11 Secrets to Sweeten the Sunset Years of Your Senior Cat Kid

Author image for Laurent Shinar
Laurent Shinar • Writer and Editor
Jul 29, 2026 7:00 AM EDT

After spending a feline's lifetime loving your cat to bits, their last few years with you are the most special of all. These are the years where you reminisce, where you slow down a little and where you show them just how much all their love has meant to you over the last few years.

Of course we turned to Reddit's r/CatAdvice subreddit to get the very finest in information about aging felines as they have a completely different set of needs and wants than a younger catto. So we enlisted the advice and insight of some cat pawrents who have been there and done it with their senior cat children, making sure their last days on earth are full of love and sweet memories. What more could any of us want for the lives of our cat children?

So if you are lucky enough to be going through the aging process with your purr machine then get a notepad and a pen at the ready so that you can jot down some of the rather clever ideas that these pawrents have shared with us to give their cats the best send off possible. From special heating solutions, to live action dramas, to senior specific cuddly toys there are enough cute things to do for your cat here until long after they cross the rainbow bridge. 
 

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to start your Caturday with the funniest felines on the internet!

Add as a preferred
source on Google
Advertisement
  • 01
    "I give my cat a little plop of whipped cream, there's nothing that makes him happier."
    via PlantLover_Blue

    Black and white cat lying on white couch looking at mound of whipped cream 

    Cat protrayed by model

  • 02
    here_for_cats_ An electric pet bed! I'm certain it added years to our senior cat's life, and she loved that thing so much she was possessive over it. Also a space in the sun just for her, easy for her to reach and somewhere she won't get disturbed.
    via PlantLover_Blue
  • 03
    StormyKitten0 High quality canned cat food! I second a heated bed. It sounds like she might have arthritis, so I'd take her to a vet. The vet might recommend some meds, exercises or stretches to help.
    via PlantLover_Blue
  • 04
    Cheezburger Image 10649670912
    via Tonberry38
  • 05
    Babixzauda My cats go crazy over the liquid treats. My oldest (12) has kidney disse and my vet says they're even fine for him because they're mainly water! You can also build or buy a ramp to the bed/their favorite spots. Once it gets harder for my cat to jump up, that's what we will be doing. My oldest also loves the heating pad, so we always turn it onto the lowest setting for him!
    via PlantLover_Blue
  • 06
    BloodJade My senior girls loved heating pads in their beds (I opted for the microwaveable discs for kittens) and soft fuzzy blankets on their favorite places to lay. They also appreciated my heating pad when we took naps together.
    via PlantLover_Blue

  • Well, heck it seems before you even think of doing anything else you had better get your hands on a heat pad for your aging cat child. Perhaps it is just the sensation that they enjoy, or maybe it actually contributes to muscle relaxation and joint pain alleviation. Whatever it is, it is evident that cats love it and we ought to get them one. Though this concept without a cord is particularly interesting considering how picky cats can be with their hangout spots. Also, the food angle is interesting here, opting for liquid and high quality treats and food can help your feline digest easier while enjoying their favorite treats.
     

  • 07
    Cheezburger Image 10649671936
    via Tonberry38
  • 08
    Temporary-Test-9534 (I know it's not good for them) but every other week or so I give my cat a little plop of whipped cream. There is nothing that makes him happier
    via PlantLover_Blue
  • 09
    Cheezburger Image 10649671424
    via Tonberry38
  • 10
    Apart-Half-2161 I got a senior boy. I grow catnip at home and cut him off a nice fresh piece every now and again. He loves it. I also get the heating pad next to me sometimes so he can lay on it for his hips to get some relief.
    via PlantLover_Blue
  • 11
    Cheezburger Image 10649670400
    via Tonberry38
  • 12
    FrustratingBears ive seen people build/buy carpeted cat ramps that lean against the wall and have a high perch at the top! you might look into something like that, as kitty won't have to jump much if it's a ramp
    via PlantLover_Blue
  • 13
    A Ryder Foe unen Era as 5-viger seine ere Donks no Aug 1992 Haghes ty noch be 70 Ja Lebenerber vem neuen Wundertal us a Posao von Forscherteam um Banteg Bomann Humans es verbrachte sich um alle Schwa war kar n - dan Boucher Sacheter Schweine und Rin aversabar wede man Diese forte bald jede Woche 250 1923 entstand auf de Pharahmen wage Mament, um des Laben diabeteskanker Kinder zu retten. Doch die The heutiger Sicht eine Tontur. Betroffene nutzten Spritzen aus Glas, die sig Woche zerlegen, wuskoc
    via Tonberry38
  • 14
    PanickedPoodle We put out toddler stools for our senior girl. She liked to jump up on the sink to drink but the leap was too high. She curled up in a feather duvet during the days.
    via PlantLover_Blue
  • 15
    Cheezburger Image 10649671168
    via Tonberry38
  • 16
    Uncertain_Spin One of my late cat's favorite things was that I would spread birdseed all over my back patio. So my cat could sit by our glass backdoor and watch the birds hop all over the patio all day. He would even try to "hunt" them through the glass door! Very easy way to give them some stimulation. Just find a glass door or windows that the cat can easily access, and then spread birdseed just outside.
    via PlantLover_Blue

  • Now, while all those other suggestions have related to health and accessibility which are of course important, this last suggestion is possibly even more critical for a cat. Felines need a lot of stimulation to keep their mind in good health. So no matter how many heat pads you put down you will still not be supporting your cat child’s mind. But if you were to do as this cat pawernt has done and create a live hunting show for their cat, well, then you can put that heating pad and a bowl of delicious fish soup wherever your cat has decided to plonk themselves down to watch the show.
     

  • 17
    MezzanineSoprano You could get her pet stairs so she can get up on your bed. And one of those big very fluffy pet beds for naps. She might also like you to play with her using wand toys, not a laser. Can you build her a catio? And don't forget the 'nip!
    via PlantLover_Blue
  • 18
    KER TO3250XS
    via Tonberry38
  • 19
    UnhappyGrowth5555 I bought my senior a giant squishmallow. He lives in it now.
    via PlantLover_Blue
  • 20
    Cheezburger Image 10649672192
    via Tonberry38

Want More? Follow Us and Add Us as a Preferred Source on Google.

Tags

kids secrets sunset sweet years cat photos senior cats reddit thread cat advice
Scroll Down For The Next Article