Unfortunately, symptoms of old age are inevitable in both humans and our feline friends. In fact, according to the American Association of Feline Practitioners, 50% of cats at 15 years of age (85 in humans) exhibit signs of brain aging. The impact of brain aging illnesses in senior cats can be significant not only on your cat, but on your entire family as well.
Signs of cognitive brain disorders in senior cats can include:
- Decreased interaction with humans and other pets
- Less desire to eat
- Urination or defecation outside the litter box
- Decreased problem-solving skills
- Less awareness of their surroundings
- Inconsistent sleep-wake cycles
- Loud crying – especially during nighttime hours
Just as humans can take steps to fight the signs of brain aging, so can your senior cat. In fact, this is when your cat needs you the most. With certain safety precautions, the right nutrition and mental stimulation, you can help your cat adjust to any behaviour problems and keep them mentally fit as your cat grows older.
Tasty Tips
At mealtimes, choose a food that’s rich in antioxidants and omega fatty acids to help improve your cat’s cognitive function. Incorporate a puzzle ball or maze into feeding time to encourage your cat to hunt and to stimulate brain activity.
At night, make sure your cat’s sleeping area is both quiet and safe. Be sure to keep a light or night light turned on to help with declining vision, and to better accommodate your cat’s altered sleep-wake cycles and added propensity to wander.
At all times, be sure that surfaces throughout the house are not slippery, and add ramps or steps to allow your senior cat to reach places without having to jump. Increase the number and size of litter boxes to help with your cat’s increased waste elimination – another common behavioural change in senior cats.
Related products
Oral Care Adult Cat Food
Hill's Science Plan Oral Care Adult Cat Food with Chicken contains clinically proven kibble technology to reduce plaque & tartar build up.
Mature Adult 7+ Cat Food
Hill's Science Plan Mature Adult Cat Food with Salmon is a complete pet food, specially formulated with ActivBiome+ Multi-Benefit Technology.
This food supports graceful aging in cats, providing a synergistic ingredient blend to help support energy & activity levels.
Mature Adult Cat Food
Hill's Science Plan Mature Adult Cat Food with Chicken is a complete pet food, specially formulated with ActivBiome+ Multi-Benefit Technology.
This food supports graceful aging in cats, providing a synergistic ingredient blend to help support energy & activity levels.
Perfect Weight Adult Cat Food with Chicken
Hill's Science Plan Perfect Weight Adult Cat Food with Chicken is clinically proven nutrition to reach & maintain healthy weight.
Related articles
Common Health Concerns in an Overweight Cat
As a responsible pet owner you owe it to yourself and your cat to understand problems associated with overweight cats.
Brushing & Food: Keys to Maintaining Your Cat's Oral Health
Did you know that brushing your cat's teeth is just as important as brushing your own? According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, 70% of cats show signs of oral disease by age 3. Brushing your cat's teeth is easier if you follow this step-by-step guide.
Hill's Cat Foods: Nutritional Balance Just for Indoor Cats
Find the right Hill
Cat Training: How to Train Your Cat the Easy Way
When learning how to train your cat, you'll start with very basic first steps that both reward good behavior and discourage the bad.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.