Senior Cats - Mobility

Like humans, as a cat ages, it becomes less active, causing many a human to query the health of the cat. And yes, there may be a medical problem, but chances are that the older cat is just slowing down.

For a cat that is seven or eight years old in human years, it is in fact, in it's late sixties to early seventies in cat years for an outdoor cat, and an indoor cat would be in it's mid to late forties. No wonder they're slowing down!

Typically, this means that as a cat ages, it also spends a lot more time sleeping. The kitchen counter may become less appealing and higher vantage points will eventually be left out altogether. And for a really old and arthritic cat, even navigating in and out of the litter box can become a challenge. When this happens, simply cutting down the side of the litter box to create a "doorway" can make a world of difference, both to you in not having to clean up all the "misses" and to your elderly cat.

All sorts of steps and ramps can be created to allow your feline family to get onto the bed or their favourite spot. Just because they're aging doesn't mean they don't want comfort and to spend time with you too.

My own cat in the photo is 17 1/2 years old and very healthy, but she does sleep 99% of her day and uses a halfway step to get onto the sofa. She goes up and down the stairs every day, but she walks, no more running. Thankfully, she is happy and healthy, and eats well (maybe a little too well).