Cat sitting for senior cats: Special considerations

Updated 11/12/2023

When is a cat considered senior? 

It’s a common misconception that cats become OAPs (Old Age Pets) at the ripe old age of 8, despite the fact that they often make it into the late teens and early 20s. So how old is a senior cat? Vets generally class cats as “old” at around 11 years of age (which is 60 in human years), but that certainly doesn’t mean retirement for your feline friend! That being said, older cats do need a little extra care and attention, which is why we’re bringing you this guide to cat sitting for senior cats. 

Signs of aging in cats 

Here are some of the telltale signs your furry friend is no longer a spring chicken:

• Slowing down and finding it increasingly difficult to move around.
• Needing more sleep than in their youth. 
• Gaining or losing weight. 
• Changes in their general behavior - your furry friend might want to spend more (or less) time on their own or they may be less playful. 
• Eyesight, hearing, and sense of smell may deteriorate.
• They might become extra talkative or prone to yowling

Along with these signs of aging, your furry feline may also develop some more serious health issues in their golden years:

• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Hyperthyroidism (thyroid disease)
• GI disease 
• Diabetes 
• Digestion issues
• Cancer 
• Arthritis (otherwise known as Degenerative Joint Disease or DJD)
• Dental disease
• Cognitive dysfunction syndrome 

The symptoms of some of these health problems can sometimes be mistakenly brushed off as old age, and that’s why it’s important to pay close attention to furry friends during their senior years - don’t hesitate to seek expert advice if in doubt. 

Senior cat care

Whether you’re cat sitting for senior cats or your own fur baby’s getting on a bit, here are some elderly cat care tips: 

Senior cat food 

As cats get older, often their dietary requirements change. Although there are lots of senior cat foods on the market, speak to your vet if your feline friend requires a specialized diet for their health. Older moggies need small, frequent meals 3-4 times a day, as well as access to clean, fresh water at all times. Wet cat food is often gentler on sensitive teeth, and as it’s common for older cats to suffer from kidney disease, you may need to mix a little water with their food. Lastly, have a couple of food and water bowls dotted around the home to make sure your kitty cat has access at all times. 

Sleeping habits

Do older cats sleep more? Short answer, yes! It’s typical for our feline friends to snooze for up to 20 hours a day as they age. However, they may have difficulty reaching their usual cat nap spots, so it’s important to ensure they have access to lots of warm, cozy places to rest. This might mean arranging some special pet steps that lead up to their favorite window sill, or simply making a new space look warm and inviting. 

Litter box

Whether your feline friend already uses a litter box or not, it’s a good idea to get one if they’re getting older. Choose one with low sides for easy access, and make sure it’s in a place your old cat can get to without any hassle. 

Grooming

Some older cats have difficulty keeping up with their old grooming habits and may need a helping hand to keep them looking and feeling sleek. Use a brush to massage and comb through their matted fur a few times a week, remembering to handle them with care as you do so. 

Vet visits and medication 

Our beloved senior kitties usually pay a visit to the vet every 6 months for those all-important checkups. Make sure you understand how to administer any necessary medications and keep the vet’s details handy should you notice anything out of the ordinary. 

Did you know TrustedHousesitters members on either the Standard or Premium plan can access our 24/7 vet advice line any time during the sit?  

Other things to consider

• Avoid moving things around too often - it can be more difficult for older kitties to adjust to changes in their environment.
• Some older cats begin to lose their eyesight in their old age, so keeping a night light on at night can help them navigate in low light conditions.
• If your furry friend is deaf, do your best to warn them when you’re approaching rather than making them jump out of their skin.
• Be mindful of their wants and needs - some older cats need a little more space while others will be grateful for extra company. 
• Sticking to a routine is reassuring for older moggies - that’s why finding an in-house sitter is the best senior cat care option for when pet parents are away. 

It goes without saying that if you notice anything out of the ordinary while caring for a senior cat, it’s important to contact your vet immediately. While symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and changes in appetite or thirst are usually pretty noticeable, if you’re cat sitting a senior cat, you’ll need to get an idea of what their “normal behavior” is like from the pet parents. 

Meet our veterinary expert, Emma

This article has been checked by veterinarian Emma Chandley, BVetMed MRCVS PGCertSAS. Emma graduated from the Royal Vet College in London in 2011. She has a keen interest in surgery and went on to do a postgraduate certificate in small animal surgery and was then awarded advanced practitioner status in the same discipline.