As cats age, joints, vision and muscle strength decline gradually, and the behavioural signs are often subtle. Hesitating before a familiar windowsill, or testing a landing repeatedly, is more specific than simply “getting old” and is worth logging.
The first change is grip. Hardwood, tile and smooth litter box entries are slippery. Non-slip mats along routine routes reduce failed jumps and falls.
The second is lowering entries. Replace a high-sided litter box with a low-entry one, and add ramps or steps beside the sofa and bed so the cat walks up instead of jumping. Keep the cat tree but add intermediate landing platforms.
The third is night lighting. Senior cats see less well in the dark. Motion-activated night lights along hallways, near the litter box and at water stations reduce nighttime confusion and calling. Keep food and water close by.
A senior cat should have a check-up every six months, focusing on weight, teeth, kidneys, thyroid and joints. Trends in water intake, urine output and weight are often more informative than a single test result.
Image: a 20-year-old cat, by Dimitri “Diti” Torterat, CC BY 2.0 FR, Wikimedia Commons: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Tired_20-year-old_cat.jpg
