Written by Dr. Nicole Masterson, Veterinarian, Caring Pathways
Senior cats often communicate changes very quietly. As someone who has spent many years caring for cats, I know how easy it can be to miss the subtle signs that a cat’s quality of life may be changing. What may seem like a small shift in routine or behavior can sometimes be your cat’s quiet way of telling you something has changed.
I worked exclusively in feline practices for 18 years and have spent the last eight years with Caring Pathways, focusing on end-of-life medicine for dogs and cats. Over the years, I have seen just how subtle these changes can be in aging cats, and how important it is to pay close attention to the little things.
One of the things I love most about helping senior cats and their families is getting to witness the bond that has formed over time between them. During Virtual Quality of Life Consultations, I not only get to observe the loving relationship that has developed over many years between the little one and their owner, but I also get the privilege of being a part of that relationship as we discuss complex and difficult topics and arrive at thoughtful decisions. It is truly an honor to be a part of these relationships and discussions.
What are some common subtle signs that a senior cat’s quality of life may be changing?
In my experience, these signs are often subtle at first and then become more noticeable over time as the decline progresses. Senior and geriatric cats may:
- Start hanging out in atypical places
- Decide they no longer enjoy their regular food
- Sporadically does not use the litter box
- Begin vocalizing more
- Jump on furniture, counters, and cat trees less
- Urinate more frequently and produce more or less urine
- Defecate less frequently, or have changes in stool consistency
- Drink more or less water
- Begin to dislike being brushed or combed
- Groom themselves less
- Enjoy snuggling more or less
For cat parents, these changes can be easy to second-guess, but cats tend to tell us important things quietly. They are really stoic, even more stoic than dogs, so it takes a lot for them to show us that all is not well. They hide their discomfort extremely well. You know your little one better than anyone else, so if you notice little changes, they may indicate that something is not quite right.
Why do senior cats often struggle more with clinic visits?
As cats age, clinic visits can become especially stressful. Cats are really bonded to their environments and their routines, and over time, that attachment becomes much stronger. Taking a cat out of their safety and comfort zone is really stressful for them.
Geriatric cats almost always have some degree of osteoarthritis. You may or may not see evidence of this in the home environment, but with stress, the discomfort becomes more pronounced, and the cat becomes more uncomfortable and often irritable.
Older cats are also accustomed to the comfort of their own home and routine, so having strangers touch and feel them can be really scary and stressful for them.
Why can in-home or virtual quality of life support be especially helpful for cats?
For many older cats, being seen at home offers a much more accurate picture of daily life. These consultations allow the professional to observe the cat in their home, where they are relaxed and behave as they normally do in their daily lives. The observations are much more accurate than those made from outside the home. That opportunity is invaluable.
It also allows a relaxed conversation to develop between the client and the end-of-life professional because the client is not anxious about how the cat is holding up in the clinic, where the cat’s stress level can be extremely high. The client is more relaxed and can focus on the exchange of thoughts, ideas, and observations with the professional.
At Caring Pathways, we know how meaningful it is to evaluate quality of life in the place where cats feel safest and most like themselves.
What do I wish more people understood about senior cats?
One of the most important things I wish more people understood is that old age is not a disease.
There are many things to be aware of as you care for your senior cat. Aging cats need thoughtful support, careful observation, and an environment that makes daily life easier and more comfortable.
Here are a few practical ways to support a senior or geriatric cat at home:
Use low-sided litter boxes
Place a litter box with low sides on every level of your home so your little one does not have to navigate stairs.
Offer multiple water stations
Have several watering stations in your home with a variety of bowls, glasses, and fountains to encourage drinking. Offer ice water in one of the stations. Some cats prefer colder water.
Make food easy to access
Place several feeding stations in your home for easy access. Avoid placing food and water bowls near litter boxes.
Help them reach favorite spots
Place steps or ramps covered with carpet near your little one’s favorite elevated spots so they can reach them more easily.
Keep them warm and comfortable
Older cats tend to like warm places, so provide a comfy bed or a snuggly blanket in one of their favorite lounging spots.
Stick to a predictable routine
As your little one ages, stick to a routine. Routines are extremely comforting to older cats. They are bonded to them, comforted by them, and reassured by predictable days.
Give extra tender loving care
Older cats enjoy spending time with their human family members. They seek comfort and often develop a deeper bond with their owners as they age. It is important to give them the extra loving care they need.
Caring for A Senior Cat with Compassion
Senior cats often ask for our care in very quiet ways. A little more support, easier access to essentials, a warmer resting place, and a more predictable routine can all make a meaningful difference.
If you are beginning to notice changes and are not quite sure what they mean, you are not overreacting by seeking out professional veterinary advice. Subtle changes matter, especially in cats.
How Caring Pathways Can Support Your Senior Cat
Every aging cat is different, and sometimes a little guidance can bring a lot of peace of mind. At Caring Pathways, we offer several supportive services to help families better understand their cat’s quality of life and navigate the next steps with compassion.
Virtual Quality of Life Consultation
Talk with a Caring Pathways professional from home and receive guidance based on the subtle changes you are noticing in your cat’s behavior, comfort, and routine.
In-Home Quality of Life Consultation
Meet with our team in your home, where your cat is most relaxed, for a more accurate and meaningful quality of life assessment.
Comfort Care (Hospice Care)
When your cat needs ongoing support, our Comfort Care services focus on comfort, symptom management, and quality of life in the familiarity of home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the signs that a senior cat may need more support?
Some of the subtle signs include spending time in unusual places, changing eating habits, sporadic litter box issues, vocalizing more, jumping less, changes in urination or defecation habits, drinking more or less, disliking brushing, grooming less, and wanting more or less snuggling.
Why do older cats get so stressed by vet visits?
Older cats become strongly attached to their environment and routines. Leaving home, experiencing stress, and being handled by unfamiliar people can be especially difficult for them. Geriatric cats also almost always have some degree of osteoarthritis, which can feel worse under stress.
How can I make life easier for my geriatric cat at home?
Low-sided litter boxes on every level of the home, multiple water stations, several feeding stations, ramps or steps to favorite elevated places, warm resting spots, and a predictable routine can all support a geriatric cat.
Why are virtual quality of life consultations helpful for cats?
Virtual quality of life consultations allow the professional to observe the cat at home where they are relaxed and behaving naturally, and they make it easier for families to have a calm, focused conversation about what they are seeing.