Let’s Chat: Caring for your senior pet

By Linda Tooth on January 7, 2026.

I recently had my cat Lily at the vet for her vaccinations. The vet referred to my cat, who is approximately 10 years old, as being senior and asked if I was noticing any changes in her quality of life.

I was briefly taken aback by the question and when I answered ‘no’ to the vet’s question it got me thinking about what this next stage will look like for her. I say approximately 10 years old because I am not sure of her exact age. I believe Lily was dumped and came to live in my backyard just over 10 years ago. Through consultation with vets at the beginning we decided she was less than a year when she found us.

According to an article written by Sara Hoummady, DMV, PhD, and an associate professor at UniLaSalle, “Cats enter old age at around 10 years old. This period is then divided into mature, senior and super-senior stages.” For dogs it is based on their size (small, medium or large) and their weight, and senior for them can begin around six years of age.

We know aging is inevitable for everyone. Sadly, aging also includes our pets. We need to take good care of not only ourselves as we age but also our pets. How can we ensure our pets maintain good health as they age? The article suggests we make a few modifications for our pets, and I would like to share some of those with you today.

First, you need to ensure their environment is accessible and easy to reach. By this we mean food, water, resting and hiding spots. If your cats or dogs love to sleep on the couch or bed, try getting them a set of steps up to those places so they do not have to jump up to reach their spot. Injuries can occur if they mis-judge the couch or bed.

Second, how about more than one feeding spot, place to sleep, or litter box? In my house we have two cats and three litter boxes, but each one of those boxes has a slight step up to get into the litter area so they can do their business. Hoummady suggests that if your cat suffers from osteoarthritis, getting a litter box “wide tray with a low rim can be much more comfortable.”

Third, we must maintain a calm and positive relationship with our aging pets. They can become anxious and or reactive as they enter this stage in their lives and we must understand what is happening to them.

Lastly, Hoummady suggests that diet is “key when caring for older animals.” Digestion will change and your pet can lose muscle mass. What can you do? Choose an easily digestible diet for your pet. Perhaps your pet would like wet and dry food combined.

These are just a few ideas we can use to help our pets age with dignity and grace. Of course, regular checkups at the vet are recommended, and if you have any questions regarding the health of your pet, please call and make an appointment to have your pet checked by a veterinarian.

Have a Meowtastic Day and keep reading.

Linda Tooth is a philanthropy and youth support worker, YMCA of Southeastern Alberta