How To Create an Accessible, Safe Home for Senior Cats

Thanks to advances in medicine and nutrition, cats are capable of living long lives—often well into their teenage years or, in some cases, into their early 20s.  

But it’s important to remember that most cats are considered seniors when they turn 10 years old. Though age itself is not an illness, many of these older cats will have physical and mental changes that require some adjustments to their care—and many of these care changes involve the home. 

Here are some ways to make sure your senior cat is as happy and healthy as possible.  

Make Food and Water Accessible

Where your cat gets their meals may need to change as they get older. It’s estimated that more than 90% of cats over the age of 12 have some form of arthritis, which often leads to joint pain. This makes going up or down stairs or jumping onto counters to eat or drink much more difficult for senior cats.  

Consider having multiple bowls or water fountains in easy-to-reach areas. If you live in a multi-level home, have food and water bowls on every floor. Some cats may even prefer slightly raised food bowls. 

If you’re feeding multiple cats at home, watch over your kitties carefully to make sure younger cats aren’t bullying their older housemates away from their bowls. Social dynamics may change with age, and senior cats can be more easily distracted or displaced from their meals.  

Assess Your Litter Box Setup

Mobility changes may also affect your cat’s bathroom habits. Litter boxes kept where your cat has trouble accessing them (for example, downstairs in a basement or through a narrow cat door) can lead to accidents.  

Senior cats should have a litter box on their main living floor where they spend most of their time. You may even want to have a box on each level of your home to ensure your cat always has access. 

High-sided and covered litter boxes may be difficult for your cat to get into and can force them into uncomfortable positions to eliminate. Wider, uncovered litterboxes with lower sides or entryways are recommended for senior cats.  

Litter box cleaning may need to be more frequent for senior cats. Kidney disease is extremely common in older cats and results in greater and more frequent urination. Cleaning the box frequently also allows you to monitor for issues like constipation or diarrhea, which can be more common as cats age. 

Offer Comfortable, Warm Resting Places

Though all cats are drawn to warm resting places, older cats have more trouble regulating their body temperature. Special care should be given to providing them with draft-free sleeping spots in warmer rooms. Heated beds and pads can be a great addition for cooler rooms. 

Provide Easy Access to Favorite Places

Though joint pain and muscle loss may limit your cat’s mobility as they age, it shouldn’t affect their ability to access their favorite perches and sleeping spots.  

Ramps and stairs can help cats with arthritis get up on the bed or their favorite window perch. This is especially important if they need a place to be away from dogs, small children, or other cats at home. 

Make sure to choose a ramp that’s stable with your cat’s weight on it. Ideally, the ramp should be carpeted for traction.  

Your cat may be suspicious of the new furniture at first. Try not to move things around too much—most cats will understand the concept and begin using the ramp quickly. 

Help Your Cat Avoid Hazards

In addition to mobility issues, many senior cats have vision and hearing loss that can also affect their ability to recognize and avoid hazards.  

Consider restricting your cat’s access to balconies, ledges, and shelves that present a fall risk. Rugs or yoga mats may help your cat navigate on slippery flooring. Some cats may benefit from night-lights to help them navigate better in the dark as their night vision decreases.  

Stick To a Routine

Just like people, older cats can develop dementia (cognitive dysfunction). Consistent daily routines, like feeding your cat at the same time every day, can help keep these kitties stress-free. Calming pheromones, such as Feliway, may also help in mild cases.  

If you suspect your cat’s cognitive dysfunction is affecting their quality of life, discuss these symptoms with your veterinarian in case there are medications or additional lifestyle changes that can help.