Senior Cats

As they age, cats slow down. They still play, but not as long. They still investigate, but not as fast. There are physical and emotional changes which can also make the cat act a little differently.

Lack of energy is manifested in more than extra naps. Cats have such keen senses that we don’t realize how much of the cat’s energy is spent coping with the high input. As they age, cats find this handling to be more difficult, so they would like things a little less rowdy.

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At some point, we might think of getting a kitten to perk up the old cat. This is an excellent idea, if done properly. The best way is to get two kittens.

Yes, that’s right. I said get two kittens.

Two kittens amuse each other and do not put the burden of constant play onto the older cat. They can then join in, or not, as they wish. The kittens will be a constant source of superiority to the older cat, since there will be twice the bone-headed stunts for the older cat to share with us. We can fuss over the older cat for being so much smarter and well-behaved than their new friends. This will help adjust for the attention we can’t help but give the kittens.

We might be thinking of getting an adult cat. This is also something to consider, if we are willing to match the cat’s activity level and outlook. If our older cat loves looking out the window, watching our activities, and snuggling with us, another cat doesn’t have to do all those things, but they must not be a detriment to the other cat’s enjoyment of their routine. Slow, unrushed introductions will create a harmonious cat relationship.

We should make more of an effort to engage and interest the cat as they get older. If they like easier play or more snuggling, we should oblige them. They will need more mental challenges as they ramp down their physical activity.

Older cats expect to be handled with more dignity than they did when they were young and bouncy. Grabbing them up, wrestling with them, and other play they once enjoyed might put them off now, making them feel as though they are disappointing us. If they want to calm down the play, we can do that, simply by moving more slowly and not trying to bring out any intense play.

This might bother the cat because they have also grown in understanding. They have increased sensitivity to our feelings and moods, and have moved into a caretaker role with us. They will be more likely to notice any changes and wonder what they mean. So they are not trying to attack us, even in play. They can be as lively as ever, but it might not be the same games.

The older cat still has their inner kitten. But we might not recognize it because it manifests in a different way. Without the body energy driving their actions, they are able to spend more quality time with us, and our communication skills can bloom into more conversation and observations than we might have expected.

Older cats are like old friends. They know us well, they want to be good to us, and they are always open to ways to deepen the relationship.

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There’s more ways to understand our cat with The Way of Cats than the article you are reading now. See all of my posts on WHY CATS DO THAT.