, an older cat is happy to snooze beside you while you conquer the to-do list.
3. Still loads of fun
   They adore short play sessions, especially fishing-rod toys, and will surprise you with their quirky antics.
4. Second-chance hero
   By adopting an older cat, you give a deserving moggy the loving forever home they crave.
5. They can live long, healthy lives
   Many senior cats thrive into their late teens and beyond. Some even break 20 with top-notch care!
6. You help more cats
   Sadly, older cats in our care have to wait three times longer to find homes than their younger counterparts; adopting one frees space so Cats Protection can care for more cats in need. For more information on adoption visit our website here: Choosing the Right Cat For You | Cats Protection

Elderly cats are prone to a range of treatable conditions. Watching for subtle signs and seeking veterinary advice early can make a huge difference.

Common health issues can include:

• Kidney disease
• Hyperthyroidism
• High blood pressure
• Arthritis
• Dental disease

For more information on these conditions and others visit our webpage here: Health Issues for Elderly Cats | Cat Health | Cats Protection

Caring for a mature moggy can be bittersweet. When the time comes to say farewell, the Cats Protection Paws to Listen helpline is here to guide you through grief with understanding and comfort.

Honouring every whisker, every purr and every shared moment is the greatest gift you can offer an elderly cat. Their golden years are enriched by your compassion and their presence will forever enrich your heart.

If you are coping with the loss of a cat, you can visit our website for advice and support:  Losing a cat - Coping with Bereavement | Cats Protection