November is National Senior Pet Month, a time to recognize and celebrate our aging pet companions. Last week, we discussed senior dogs in a blog post titled “How Professional Pet Sitters Support Senior Dogs.” Today, we’re turning our focus to understanding aging in cats. Senior cats, typically aged 8-10 and older, have unique care requirements and can show dramatic differences in demeanor, energy, and mobility as they age. Let’s discuss!
Understanding Aging in Cats
Cats are masters at hiding discomfort, but as experienced pet sitters, we’re tuned in to subtle clues that signal a shift in their well-being. As cats enter their senior years, physical and behavioral changes become more apparent to us, sometimes from one appointment to the next.
Some senior cats, for example, may seem less playful or sleep more, preferring calm cuddle sessions instead of vigorous play. Others might show signs of soreness after climbing or jumping, needing assistance to access their favorite spots. Occasional stiffness or hesitancy on stairs can signal developing arthritis, and changes in grooming habits may indicate that a cat is struggling to reach certain areas or needs help staying clean.
Common Ailments in Senior Cats
Common ailments in senior cats often include chronic kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, diabetes, and arthritis, all of which can significantly impact their quality of life as they age. Dental disease is also prevalent, leading to pain, difficulty eating, and the risk of infection that can affect other organs.
Older cats may experience vision and hearing loss, and conditions like inflammatory bowel disease, heart disease, or even cognitive dysfunction (aka dementia) can emerge, sometimes causing disorientation, fear, aggression, or other changes in behavior.
Symptoms We Watch for in Senior Cats
As professional cat sitters, our job is to stay alert for signs that senior cats may need extra help or a veterinary check-up. Following are just a few of the things we keep a close eye on:
- Decreased appetite or water intake, which could signal an underlying health issue.
- Changes in litter habits, such as going outside the box, which may reflect pain, confusion, or difficulty accessing the box.
- Shifts in activity level; sleeping much more or less, reluctance to move or jump, or difficulty with normal mobility.
- New vocalizations, such as increased meowing or crying, which can signal discomfort, loneliness, or dementia.
- Changes in grooming behavior, such as matted fur or neglecting self-care in their private areas.
- Sudden weight loss or gain.
- Hiding or withdrawal from social interaction that’s out of character for the individual cat.
- Chronic vomiting, which could be a sign of many ailments, some serious.
- Poor coat quality, which could signal nutrient deficiency or difficulty grooming.
- Vision and hearing changes.
How We Support Senior Cats & Their Families
At Animal Admiration Pet Care, our experience allows us to advocate for your senior cat’s health and quality of life. We will contact you (or your emergency contact) promptly if an urgent need arises. If the change doesn’t require urgent attention, we will offer your feline friend comfort through gentle handling during visits. Upon your return, we will discuss tailored routines that may better suit your cat’s needs for future appointments and may recommend senior-friendly litter boxes, joint supplements, or veterinary intervention.
November’s Senior Pet Month reminds families that older cats still have plenty of love, personality, and joy to share. Trusted cat sitters like Animal Admiration Pet Care are your eyes and ears while you’re away, attuned to every subtle change and devoted to making your cat’s golden years safe, enriched, and dignified.
The Best Cat Sitters in Katy, Fulshear, Cypress & West Houston
Animal Admiration Pet Care offers customizable dog walking, dog sitting, cat sitting, home, plant, and chicken care in Katy, Fulshear, Richmond, Energy Corridor, Memorial, West Houston, and Cypress. We care for all pet species, breeds, and ages, to ensure pets in Katy and neighboring communities receive the best care.
To join the Animal Admiration family, please contact us at info@animaladmiration.com or (281) 391-1015 to learn about our in-home pet care services. Existing clients, schedule your pet care visits here.
If you are outside our above-listed areas, please visit Pet Sitters International or the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters to find a professional pet care provider near you.
Brooke Rozell began her professional pet sitting career in 2003. In 2011, she established Animal Admiration to bring trusted, professional pet care to the Katy, Cypress, Fulshear, and West Houston areas while elevating the pet sitting industry as a whole. Brooke is an active member of Pet Sitters International, the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters, the Texas Pet Sitters Association, and the Katy Area Chamber of Commerce. Learn more about Brooke.
