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Caring for Elderly Cats: How We Adjust Our Visits

Yana K.

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Caring for an elderly cat is an act of love—and when you have to be away, it requires a sitter who understands that love, not just the logistics.

Senior cats are more vulnerable to stress, illness, and subtle shifts in routine. That’s why at Club Lumo, we’ve created a care model that adapts to their needs.

“Older cats can appear calm while actually experiencing discomfort. Observation and gentleness are key.”
International Cat Care (iCatCare)

Here’s how we adjust our approach to keep senior cats safe, comfortable, and calm at home.

We Know the Signs of Ageing

Senior cats (typically 11+ years) may show:

  • Reduced mobility or stiffness (e.g. arthritis)
  • Hearing or vision loss
  • Changes in appetite or toileting habits
  • Increased sleeping or subtle confusion

Many of these signs are easy to miss. That’s why sitter continuity and daily updates matter so much.

“My cat doesn’t cry when she’s in pain—she just avoids the stairs. Lumo noticed that.”
Rachel, Club Lumo client

We Adapt the Visit Environment

Senior cats need consistency and physical comfort.

Here’s what our sitters adjust:

  • Place food/water/litter trays within easy reach
  • Avoid moving furniture or disrupting scent cues
  • Keep stimulation low (gentle play, soft voice)
  • Use stairs or high spots only with supervision

We also keep a mental “wellness log” during every visit, noting anything that seems out of the ordinary.

We Give Them More Time

Older cats move slower—and so do we.

Our sitters:

  • Stay longer if needed
  • Move at the cat’s pace
  • Avoid rushing tasks

Sometimes, the best care isn’t a toy—it’s quiet companionship while your cat dozes in the sun.

“There’s dignity in how you treat older animals. It’s not about doing more—it’s about doing it differently.”
Yana, Club Lumo co-founder

We Monitor Health Closely

Older cats are more prone to:

  • Kidney disease
  • Hyperthyroidism
  • Dental pain
  • Dehydration

Even subtle signs—like drinking more, vocalising at night, or missing the litter tray—can signal a problem. We look for those.

If medication is needed, we:

  • Confirm dosing times and method (pill, liquid, injection)
  • Do a practice round before the trip
  • Log every dose administered

“A sitter noticed my cat stopped finishing her food. That led to a vet check—and early diagnosis of a thyroid issue.”
Club Lumo testimonial (2024)

What We Ask From You

If you’re booking a sitter for a senior cat:

  • Let us know about all known conditions—even minor ones
  • Share recent vet notes if available
  • Tell us what’s normal for your cat (sleeping 20 hours? Grooming less?)

We’ll take it from there—with care and consistency.

Final Thought

Caring for elderly cats means noticing what’s not said. At Club Lumo, we don’t just follow instructions—we pay attention.

If you’d like to talk about support for your senior cat, reach out to us here. We’re here to help them feel at home—gently.


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