Watching an animal age is not an easy process. Most people I have spoken with that went through the life process with them, from beginning to the heartbreaking end, told me that they sobbed and sobbed when they let their animal go. It is especially difficult to watch the first pet you owned go through the process of aging - especially when that pet has been such a large part of your life. It will be a lot of work taking care of them, but the experience will be rewarding because the strength of your bond with that animal will be revealed by the hardships that you go through together. I have put together a list of thoughts and advice that I have gathered from my own experience with my 17-years-young tabby cat.

Here is a list of 11 things to expect when you have a much older cat:

1. You will not sleep (in).

Living with an older cat is like living with a child or a grandparent. They will wake you up early in the morning, and if you don’t get up immediately, they will make sure you get up sooner rather than later with a lot of meowing, scratching, and making a general ruckus. When your animal begins to age, just don’t expect to sleep in.

2. You must stick to the schedule.

Animals, and humans too, enjoy routine. If you change up the routine of an older animal and especially a cat, they tend to not take it very well. This goes along with not sleeping in because if your older cat is used to being fed at 5:40 a.m., that is when they will expect to be fed.

3. Get help!

If you know that you won’t be able to make your older cats scheduled feeding time, illicit family, friends, or roommates to help you. Sticking to a routine is the best thing you can do for your older animal, but inevitably you won’t always be able to do that. Most people are more than happy to help, especially if you make it easy for them (pre-packing food dishes, posting a calendar with litter box cleaning days, etc).

4. You won’t be able to do the things you used to do with them.

This may sound funny since I am talking about a cat, but cats enjoy being active. They enjoy playing and hanging out. When your cat is much older, they will spend most of their days and nights sleeping.

5. This doesn’t mean the quality of the time you spend together must decrease.

Just because your older cat will want to sleep more doesn’t mean that the quality of the time you spend together has to be any different. They may not play like they used to, but you can still enjoy hanging out together. Possibly even nap together. If your cat isn’t much of a lap cat (like mine), then find an area where you can plop a soft pillow or some blankets down for them to curl up on. They will appreciate you more and they will be happy just being in your presence (and the other way around).

6. There will be accidents.

Just like people, older animals have a much harder time getting around. They develop arthritis, diseases, and are generally slower and more cumbersome as they age. This will mean accidents on floors, beds, and couches. These are difficult situations to deal with, but can be managed and damage can be prevented with the proper tools. Puppy pads are very helpful (even for cats!) to lay out on the floor. I recommend putting some around the litter box in case your older cat doesn’t quite make it. Lastly, instead of getting upset about it just do the best you can and realize that it is a part of aging.

7. They still love you - even if they can’t quite remember who you are.

At this stage, your older cat may seem think of you only as the food dispenser (did anything actually change?). At least, that is how you will feel some days. You will reminisce about the times that you could teach them tricks or have them eating out of the palm of your hand. However, there will be little golden moments when your older cat will affectionately lick your nose or ask for a belly rub. You will always be inside their heads, so do everything you can to make each moment with them count.

8. Talk to them.

Animals love to hear your voice. Yes, that is my own theory, but much of the bond that I have with my cat is built on me talking to her (yes, she does talk back and I do understand, most of the time). When a cat gets older they often lose their sight first. Thus, they come to rely on your voice as a form of guidance and encouragement.

9. Make sure they exercise too.

I did say before that older cats will want to sleep a lot more. Cats generally sleep a lot anyway, but older cats will spend most of the day and night sleeping so it is important to make sure that they get exercise at some point. This could mean just walking around the house or apartment or encouraging them to get up and down from the couch (if it isn’t too painful for them). They won’t be as active or playful, but you can still have fun helping them navigate their surroundings.

10. Any day could be their last.

This is the toughest part, but make each moment and every day count. This is especially true if you are a very busy student with a lot of classes and extracurricular activities. Even a minute of your time spent cuddling or snoozing with your older cat will make them feel better (and make you feel better too!).

11. Don’t give up.

Your older cat will have good and bad days. They may have more bad days than good at this point. Their bones will ache. Their eyes will be blind. They won’t be able to smell very well, if at all. They won’t be that cute little kitten you brought home 17 or 19 years ago, but they will always be your friend and more importantly, your family.