Challenges in Caring For an Aging Senior Cat & Things Baby is Teaching Me

Hi, I’m Nicole! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my distinguished Burmese, Mr. Baby Cat.

Caring for a senior cat can be a deeply rewarding experience, but it also comes with unique challenges that can test even the most devoted pet parent. If you’re reading this with a young animal running around your home, it pays to not be in denial, as this may be you one day. But trust me when I say that you will see yourself as lucky if you get the opportunity to watch your fur baby age.

If you’re reading this with a senior animal in your home, you know the challenges. Still, it’s good to be reminded that the senior pet years are a privilege denied to many, so amongst all of the emotions and stressors, be sure to take some time for gratitude each day as you help your little bestie age gracefully.

As our feline friends age, typically around 10 years and older, their needs change significantly. While their affection and companionship generally remain steadfast, coping with their aging process requires patience, adaptability, and emotional strength.

I thought I’d go through some of the key challenges we’ve been dealing with and some tips for coping, both to help other readers out there and to help myself through this lengthy anticipatory grieving process.

Physical Changes and Health Issues

One of the most noticeable aspects of a cat’s aging is the decline in their physical health. Arthritis, dental disease, kidney problems, and hyperthyroidism are common ailments for aging cats, and Baby Cat has three out of four. No hyperthyroidism for the win!

Mobility issues can turn once-easy jumps into daunting challenges. It happens gradually, which is a double-edged sword. I thought Baby Cat was still youthful a lot longer than he really was, now that I look back at it. It’s been about two years since we’ve played the “attack my hand underneath the blanket” game, which was a nightly ritual only four years ago. But during the two years in between, it grew less and less, to the point that I didn’t even notice when it stopped. That helped me to not miss it, but now I’m also grieving it because I really never knew that the last time we played it was going to be the last time.

It can be heart-wrenching to see your cat struggle with activities they once performed effortlessly, like climbing onto the couch or playing with a favorite toy, but again, the interest in playing wanes gradually. You get into new patterns of play, gentler games, or more cuddles, and it’s easy to forget that your slow, senior cat was a boisterous troublemaker back in the day.

As your cat gets older, regular veterinary check-ups become crucial as early detection of issues can improve quality of life. However, managing chronic conditions may involve medications, special diets, and sometimes costly treatments, which can be overwhelming for caregivers both emotionally and financially.

Tips:

• Veterinary Care: Find a veterinarian that you connect with and trust. This is important always, but even more so in your cat’s senior years, because you need to know that they will provide your cat with the right care, by putting their dignity first and protecting you and your finances as well without making you feel guilty. Scheduling regular vet visits (every 6-12 months) for early detection and management of health issues can help immensely. Using a service like PangoVet can help you get wellness advice or second opinions
• Pain Management: Ask your vet about supplements to ease arthritis pain. This can help your cat stay mobile and in shape for longer.
• Accessible Environment: Add ramps, low furniture, or pet steps to help your cat navigate the home more easily. Baby Cat loves his Hepper Nest bed, it’s low to the ground but gives him the support he is looking for, and we can pick it up and place it on the couch, desk, or bed—wherever we are. Moving the litter box to a more accessible space is helpful, too.
• Dental Hygiene: Regular dental cleanings while they are young and strong enough to endure the surgery, or at-home care, like dental treats and water additives, can reduce oral discomfort.

Behavioral Changes and Cognitive Decline

Cognitive decline, often referred to as feline cognitive dysfunction (FCD), is another challenge. Similar to dementia in humans, cats with FCD may become disoriented, vocalize more frequently, or have disrupted sleep patterns. Your cat might forget familiar routines, leading to increased stress for both of you.

We’ve been lucky that the only real behavioral changes we’ve encountered with Baby Cat were his earlier issues of toileting outside his litter box (fixed by moving his litter box to a new location). In the past year, maybe 5 times, he’s stood outside and yowled as loud as he could, something he never did before, but it is so infrequent I don’t think I could say that there is rapid cognitive decline.

Sudden changes in behavior can be difficult to interpret, though. When they are aging, it’s hard to know if your cat is acting out due to pain, confusion, or anxiety. Understanding their needs during this time can feel like solving a complex puzzle, but it is absolutely possible to keep them comfortable and feeling supported and loved.

Tips:

• Routine: Stick to consistent feeding at regular times throughout the day, play, and sleeping routines to help provide comfort and reduce anxiety. Even if their routines are hard to set, if you can ensure your routine is predictable, that can help ease stress.
• Environmental Enrichment: Use puzzle feeders, interactive toys, or gentle play to stimulate their minds. Unfortunately, we are past this with Baby Cat, so I recommend starting these types of activities when your cat is still young-ish but starting to slow.
• Calming Aids: Consider pheromone diffusers, calming collars, or natural supplements to ease anxiety.
• Nighttime Comfort: If sleep disruptions are frequent, try using a soft night light and calming music to create a soothing nighttime environment.

Emotional Struggles for Pet Owners

Watching Baby Cat age and weaken has taken an emotional toll, though not as much of one as I anticipated when he was younger. There’s a profound sadness in realizing that your cat, who was once so energetic, is going to get old, but being a part of the process is much easier than it looked at the start. Kind of like how when you set out to climb a mountain, if you look at the peak, it may seem impossible to get there, but if you endure it one step at a time, it becomes possible.

Even still, it is hard to watch a once-active cat now prefer to rest more often and have little to no interest in activities they used to love. You may find yourself grieving even before they’re gone (anticipatory grief).

Balancing your cat’s care with your own well-being is essential. It’s natural to feel exhausted, worried, or even guilty when you can’t meet every need perfectly. Remember that doing your best and seeking help when needed is not a weakness, but rather a strength. You are not alone. Support from family, friends, or online communities of cat owners can provide comfort and practical advice.

Tips:

• Acknowledge Your Feelings: Accept that it’s normal to feel overwhelmed. Share your experiences with friends, family, or pet support groups.
• Self-Care: Take breaks when needed. Your well-being is crucial for providing the best care for your cat.
• Celebrate Small Wins: Focus on positive moments—whether it’s a purr, a playful gesture, or a peaceful nap—and treasure those memories.

Practical Adjustments

As your cat ages, you may need to make practical changes to your home. We never thought we’d have a litter box in our hallway, but here we are. And it’s so much better than cleaning up cat pee from the hallway every morning, so we consider it a win.

Placing ramps or steps to help your cat reach higher surfaces or switching to lower-sided litter boxes for easier access can help. Baby Cat can still jump on the bed, but it might be nicer for his joints to have something to walk up instead. It’s a tricky one because cats do love to jump, but we don’t want him to hurt himself while doing so.

Nutritional needs also change with age (and if you have a fussy cat like I do, you may find that your cat’s palate preferences change, too). Senior cats often benefit from diets tailored to their specific health conditions, such as kidney-friendly formulas or joint-supporting supplements. Consult your veterinarian to ensure you’re providing the best diet to support their overall well-being.

Tips:

• Modify the Home: Use non-slip rugs for better traction, lower-sided litter boxes for easier access, and easily accessible sleeping spaces. Place water and food bowls on slightly elevated surfaces to reduce joint strain.
• Tailored Diet: Consult your vet about a senior-specific diet that supports kidney function, joint health, or weight management. Monitor portion sizes and encourage hydration with water fountains.
• Comfortable Spaces: Create warm, cozy spots with soft blankets or heated pads, especially during colder months.

Lessons My Aging Senior Cat is Teaching Me

While the aging process may present challenges, senior cats have a unique way of teaching us profound life lessons that often go unnoticed in their younger years. Baby Cat, my little zen master, is teaching me and helping me practice these lessons daily.

1. The Art of Patience

I used to be an Early Childhood Teacher, and with 18 two-year-olds in one room, I learned what true patience was. Now, Baby Cat gives me the opportunity to practice those skills daily.

Senior cats remind us to slow down and appreciate the present. As they move more deliberately and take time to rest, they encourage us to adopt a gentler pace, fostering mindfulness and patience in our daily interactions.

And, let’s not forget to mention that they do things that can be a little frustrating, like begging for food when there is food sitting right in the bowl in front of them, or walking between your feet so you almost trip over, or peeing on the floor—but they aren’t doing it to bother you. And the practice of patience reminds us of that, makes it easy to forget the ‘things’ that are changing, and reminds us of how much we love the little soul inside the aging body in front of us.

2. Resilience in the Face of Change

Despite physical limitations and health issues, senior cats often demonstrate remarkable resilience. They adapt to their new circumstances with quiet dignity, showing us how to face life’s inevitable changes with grace and courage.

Witnessing Baby’s resilience has been incredible. He welcomed not only one dog, but two, with loving purrs into our home, and then, something that shocked us all, he fell in love with our human baby. He always wants to be where she is, snuggling her, playing with her, or just sleeping beside her.

The changes life has brought to our magic cat have made him stronger and he has taught us how to do the same. Take changes and challenges on with an open mind and open heart.

3. The Value of Simple Joys

I used to get grumpy when Baby would beg for food outside his regular feeding times, or when my husband would give in to the begging. Now, I find joy in the act of feeding him. We feed him many small meals throughout the day as his appetite has dwindled and we can’t leave his food out because the dogs will eat it. But I truly get such joy in seeing his little whiskers perk up when there’s fresh food in his bowl, even if he only goes in for a tiny bite.

As their activity levels decrease, senior cats also find happiness in life’s small pleasures: a warm spot by the window, a gentle brush, or a cozy nap by your side. They teach us to treasure these simple moments and find joy in the little things, even when life becomes more complicated.

Cherishing the Time We Have

Despite the difficulties, caring for a senior cat can deepen the bond you share. It’s not been easy all the time for me, as having a toddler means I need to give a lot of my attention to her, and the cat misses out. But I try to make time every day to let him know how much I love him and give him my undivided attention.

Cat’s quiet companionship and the trust they place in us during their vulnerable years are precious. It’s so important to cherish the slow moments—those peaceful times when Baby curls up beside me—and remember that my care for him makes a significant difference in his quality of life. I would move mountains for him, and he knows it.

In the end, while coping with an aging senior cat can be challenging, it’s also an opportunity to return the unconditional love they’ve given you over the years. With patience, empathy, and dedication, you can help your senior cat navigate their golden years with comfort and dignity. We’re going easy on ourselves during this transition because we know we’re showering Baby with all our love and we know he feels it, too.