8 Ways to Make the House Safe for Your Senior Cat

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When your cat was still a young kitten, you probably took steps to “kitten-proof” your home, such as moving household cleaners where she couldn’t access them and keeping sewing supplies in a safe place. You need to revisit some of the areas around your home to make sure they are safe — and comfortable — for your senior cat.

1. Move the litter box for him

Look for ways to make the litter box more accessible for your senior cat. Photography ©minoandriani | Getty Images.

As your cat ages, she might develop arthritis or other joint issues that make it harder to jump and climb. In addition, a senior cat might also have less control over her bladder and bowels. Considering that combination — stiff joints and litter box urgency — look for ways to make the litter box more accessible.

For example, if you have a two-story house, place a litter box on each floor. “Older cats should have easy access to food, water and litter boxes, so if they choose not to climb stairs they don’t have to,” says Emily Levine, DVM, DACVB, the director of Behavioral Services at the Animal Behavior Clinic of Animal Emergency and Referral Associates in Fairfield, New Jersey.

Don’t worry: Though stiff joints may make her move a little slower, your senior cat will likely keep up with her good litter box habits. Make things easier for her by purchasing a box with lower sides, so it doesn’t take as much effort to get in and out.

Be concerned: If your senior cat starts consistently missing the litter box, she might have a medical issue. Take her to the vet for a thorough exam as soon as possible.

2. Make it easier for your senior cat to climb

Make it easier for your senior cat to climb up to her favorite spots. Photography ©krblokhin | Thinkstock.

Stiff joints can also make it more difficult for your senior cat to reach her favorite resting places, such as a warm windowsill or the top spot on the cat tree. That doesn’t make those spots less desirable — just more of a challenge to reach. To help prevent her slipping or otherwise hurting herself when she tries to access these spots, find ways to make it easier for her to get to them.

Help her reach the windowsill by placing a chair or stool underneath it or by purchasing specially made pet stairs. Look for items that give your senior cat firm, steady footing — that won’t rock or move when she jumps up or down from another level.

Don’t worry: If your senior cat’s favorite spot is no longer easily accessible, introduce her to a new one. Dr. Levine, who is board certified in the area of animal behavior, recommends putting your cat’s favorite bed in a warm spot free of drafts, where she can feel safe and comfortable.

Be concerned: While most cats love curling up in warm spots, make sure your cat doesn’t become overheated. It may be tempting to put a heating pad in her bed, but too much heat can burn your cat.

3. Keep playing with your senior cat

Playtime keeps your cat healthy. Photography by Onishchenko Natalya / Shutterstock.

As your cat ages, she will likely want to spend more time curling up in a warm spot to sleep. It’s natural for her playful behavior to lessen and mellow, but regular playtime still helps keep her healthy. Look for gentle ways to encourage her to play, such as waving a wand toy or placing pieces of her dry food for her to “hunt” and eat.

Don’t worry: Older cats sometimes prefer to be left alone for longer periods of time — and that’s OK. The idea is to gently encourage regular activity for continued good health, which will also help maintain the bond you share with her.

Be concerned: You may be tempted to adopt a kitten or young cat to help your senior cat return to her kittenish ways. Dr. Levine recommends against this course of action. “A rambunctious kitten climbing all over your cat may be more detrimental than helpful,” she says. “And people have a tendency to focus on the young cat and ignore the older one.

4. Your senior cat needs grooming

Senior cats need special help grooming. Photography by ©Aksenovko | Getty Images.

Help your senior groom herself, especially in difficult to reach areas.

5. Lights are your cat’s new best friend

Add night-lights in dark hallways for older cats with poor vision.

6. Don’t create challenges by moving things around

Moving furniture around can confuse your older cat. Photography by Eugene03/Thinkstock.

Avoid rearranging furniture or creating new obstacles in homes where the senior cats are blind or have failing vision.

7. Some senior cats need to be correctly approached

Approach a cat who is deaf or losing her hearing from the front to avoid startling her.

8. Nutrients are important for a senior cat

What your senior cat eats is important. Photography ©krblokhin | iStock / Getty Images Plus.

Finally, continue to offer your cat the basic provisions you always have. Fresh water and nutritious food become even more important as a cat enters her senior years. If chewing becomes more difficult for your senior, switch her to a canned diet or mix canned in with her kibble.

Thumbnail: Photography ©MaraniVideo| Getty Images.

A lifelong cat owner, Stacy N. Hackett writes frequently about cats, cat breeds and a range of pet-related topics. The inspiration for her writing comes from her cats, Jack and Katie, and her Cocker Spaniel/Labrador Retriever mix, Maggie.

This piece was originally published in 2018.

Read more about senior cats on Catster.com:

• 5 Reasons to Adopt a Senior Cat
• I Confront the Reality of My Senior Cat’s (Failing) Health
• Senior Cat Food Issues: My Cat Won’t Eat, Is She Suffering?

The post 8 Ways to Make the House Safe for Your Senior Cat by Stacy Hackett appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.