Herding Cats at Home - September 2005

My black kitty, Dominique, turned 19 in May. She's healthy and happy, but has shown a bit of this condition. I've discovered that one of the best things you can do for elder cats is to make their lives less complicated.

1. Set her up in a smaller space, rather than allowing her free run of the house. You'll find that she won't really miss the larger space, as elder cats sleep much of the time anyway. For example, you could set up a bedroom as her "territory." Equip it with everything she needs, including litter boxes, scratch post, favorite bed and toys, water, etc.

Dominique has her personal kingdom in my master bedroom, which has a screen door so she can see and hear the action in the house (I have 8 other cats, all much younger), but where the young whippersnappers can't come in and pester her. She likes this very much! When she wants something (fresh food, treats, attention), and I'm not in there, she just stands at the door and yells. (For an old lady, she has GREAT lungs.)

2. Provide your cat with 2 litter boxes in her space, even if she's always been happy with just one before. Many cats really like having separate boxes for urinating and defecating, and elderly cats sometimes become much fussier about such things. Make sure the boxes are easy to find, and easy for her to get in and out of.

3. A big problem in older cats, and a big contributor to constipation (and other problems) is failure to get sufficient water. Older cats can just forget to drink. And if they eat mostly dry food, they're going to have problems. I suggest a kitty fountain (like the "Drinkwell" and "Fresh Flow" fountains, widely available). These devices circulate water over a little waterfall that makes a pleasant burbling sound. I've found that hearing the gently running water reminds cats to drink more often.

4. Canned food may be better for elder cats than dry, as it has a large moisture content. All my elderly cats have done better on canned food.

5. Dominique had quite a problem with constipation, and still does from time to time. I've noticed that when she does, she poops on the carpet or in a corner. I also have 2 litter boxes for her, and she uses both at her whim. When she's feeling OK, she uses her boxes very reliably.

Since I started adding a salmon oil supplement to her canned food, though, her problems have decreased dramatically. You can get it from a number of sources; ask your veterinarian for a recommendation. Supplements that containing Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids are also very beneficial for the cat's skin and coat.

I keep Dominique brushed and combed to minimize the amount of hair she swallows. Excessive swallowed hair can interfere with proper digestion and elimination, especially in older cats. Older cats often have trouble grooming themselves as thoroughly as they did when younger, and I've found they appreciate the extra grooming help. I do a little at a time, so as not to overwhelm or annoy her. And gently, of course - she's got old bones!

There's no reason in the world to even consider euthanizing an otherwise healthy cat who experiencing the typical problems of aging. It's usually a combination of physical and mental problems, and behavioral changes, just like in people, You have to make some adjustments, just like aging humans have to. And be patient and extra loving, of course.