Ways to Spoil Your Senior Cat

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November is National Adopt a Senior Pet Month, and it’s the perfect time to bring a senior cat into your home and spoil them during their golden years. Check out these ways to spoil your cat, regardless of age.

When Is a Cat Considered a Senior?

It’s not always easy to tell when your cat has crossed into their golden years. Many cats stay playful well into adulthood, and they may not show obvious changes right away. So, when is a cat considered a senior? Most veterinarians note that cats enter their senior stage around age 8, and may be classified as geriatric around age 11 to 14. Just like people, cats age at different speeds based on genetics, lifestyle, health history, and diet.

As cats grow older, they may experience gradual shifts that are easy to overlook. You might notice they nap more often, jump less, groom less thoroughly, or lose muscle tone. Some cats become more affectionate, while others prefer quieter routines and cozy resting spots.

Senior cats also face a greater likelihood of health challenges such as arthritis, kidney disease, diabetes, and dental issues. Spotting these changes early lets you support your cat’s comfort and well-being.

This stage of life doesn’t have to be a slowdown; it can actually be one of the most emotionally rewarding times with your pet. Senior cats often settle into a gentle rhythm, enjoying calm attention, soft pets, and regular companionship. By understanding when aging begins and how to support it, you can help your senior cat maintain a high quality of life and enjoy each day with comfort and confidence.

Give Them an Extra-Comfy Cat Bed

Senior cats may come with some joint issues, and movement may be more difficult, so having a comfy spot to lie down on is the perfect way for a kitty to relax, especially if their new bed is strategically placed in a warm ray of sunshine.

For orthopedic beds, we like these:

• Bininl Orthopedic Cat Bed
• 2-Layer Memory Foam Orthopedic Pet Bed
• Sealy Lux Pet Bed – Quad-Layer Technology with Cooling Energy Gel

If your senior cat has anxiety, consider self-warming beds to help keep them calm:

• Bodiseint Modern Soft Pet Bed
• Whiskers & Friends Calming Cat Bed
• K&H Pet Products Thermo-Kitty Cat Bed

Give Your Senior Cat a Massage

Senior cats may be suffering from chronic pain due to old age, and a massage may help relieve that pain. While some vets offer this service, you can also give your cat a therapeutic massage at home.

Start by simply petting your cat from one end of their body to the other. This is called stroking, and you should use gentle to medium pressure down the length of your cat’s body and limbs. Slowly increase the pressure of your strokes and feel for any tight muscles but be aware of your cat’s reaction. If they are sore in spots, they may not appreciate the attention.

Other techniques include “petrissage,” which involves kneading the muscles to relieve tension, and “chopping,” which uses the side of your hand in a rapid chopping motion. Talk to your vet about your cat’s needs and learn the proper massage techniques. We bet you’ll love the massage sessions as much as your cat will.

Give Them Food Tailored for Senior Cats

What your cat eats plays a big role in how they feel as they age, and choosing senior cat food can make a meaningful difference. These formulas are designed to support joint health, digestion, immune strength, and weight management. Many senior diets include higher-quality protein to preserve muscle mass, controlled calories to prevent weight gain or loss, and added nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids for joint and cognitive support.

Before changing diets, talk with your veterinarian to determine the best nutritional plan. Some senior cats thrive on traditional senior formulas, while others may need prescription diets for kidney support, heart health, digestive issues, or weight control. Wet food can also be helpful, since it provides hydration and may be easier to chew if dental disease is present.

Feeding your older cat smaller, more frequent meals can help maintain steady energy and encourage consistent eating habits. Place bowls in easy-to-reach, quiet areas to avoid stress or strain. If your cat seems finicky, try warming their food slightly to bring out aroma and flavor, or ask your vet whether food toppers are safe for them.

Thoughtful feeding keeps aging cats nourished, energized, and comfortable, adding joy and vitality to their senior years.

Dedicate Daily Play Time

Keeping active is an important part of remaining healthy, and that is true for cats too. Dedicate time to play with your cat each day to get them moving, even for short periods of time. Find their favorite toy or game, and we bet you’ll see more of your cat’s younger self come out. Plus, consistent play helps keep energy levels up, which may help with your cat’s overall health.

Keep Your Cat Mentally Stimulated

Play is important for your cat’s physical health, but you’ll also need to stimulate your cat’s brain to keep their mind healthy. Strategy games and fun boards or other interactive toys are great ways to encourage your cat to use their mind. Here are some great examples of toys for senior cats available online:

• Trixie Brain Mover Activity Strategy Game Cat Toy
• Trixie Windmill Strategy Game Cat Toy
• Migipaws Interactive Playset

Make Mobility Easier

Cats love to climb and explore, but as they age, reduced mobility may make that harder. Make sure all of their needs are easily accessible, including food, water, and litter boxes. If they have a favorite spot that requires climbing or stairs, consider adding a ramp or small steps to allow your cat to get there. Don’t forget to give them a cozy, warm place to lounge, and consider a spot in front of a window where they can watch birds and snooze in the sunshine.

Adopt a Senior Cat

Senior cats make great companions, and there’s no better time than now to give one a loving home. Click here to find senior cats in your area in need of eternal affection.