Senior cat care comes down to a few gentle adjustments: twice-yearly vet checks, easy access to water and litter boxes, soft warm places to rest, and a steady, predictable routine. Cats are usually considered senior from around 11 years old, and with a little extra thought they can stay comfortable and content well into their late teens. Here is what I have learned matters most.
Hello, Tammy here. I spend my days at the pottery wheel making memorial pieces for much-loved cats, and so many of the stories customers share with me are about long, happy old ages. Those stories taught me that the senior years can be some of the sweetest, if we adapt to what our cats need.
When is a cat considered a senior?
Most vets consider cats senior from about 11 years of age, and "geriatric" from around 15. Indoor cats now commonly live to 16, 18, even 20 or beyond. Age is not an illness, but it does change what your cat needs from you. The shift is usually gradual: a little more sleep, a little less jumping, a slightly pickier appetite.
How often should a senior cat see the vet?
Twice a year is the standard advice for older cats, even if they seem well. Cats are experts at hiding discomfort, and the most common senior conditions (kidney disease, an overactive thyroid, arthritis, and dental pain) all respond far better when caught early. A short check-up with a weight check and simple bloodwork every six months can add genuinely good years to your cat's life.
How can I make my home easier for an aging cat?
Small changes make a big difference:
- Water everywhere. Kidney function often declines with age, so place extra water bowls around the house and consider adding wet food for hydration.
- Low-entry litter boxes. Stiff hips make high sides a struggle. One box per floor, with a low lip, keeps things dignified.
- Steps and ramps. If the favourite windowsill is suddenly out of reach, a small set of pet stairs lets your cat keep the spot without the painful leap.
- Warm, soft beds. Older joints feel the cold. A cosy bed away from drafts is often the most-used gift you will ever give.
- Gentle grooming help. Senior cats groom less thoroughly. A soft brush a few times a week keeps the coat healthy and doubles as affection.
What are the signs of arthritis in older cats?
Cats rarely limp the way dogs do. Instead, watch for hesitation before jumping, taking stairs one at a time, a scruffier coat along the back (because grooming there hurts), or grumpiness when touched near the hips. If you spot these, mention them to your vet; modern pain relief for cats is safe and can transform their comfort.
Cherishing the senior years
One thing I would gently encourage: take photos now, in the ordinary moments. The mid-afternoon sunbeam nap, the slow blink from the armchair. In my studio, when families commission a hand-painted urn or a custom sculpture of their cat, the photos they treasure most are rarely the posed ones. They are the everyday ones that capture how their cat curled up or held their tail. Many people choose our sleeping-cat design precisely because it mirrors a pose they photographed a hundred times. Whatever the future holds, those pictures become precious, and in the meantime they are simply lovely to have. You can see how customers' photos become painted portraits in our gallery.
Senior cats also feel changes in the household deeply, so keep routines steady where you can. If you have recently lost another pet, your older cat may be grieving too; I wrote about this in Do Cats Grieve?
Frequently asked questions
Q: How old is a senior cat in human years?
A: A rough guide: an 11-year-old cat is about 60 in human years, and each year after adds roughly four human years. A 16-year-old cat is around 80.
Q: Should senior cats eat special food?
A: Often yes. Senior formulas support kidneys, joints, and a healthy weight. Ask your vet before switching, especially if your cat has a diagnosed condition.
Q: Why is my old cat sleeping so much?
A: More sleep is normal with age, up to 18 to 20 hours a day. A sudden change in sleep, appetite, or thirst is worth a vet visit, though.
Q: Do senior cats still need play?
A: Yes, just gentler and shorter. A slow wand toy or a food puzzle keeps the mind bright without straining the joints.
The senior years ask a little more of us, and give back a great deal. If you ever want to celebrate a cat who has been beside you for a long time, whether they are still purring on your lap or living on in memory, I am always happy to talk about a custom piece. You can read about the process on our how custom orders work page, or learn more about our little studio.