They may still sometimes act like kittens, but as cats get older, their nutritional and healthcare needs do start to change. 

The good news is that it doesn't have to mean slowing down dramatically. With the right diet, good hydration and proactive healthcare, many senior cats can continue to enjoy happy, comfortable lives well into their later years. 

Here's how to support your ageing feline friend.

Before thinking about changing your cat's diet, it's worth remembering that the first stop isn't the food bowl - it's the vet. 

Cats are famously good at hiding signs of illness. In the wild, showing weakness could make an animal vulnerable, so even our pampered house cats often conceal pain or discomfort until a condition has become more advanced. 

That's why regular vet check-ups become increasingly important as your cat ages. 

Routine health examinations, vaccinations and dental checks all help identify age-related conditions early, giving your vet the best chance to manage them before they begin affecting your cat's quality of life. 

At home, you can also play an important role by keeping a close eye on your cat's coat condition, body weight and overall body condition. 

Small changes can sometimes be the earliest warning signs that something isn't quite right. If you notice weight loss, reduced grooming, changes in appetite, altered behaviour or your cat becoming less active than usual, it's worth speaking to your vet sooner rather than later. 

After all, when cats change their habits, they're often trying to tell us something.

Many cats benefit from transitioning to a senior-specific diet from around seven to eight years of age, but the ideal time varies depending on the individual cat, their breed and any existing medical conditions. Your vet can help you decide when it's right to make the switch. 

Senior cat foods are often made with slightly fewer calories to match lower activity levels and metabolic rate, while still providing high-quality protein to help maintain muscle mass. They may also include nutrients that support joint health, along with ingredients chosen for their digestibility. 

As always, any change should be made gradually to help avoid tummy troubles. 

One simple method is to start by mixing around 10% of the new food with 90% of the current food. Every day or two, gradually increase the proportion of the new food until the transition is complete. 

Senior cats can sometimes become more particular about what they'll eat, too. Offering different textures, like wet food instead of dry, or vice versa, may help encourage a cat whose preferences have changed with age. 

There are now plenty of great senior diets available in both wet and dry formats, making it easier to find something that suits your cat's tastes.

Good hydration is important throughout your cat's life, but it becomes especially valuable during their senior years. 

Older cats are more prone to kidney disease, as well as other conditions where hydration is even more important for their health. Unfortunately, cats aren't always enthusiastic drinkers, so a little encouragement can go a long way. 

Providing multiple water bowls around your home gives your cat more opportunities to drink whenever they choose. This is particularly useful in larger homes, multi-storey houses or households with more than one cat. 

Many cats naturally prefer moving water, which is why water fountains are great for encouraging more frequent drinking. 

Wet food can contribute to your cat's daily water intake, because it contains much more moisture than dry food. For some senior cats, increasing the proportion of wet food in the diet is a simple way to help support hydration.

Just like people, many cats become a little stiffer as they get older. 

Arthritis is surprisingly common in senior cats, although they often hide the signs surprisingly well. Instead of limping, you might notice your cat becoming less willing to jump onto furniture, using the stairs more cautiously or sleeping more than they used to. 

Alongside maintaining a healthy body weight, some owners choose to use joint-support supplements. 

Although supplements aren’t a cure for arthritis, ingredients like glucosamine and green-lipped mussel may help support joint health. Veterinary joint supplements like YuMOVE are also often used as part of a wider joint care plan. 

They should be used alongside vet advice and appropriate nutrition. 

Helping your cat stay comfortable means they're more likely to keep doing the things they enjoy - whether that's climbing their favourite tree or jumping onto the sofa to curl up next to you.

Nutrition is only one part of healthy ageing. 

Senior cats also benefit from a calm, predictable environment, comfortable resting places and regular opportunities for gentle play and movement. Keeping food, water, litter trays and favourite sleeping spots easy to access becomes even more important if mobility begins to decline.

Regular vet check-ups, a healthy diet, and good hydration are all important puzzle pieces for your cat's comfort, mobility and overall wellbeing. 

Here’s to more healthy years with your golden oldie.