Brrr, it’s cold outside! While cats are generally pretty good at finding the cosiest nooks around the house to stay warm, we’ve got some additional winter weather support tips to help keep older kitties (10+ years of age) feeling their best.

Arthritis support

With up to 90% of cats 12 years of age and older showing signs of arthritis, it’s likely that your senior kiti-zen will develop achy joints at some point. Unfortunately, the associated pain and stiffness can worsen in cold weather.

What you can do:

• Monitor for subtle symptoms of arthritis, such as:
  • increased stiffness after rest
  • a reluctance to jump up or down
  • a reduced ability to groom properly (which can show as poor coat quality, increased skin flakiness, difficulties keeping clean after toileting, or increased coat matting)
• Ensure your cat always has soft, supportive bedding that is warm (i.e. a pet-safe warmed bed or a bed placed near a safe heat source)
• If your cat has reduced mobility, offer the option of lower-sided litter trays for them to get in and out of more easily
• Consulting our feline-friendly vets about arthritis support options, including joint health supplements and pain relief

Grooming

During seasonal changes, thick-furred or double-coated pets can shed significantly, and fluffy older cats can be particularly prone to matting during this time. Additionally, older cats may gradually develop thicker claws as they age and may be less active with their scratching activities in cold weather too.

What you can do:

• Brush and/or comb your cat 2 to 3 times weekly to help remove dead undercoat and prevent matting
• If your cat is long-haired, consider getting them a “hygiene clip” around their bottom and under their belly to help prevent toileting messes and knots
• Check and trim your cat’s claws every 4 to 6 weeks if needed to prevent painful overgrowth

If you’re unsure what your senior “kitty-zen” needs to stay comfy in cold weather, check in with our friendly team for more personalised advice.