Adapting Your Home for an Older Cat

Have you ever thought about how your home might need to change as you get older and possibly less mobile? Stairs, slippery floors, high cupboards—they can all become a bit of a challenge.

Well, it’s just the same for cats. As they age, our feline companions may begin to struggle with mobility, and their once-agile movements can become slower or more cautious.

Let’s take a look at a few ways you can make your home more comfortable and accessible for your older cat, helping them stay happy, healthy, and safe in their golden years.

Food and Water

Provide multiple food and water stations throughout the home, especially on lower levels, so your cat doesn’t need to travel far or navigate stairs.

Raised bowls can reduce the discomfort of crouching, particularly for cats with arthritis.

Puzzle feeders are a fantastic way to encourage gentle activity and mental stimulation—at SimplyCats, we stock cat puzzle feeders made from sustainable bamboo fibre, perfect for older cats needing a little extra enrichment without the strain.

It's also easy to keep your cat entertained and mentally stimulated using a simple homemade puzzle feeder—like the one shown in this video:

Litter Trays

Older cats can find climbing into high-sided trays tricky. Ensure you have one tray per cat, plus one extra, and place them on all floors of the home so your cat doesn’t have to travel far when nature calls.

Choose litter trays with at least one low entry side, and avoid liners, which can catch on claws. Soft litter can be kinder to sore or sensitive paws.

Safe Places and Soft Beds

Older cats still love their favourite high spots—but jumping may no longer be safe or possible. Provide steps or ramps to help them reach these areas with ease. Place warm, soft beds in quiet corners of the house, and use rugs or non-slip mats to help your cat move confidently across slippery floors.

Grooming

As flexibility decreases, older cats might not be able to groom themselves properly. Regular brushing helps prevent painful mats, and keeping claws trimmed will help with walking and avoid snagging.

At SimplyCats, we recommend KittyNails cat nail clippers—designed to make claw trimming safer and more comfortable for both you and your cat.

Exercise and Play

Keep your cat moving with short, low-impact play sessions on non-slippery surfaces. Avoid encouraging jumping, and always consult your vet before introducing new types of activity.

Gentle daily movement can help maintain joint flexibility, and our FlexiCat Joint Supplement is specially formulated to support aging joints—available now at our clinic.

If you have any concerns about your cat’s mobility or comfort at home, speak with our veterinary team at SimplyCats. We’re always happy to offer advice, support, and products to help your feline friend age gracefully and comfortably.