Senior Cat Behavior

You may have noticed that senior cat behavior is a bit different than that of a cat in its prime. Just like people, animals slow down as they become senior citizens.

About Senior Cat Behavior

When your cat reaches the ripe old age of thirteen, he is considered a senior. Veterinarians calculate this figure to be seventy-five percent of the average life of a cat. Your cat will begin to slow down both mentally and physically, so expect to notice changes in his behavioral patterns. Since many cat breeds tend to be leisurely by nature, you may not notice anything unusual right away.

Changes in your cat may include:

• Being less active
• Being less playful
• Sleeping more
• Eating less
• Being less interested in people, other pets and his surroundings
• Grooming himself less, resulting in matted fur and skin odor

These changes could be caused by:

• Common senility
• Feline Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome, aka Feline Alzheimer’s
• Illness

Common Behavior Changes

Senior cat behavior changes vary for each animal. Some changes are hard to notice, others may be harder to ignore.

Missing the Litter Box

Spraying and urinating outside the litter box is a common senior cat behavior issue. Dealing with cat urine is unpleasant. If your cat is suddenly missing the litter box, take him to the vet's to determine if there is a medical problem in play.

Conditions that have an affect on your cat's litter box behavior include:

• Colitis
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Diabetes mellitus
• Hyperthyroidism
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD)

If your cat is healthy in these areas, he may be having other problems related to old age such as:

• Arthritis
• Loss of vision
• Stress

Veterinarians recommend using a litter box with lower sides for senior cats. Also try changing the cat litter you use.

If your cat is still urinating where he shouldn’t be, there are a few things you can try:

1. Clean the area he soiled using an enzymatic cleaner, since the enzymes will eat the odor causing bacteria.
2. Cats do not like to go to the bathroom where they eat. Try feeding your cat in the room where he is urinating.
3. Try placing tin foil, double sided tape, or upside down carpet runners (spike-side up) in the soiled area to further discourage Kitty from pottying there.
4. Scat mats and shock collars can be used as a last resort.

Aggression and Fear

An increase in aggressive and/or fearful behavior is common in older cats. It is often caused by pain, loss of sight or hearing, or some sort of illness.

Any of these conditions can cause your pet to be become grouchy and more protective of himself, so try to keep your cat's stress level to a minimum. Always approach him slowly and let him know you're there before you touch him. If company stresses him out, try gently moving him to a quiet room until your guests leave.

Activity Pattern Changes

Senior cat behavior often involves a big change in your pet's usual routine. If he slept during the day, he may begin sleeping more at night. Eating habits, grooming and the way he shows affection may change as well. You may also notice that your cat becomes more vocal. If this happens at night, try feeding him at bedtime to make him more content.

Stress Reduction

Your cat is not much different than you. He also experiences stress, and as he ages this can have a greater effect on his behavior. You can help by reducing factors that cause stress.

Here are a few tips for some issues you may face:

Cat Boarding

If you are going out of town, consider boarding him at a familiar location and bring him objects he knows and loves, such as toys or blankets. If possible, have someone care for your cat in your home.

New Additions

Any change in the make-up of your family is stressful for both you and your animal. Whether you're bringing home a new baby, a puppy or another kitten, all introductions should be made slowly and gently to give your senior pet time to adjust. In some cases, it may even be better to wait before making additions until your old friend has passed on.

Moving

Your cat may not adjust very well to a new home and could act out by spraying and scratching. Give him more attention and affection during this time to let him know you are not abandoning him and that everything will be fine. Confine him in one room while he gets used to the change, then gradually introduce him to the rest of the house.

Temperature Changes

Older cats are especially sensitive to changes in temperature. A heated cat bed can help keep your pet warm when the weather turns cold. It will also help lessen the effects of arthritis.

Conclusion

Although some senior cat behavior can be frustrating, what your cat is going through is just part of the normal circle of life. Be prepared to roll with the changes, and try to make his remaining years as happy and comfortable as possible.

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