Did you know that according to the American Association of Feline Practitioners, a cat becomes a senior after they turn 10? However, many veterinarians often treat cats as seniors once they turn 7 years old.
As cats get older, their needs will change. They will have different nutritional and exercise requirements and may need more frequent vet visits. But with the proper care, your senior cat can enjoy their golden years in comfort and good health. Our vets share some tips on how to care for a senior cat, what to feed them, and how to help them get enough exercise.
How Much Exercise Does a Senior Cat Need?
It is important for all cats to get daily exercise. It helps prevent obesity, reduce joint pain, and improve their overall quality of life. Exercise and play also provide mental stimulation, which helps to prevent depression.
Just like when they were kittens, senior cats need interactive play to keep them physically and mentally engaged. How much exercise your senior cat needs depends on a variety of factors, like their age, health status, personality, and preferences. When you are creating an exercise routine for your senior cat, you must consider all of these factors to prevent harm to your senior feline friend.
Senior cats can still enjoy things like interactive toys, puzzle feeders, and even some gentle interactive play. You can also incorporate senior-specific exercises to help improve your cat’s mobility and flexibility. However, always remember to consult your veterinarian before adding anything new, especially if your cat has a chronic health condition.
When you are exercising your senior cat, it is important to make sure that the environment is safe and secure. There are several things you can do to prevent accidental injuries:
- Remove Hazards
Remove any items that could pose a threat to your cat. This could include any objects with sharp edges or corners, cords, etc. Even legged chairs should be moved as your cat could get caught up in the legs or other forms of trauma, like head injuries and broken limbs.
- Provide Entertainment
Senior cats still need the interactive toys and scratching posts they enjoyed when they were younger. Even if they don’t use them as often, scratching and hunting are instincts that never go away.
- Keep Them Away from Stairs
If your cat needs to go up or down stairs, keep a close eye on them. Senior cats may not be as agile as they used to be, and stairs can cause serious injuries if they fall.
- Supervise Playtime
Your senior cat may not be as swift on their feet as they were when they were younger. When they are playing or exercising, it is important to keep as close an eye on them as possible.
What Do Senior Cats Need in Their Diet?
Because a cat’s body changes with age, so do their nutritional needs. Interestingly enough, no specific nutritional requirements related to the intake of calories, proteins, vitamins, minerals or other nutrients have been established for senior cats by pet food manufacturers.
Based on our experience, here are some things to consider for your senior cat’s diet:
- Choose high-quality cat food that’s formulated for seniors. These foods typically contain fewer calories and less fat to help prevent obesity.
- If your cat has an underlying health condition, choose a food that is specifically formulated for that condition. For example, if your cat has a problem with their kidneys, a food that promotes digestive health may be beneficial.
- Some senior cat foods contain extra antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to help your cat’s immune system function properly.
- If your cat was prone to obesity when they were younger but is now healthy as they approach their senior years, you can feed them a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet.
- Above all else, it is important that your senior cat stays hydrated. A cat’s thirst tends to be low at any age, but it often decreases as they age. Always make sure your cat has fresh, clean water, and monitor the water level in their water dish to make sure they are drinking enough.
- Consult a veterinarian to determine the best diet for your senior cat. At Aztec Pet Hospital, we provide nutrition counseling so pet owners can discuss their cat’s nutritional needs and get personalized recommendations.
Monitor Health and Vet Checkups
Also, as your cat gets older, you should keep an eye on any weight loss, appetite changes, and behavioral or grooming changes, as these can be signs of underlying health conditions or illness. Keep detailed records of anything you notice in a journal, and contact your veterinarian right away to schedule an appointment.
Generally, healthy cats should see a vet at least once a year. However, vet visits should increase to twice a year when they become seniors. As your cat ages, we will recommend when to start bringing your cat in more frequently, but this usually starts when your cat is between 7 and 10 years old. Or soon if they develop a chronic health condition.
Many cats begin to suffer from chronic illnesses like kidney disease, diabetes, and arthritis in their senior years. Going to the vet more often will help to detect any health conditions in their early stages, when they are easier to treat.
Senior Cat Care in Harker Heights, TX
As cats age, their exercise, diet, and vet care needs will change, but caring for a senior cat doesn’t have to be a challenge. The vets at Aztec Pet Hospital are here to help! By staying attentive to your cat’s changing needs, you can keep them healthy and thriving well into their senior years. If you have any questions about how to care for a senior cat or any concerns about your cat’s state of health, contact us to schedule an appointment today.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (04/14/2025) Photo by Pietro Schellino on Unsplash