A little extra help for older cats

When our beloved cats get older, it’s our job to ensure that their life is as enriched and comfortable as possible. Their fast-paced days of crazy kitten antics may be a distant memory, but they still possess the desire to exhibit their natural feline behaviours – they just need a little help from us.

Cats Protection advises: “As your cat enters their golden years, they’ll need some extra understanding for their changing lifestyle. Cats are generally considered geriatric from around 12 years of age and there are lots of simple steps you can take to ensure the later years of your cat’s life are comfortable and happy. You will be rewarded with a content pet, who is often happy to spend much time quietly at home as a wonderful companion.”

A frequent problem for mature cats is osteoarthritis – a painful condition of the joints that makes moving around uncomfortable. Veterinary charity PDSA says: “It's very common in cats especially as they get older, but unfortunately, they are very good at hiding pain, so symptoms often go unnoticed.”

According to feline welfare charity International Cat Care, this condition affects around 60% of cats over 6 years of age and up to 90% of cats over 12. And, while it’s essential to speak to your vet, who will be able to advise on available treatments, there are lots of things you can do to make life easier for your best feline friend.

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The charity advises: “If your cat has arthritis or a problem that affects their mobility, there are simple changes you can make to your home to help improve their comfort and quality of life.”

Cats Protection adds: “There are a number of small changes that can be made to your home which will have a big impact on the quality of your cat’s life. While a number of older cats appear to be ‘as young as they feel’ with many still showing kitten-like behaviours, others can benefit from a few home tweaks that ensure that all their resources are within easy reach.”

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Quick and easy ways to transform your home

Both International Cat Care and Cats Protection have lots of brilliant ideas on small changes you can make in your home, which will make a big difference to your senior cat.

• EASIER ACCESS TO COSY SLEEPING SPOTS Allow your cat to reach favourite places to rest by strategically placing boxes or items of furniture for them to climb. Make sure they have a variety of cosy, well-padded beds in safe warm places that can be readily accessed. Your cat may enjoy the hammock-style radiator beds as they are very warm.
• STOOLS, STEPS, RAMPS AND CUSHIONS Older cats can find it difficult to make accurate calculations when jumping and are not as agile as they used to be, especially if they are stiff, in pain or have arthritis. Provide easy ways for cats to access their favourite areas, such as using a ramp or small foot stool to give them access to high surfaces. Make sure it is wide enough, and you could also cover it in carpet to give extra grip. Cushions under windowsills act as crash mats for uncoordinated or wobbly cats. Provide a step by the cat flap to make it easier to reach.
• EASY TO REACH FEEDING STATIONS Place water and food bowls in a variety of easily accessible locations around the house, both upstairs and downstairs so they are easy to find, and your cat doesn’t have to walk up and down stairs just to get food and water. Provide raised bowls to prevent pain from crouching
• LITTER TRAYS AND TOILETING FACILITIES Provide several litter trays in the house, even if your cat has toileted outside all of their life. There are many occasions when an older cat will need an indoor litter tray, such as when it’s raining outside or if they feel intimidated by other neighbouring cats. Providing a large tray with a low side gives your cat plenty of space to move around inside and enables them to get in and out more easily. Swap coarse litter for a softer variety that’s more comfortable for sore paws.
• SAFER SCRATCHING Cats may still want to scratch but can find it difficult as they age. You could provide a horizontal scratching post or one with a lower gradient and softer material such as carpet, which they may find easier and will put less pressure on joints.
• ADAPTED PLAYTIMES Older cats still like to play, but they need more gentle, brief games than when they were younger. Use toys that are unlikely to intimidate them, such as a feather attached to string that is slowly moved past them. Experiment with different toys to see what captures your cat’s attention. Even if they only watch or slowly swipes the toy with a paw, it is still important beneficial mental stimulation. Low-impact games, such as batting puzzle feeders filled with tasty nuggets, encourages gentle exercise.
• COAT AND CLAW ASSISTANCE Older cats experiencing stiffness may find it more difficult to wash and groom. Brush your cat’s coat regularly with a soft brush to avoid mats. Check their claws regularly as they may have difficulty scratching to keep their claws in shape. As cats get older, their claws can become thicker and longer. Be careful that their claws don’t curl round into their pads. Staff at your veterinary surgery can advise you how to look after their coat and claws. Be aware that cats may be sensitive to being touched or groomed in certain areas if they have pain or discomfort.

EXTRA TIPS FOR FELINE GOLDEN OLDIES!

• Elderly cats usually need to be taken to the vet for a health check more often than younger, healthier cats. Your vet can advise you on how frequently they need to be seen, and many surgeries now run special ‘geriatric’ clinics.
• Regular weight checks are also important, as are keeping up regular booster vaccinations because cats’ immune systems can weaken with age.
• Older cats also need regular dental health checks to check for signs of dental disease, including tartar build up and red, inflamed gums. Speak to your vet about health checks and preventative care for your cat’s teeth.  

How feeding an appropriate diet can help

While your vet can help with medication to ease aches and pains, diet can also play an important part in helping senior cats carry on enjoying life.

High quality cat food that’s designed to meet the nutritional needs of mature cats will contain helpful ingredients such as easily digestible protein, vitamins and minerals to help maintain healthy bones, teeth, nervous and immune system, cranberry to support urinary tract health and glucosamine to help support joint mobility.

Cats Protection advises: “Always choose a ‘complete’ cat food, one that contains all the nutrition they need in one single food source. This will make sure they’re getting all the vital nutrients they need. Make sure you’re choosing the correct food for your cat’s age. If your cat prefers dry food, remember that a surprisingly small amount will provide them with a square meal. In order not to overfeed, you’ll likely need to weigh this out to make sure they’re getting the right amount. As it contains less water, you may notice them drinking a little more than if they were on wet food.”

Little and often are the watchwords when it comes to feeding senior cats. Cats Protection adds: “There is a variety of senior diets available to provide balanced nutrition aimed specifically for older cats. Provide smaller meals little and often. Monitor your cat’s appetite closely as this can decrease or increase, depending on a variety of health factors. If your cat’s sense of smell reduces, this can lead to a decrease in appetite – you can try warming the food, which will increase the smell and encourage feeding.”

EVERY CAT DESERVES A DELICIOUS, NUTRITIOUS DINNER!

At Burgess Pet Care, all our cat food is made using premium ingredients, locally sourced wherever possible to support British farmers, to ensure excellent quality and superior taste to help keep your cat happy and healthy – from kitten, to adult and mature and our award-winning variety for neutered cats.

Adapting your cat’s diet throughout their life – what you choose to feed your cat can make all the difference >>

Burgess Mature Cat with Turkey & Cranberry is a complete, nutritionally balanced food that contains all the essential nutrients and vitamins your senior cat needs to help them stay healthy and content. This delicious recipe has been developed by vets especially for cats aged 7+ and features:

• High quality, easily digestible protein to maintain muscle and body condition as your cat ages
• Vitamins and minerals to help maintain healthy bones, teeth, nervous and immune system
• Taurine – an essential amino acid required by cats for good health, vision and heart functions
• Cranberry to support urinary tract health
• Glucosamine to help support joint mobility in older, less agile cats
• Essential fats to provide energy and deliver omega 3 and 6 to help maintain a shiny coat and healthy skin, heart and brain
• A specialist ingredient which helps to support healthy teeth and gums
• Prebiotics to support beneficial gut bacteria
• Carbohydrates to provide energy, help with food digestion and for forming firm poos

WHY CHOOSE BURGESS CAT FOOD FOR YOUR BEST FELINE FRIEND?

Here are 5 good reasons that your senior cat will thank you for!

1. COMPLETE NUTRITION Each of the recipes in the Burgess Cat Food range are complete, providing all the nutrients cats require throughout their life in exactly the right proportions.
2. PORTION CONTROL With dry food, it’s easy to measure out the right sized portion to help your cat maintain a healthy weight.
3. HEALTHY AND SAFE The thorough cooking process ensures that any harmful bacteria, such as salmonella, and viruses are destroyed, and the dry food stays fresh inside the pack.
4. TEETH FRIENDLY Dry cat food has the added benefit of exercising your cat’s chewing muscles and provides a mild cleaning effect on the teeth.
5. MADE IN BRITAIN Crafted at Burgess Pet Care’s own factory in the heart of Yorkshire by vets and animal nutrition experts, Burgess Cat Food contains high-quality ingredients that meet stringent specifications, locally sourced wherever possible to support British farmers.

With a whole host of *5-STAR reviews*, Burgess Mature Cat with Turkey & Cranberry customers have told us:

* “A friend recommended this for my elderly female cat that had frequent bladder infections. It worked wonders from the very start.” * “Bought this for my portly, incredibly fussy girl who was prone to cystitis when I got her. Not only does she love it, but she has lost weight without really trying and her other issues have cleared up too, saving stressful trips to the vet.” * “My cat just loves cranberry, and he devours these. I assume they’re super tasty the way he stuffs them down.” * “I thought I would introduce this slowly to Puss-Cat. I opened the packet, turned to get his bowl, and there he was with his head in the packet. He’s never stolen food before. As he can be a fussy eater this is a good sign. He loves the biscuits and with cranberry it should help his frequent bouts of cystitis. This food has lots of other health benefits also.” * “My 5 cats love this food. It has everything in it that they require as mature cats (all now 7+ in age). Comes well packaged, good value for money.” *

Our cat diet and nutrition guide is here to help you create a meal plan that's tailored especially for your feline friend!

HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU FEED YOUR CAT? Find out why little and often suits most cats – and the reason why play should be part of your feeding routine…

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