#1 Our cats are digitigrade The front paws of our cats have five toes, with the thumb retracted. However, they only walk on four of these five toes, with the thumb positioned a bit higher. #2 They walk on tiptoe You’ve probably noticed, our little ninjas walk quickly and silently. That’s because they move on the tips of their toes (to surprise you better!). #3 The pads are sensitive Each pad has a special name. We have digital pads, which are the ones on the toes. There's also the central pad on the front paws, called the metacarpal, the one on the back paws, called the metatarsal, and finally, the small pad positioned higher on the front paws, called the carpal. Your cat's pads allow it to gather information about the environment it moves in. But the pads of our cats are also sensitive in the sense that they sometimes need care. Like us, cats can, for example, burn or cut themselves. If your cat is injured, don't hesitate to make an appointment with your vet. #4 Claw removal is forbidden It is even considered an act of mutilation! Declawing or onychectomy involves permanently removing a cat's claws. This practice - banned in France - is unfortunately still common in some countries, like the United States or Canada. #5 The paws of our cats have unique colors Just like the color of their fur, the pigmentation of their adorable little pads varies from one cat to another. #6 Some cats are polydactyl A polydactyl cat, or hyperdactyl, is simply a cat with extra toes. Some breeds are more affected by this genetic mutation than others, such as the Maine Coon and the Pixie-Bob. #7 It "kneads" or "pats" This little fun dance is a behavior deeply ingrained in the genetic heritage of our cats. Your cat stretches its paws simultaneously on a soft blanket, directly on your lap, or on your stomach. Generally, a cat will knead when it is happy and feels relaxed. #8 Our cats sweat through their pads! We often imagine that our little companions don’t sweat. Yet, they do have sweat glands located under their paws, specifically between the pads. This is why we recommend wetting their paws to cool them down in hot weather. #9 Their paws are a means of communication By moving and scratching, your cat marks its territory discreetly. The sweat glands under its paws allow it to release pheromones, which contain a lot of information about your cat itself. #10 Sphynx cats have thicker pads Sphynx cats have a very particular gait, and that’s simply because their pads are thicker than those of other cats!

While it is common for a cat to change weight due to age, seasons, or changes in its lifestyle or environment, rapid and sudden weight loss is generally not a good sign. Just like humans, when cats are healthy, they tend to maintain a fairly stable weight. Should you be worried if your cat is losing weight? The answer is yes! A cat that loses weight without explanation is very often facing a medical problem. Whether it keeps its appetite but the food it eats doesn’t help maintain its weight, or it refuses to touch its food bowl for an extended period: the cat is likely in danger, and action is required! Head to your vet immediately, as this could be a symptom of serious diseases. But what could explain this sudden weight loss? What are the diseases or disorders that can cause weight loss in cats? Why is my cat losing weight? To help you understand, we’ve listed some of the main causes of weight loss in cats. Cat cancers: the role of diet Cancer is well known for causing significant weight loss, both in humans and in cats suffering from it. When tumors appear in a cat’s body, they cause a range of physiological reactions, including an intense metabolic response. This leads to violent weight loss, which should not be taken lightly. Every cancer is essentially a race against time. Cancer in cats is often linked to poor diet. This is why, whether you’re feeding kibble or wet food, it’s essential to be very careful when choosing your cat’s food. Intestinal parasites Parasitic infestations in cats are common and are often the cause of unexplained weight loss. Parasites that settle in the cat’s digestive system will absorb the nutrients from the food the cat eats in order to live and thrive. These intestinal worms act like food thieves from inside the cat’s body. It’s important to have your pet examined and treated if this is the case. It’s also recommended to deworm your pets regularly as a preventive measure. Endocrine diseases in cats Endocrine diseases in cats typically affect animals over the age of 6. The most common are diabetes and hyperthyroidism. A cat suffering from diabetes will tend to drink much more than usual. This is noteworthy because cats generally don’t drink a lot. However, despite continuing to eat, diabetic cats often experience noticeable weight loss. Diabetes most often affects overweight animals that have a sedentary lifestyle and consume a carbohydrate-rich diet. Once diagnosed, the disease can be treated, and the cat's lifestyle adjusted to reduce the severity of its symptoms. Hyperthyroidism is another endocrine disease that typically affects adult and older cats. It is a malfunction of the thyroid gland, which produces more hormones than necessary, completely altering the cat’s behavior. The cat becomes hyperactive, very hungry, and burns a lot of energy. Despite eating large amounts of food, a cat with hyperthyroidism will lose a significant amount of weight. Environmental reasons Don’t panic! While any sudden and unexplained weight loss in a cat should prompt a vet consultation, it doesn't necessarily mean there is a disease. Other environmental factors can also explain weight changes in cats. For example, it’s possible that the cat, for any reason, has had to use its muscles more than usual over a short period of time. Vacations and outdoor access, visits from children who play with the cat more than usual – all of these can lead to an increased energy expenditure and, consequently, weight loss. It may also be due to an inappropriate diet. Sometimes owners confuse cat treats with complete food. The cat then ends up being undernourished and may experience significant weight loss. My cat refuses to eat Another scenario: a cat loses weight simply because it refuses to eat. This can be due to a variety of causes. It could be a condition or disorder that mechanically interferes with the animal’s ability to eat. This could include dental issues, arthritis preventing the cat from bending down to its food bowl, etc. A refusal to eat, if accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive thirst, may also signal more serious health issues, ranging from gastrointestinal problems to kidney failure or even feline infectious peritonitis. It’s important to consult a vet as soon as possible. You can read more in our article: My cat isn't eating: why and what to do? Finally, psychological reasons can also lead to a refusal to eat. A change in the cat’s lifestyle can induce stress, causing the cat to avoid its food bowl. Changes in diet, moving to a new home, grief, prolonged solitude – these are just a few examples. In such cases, it’s best to consult an animal behaviorist.

Vomiting in cats may be common, but it should still be taken seriously. However, if your little cat throws up a hairball every now and then, it's not a big deal!

Amino acids, minerals, ash content... It can be hard to understand all the terms used in our cats' diets! To help you make sense of it, we've put together a little glossary to better understand the contents of your little companion's food bowl. Organ Meats There are two categories of organ meats: "noble" organs or red offal, and white offal (tripe, ears, and stomach). Among the noble organs, you'll find examples like beef tongue, liver, kidneys, or cheek. Noble organs are ideal for our cats as they have a high protein content. While these organs are considered fit for human consumption, the food industry doesn't value them for commercial reasons, which is why they are often used in pet food. Amino Acids Amino acids are essential macronutrients for bodily functions (immune system, growth, digestion, reproduction...) and for the structure (bones, skin, muscles, fur) of our little companions. Among the twenty amino acids commonly found, eleven are essential for cats: these are the essential amino acids. These include taurine, arginine, phenylalanine, methionine, valine, leucine, isoleucine, lysine, tryptophan, threonine, and histidine. To learn more about amino acids, don't hesitate to check out our article on taurine in cat food. Complete Food It's important to make a clear distinction between "complete food" and "complementary food". A complete food must cover all of the cat's nutritional needs for which it was formulated. You can feed it as the sole food to your cat, along with a bowl of fresh water. Complementary Food Unlike complete food, complementary food cannot be given as the only food because it doesn't cover all of our cats' nutritional needs. It is therefore useful to consult the manufacturer for the recommended daily quantities to ensure a balanced diet. Starch Starch is a "complex carbohydrate (sugar)". It generally comes from rice and corn and is always present in kibble, even grain-free ones because it is necessary for the extrusion process. In fact, starch is what gives kibble its light, crispy texture. Palatability Our little companions are very sensitive to the palatability of food. For example, the consistency, temperature, and smell of food strongly influence how much our cats accept it. Our cats, for example, prefer food at room temperature, ideally between 20°C and 35°C. Many cat food manufacturers have understood this and use sensory additives to modify the visual appearance (colorants) or organoleptic qualities (flavor enhancers) of the food. Strict Carnivore Our cats are what we call strict carnivores. That means they cannot do without meat in their diet. The fact is that our cats can only meet their nutritional needs through animal tissues. However, this does not mean they should eat only meat, as an "all-meat" diet is highly unbalanced and leads to many deficiencies. Animal Meals Animal meals in our cats' food are made from meat mechanically separated from the carcass. This meat-bone mixture is then processed into meal form. In lower-quality kibble, meals are richer in bones as it costs the manufacturer less. Carbohydrates Carbohydrates are sometimes called "hydrates of carbon". They are substances made up of simple sugars. These sugars form molecules of varying complexity and properties. As strict carnivores, our cats' metabolism of carbohydrates differs from that of omnivores. Carbohydrates are non-essential in their diet. However, in small amounts, they can provide a good energy source, especially if the starch is properly cooked. Neophobia When faced with novelty in their food, your cat may be repelled. This is called neophobia. Neophobia often develops in older cats whose eating habits have become firmly established. It is also common in cats that haven't been exposed to a varied diet in the early weeks of life, as they tend to be more neophobic. Neophilia In contrast, some cats are attracted to novelty. For example, cats that have access to the outdoors tend to be neophilic. As mentioned above, what a kitten eats in the first few weeks of life, as well as the diet of its mother, will impact its food preferences. Minerals The term "minerals" refers to inorganic matter in your cat's food. There are macro-elements such as calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), sodium (Na), magnesium (Mg), and chloride (Cl). There are also trace elements present in smaller amounts, such as iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), iodine (I), and selenium (Se). Animal Proteins These are the fuel for our cats! They cannot do without them in their diet. However, not all animal proteins are the same! For example, elastin, collagen, and keratin have very low protein effectiveness due to their poor digestibility and amino acid imbalance. Plant proteins in our cats' food mostly come from cereal grains (wheat, rice, corn, barley). A cat with insufficient protein intake may end up in poor physical condition or have a dull coat. Ash Content This refers to the total amount of minerals in the food. The ash content should neither be too low nor too high. Too little or too much micronutrient intake can have long-term negative impacts. In food, the ash content can be a good indirect indicator of quality. There needs to be a minimum to meet requirements, but a high ash content indicates an excessive amount of carcass material. Dietary Transition We recommend dietary transition at Ziggy! The dietary transition is probably the best method to help your cat accept a new food. It involves gradually introducing a new food alongside their current diet. The goal is not to upset their digestive system. You can read our article to discover the steps and tips for a successful dietary transition. Mechanically Separated Meat (MSM) Mechanically Separated Meat (MSM) is a product "obtained by mechanically removing the meat from poultry bones or carcasses. After deboning, this product may contain bone, cartilage, or marrow residues, unlike minced meats or meats for mince". Are you an expert in feline nutrition? Test your knowledge with our quiz!

Due to their unique physical appearance, our little Sphynx companions are just as intriguing as they are admired. One thing is certain: this cat breed leaves no one indifferent! But did you know, for example, that the Sphynx was worshipped in Aztec times? Or that its paw pads are thicker than those of other cats, giving it a distinctive way of walking? Here are 10 surprising facts about this adorable kitty! #1 The Sphynx comes from Canada The Sphynx is the result of a natural genetic mutation in domestic shorthair cats. It descends directly from a litter of hairless kittens born in Toronto, Canada, in 1966. Dr. Hugo Hernandez brought two of them to the Netherlands to cross them with Devon Rex cats. The first Sphynx cats arrived in France in 1983 thanks to breeder Patrick Challain. #2 A fine fuzz may cover its skin While their skin is hairless, it can also be covered in a fine peach-like fuzz. Even without fur, the Sphynx's skin is incredibly soft to the touch! #3 Their paw pads are thicker This gives them a special gait – as if they're walking on little air cushions! #4 They are sensitive to UV rays Without fur for protection, Sphynx cats are more at risk of sunburn and skin cancer. They need specially formulated sunscreen when exposed to sunlight. #5 The Sphynx burns calories faster Without fur to keep them warm, Sphynx cats use more energy to regulate their body temperature and therefore require more calories – up to 20% more on average. To learn more, feel free to check out our article on feeding your Sphynx cat. We share our best tips to help you nourish it well! #6 The Aztecs worshipped them Engravings of hairless cats dating back to Aztec times have been found in Mexico. Although the breed was officially recognized in 1966, some historical research suggests that the Sphynx’s ancestors may have existed centuries ago. #7 Their skin color matches the fur they would have had Sphynx cats come in all colors, and their skin reflects the fur color they were genetically meant to have. It's common to see colors appear or change as the cat grows up. #8 Their skin produces more sebum Since sebum doesn’t spread as it does in furred cats, it tends to accumulate on the skin – and in large amounts inside the ears. That’s why the Sphynx requires special care, including regular baths and ear cleaning. #9 Contrary to popular belief, they are not hypoallergenic The lack of fur doesn’t make Sphynx cats hypoallergenic. However, allergic reactions tend to be less severe since allergens stay on their skin and don’t spread through shed fur. #10 Sphynx owners describe them as affectionate and cuddly Of course, a cat’s personality is unique, but Sphynx cats are generally described as affectionate, loving to snuggle under the covers or in their owner's arms. They can even be a bit possessive and don’t like being alone – hence their nickname “velcro cat”. To take care of your Sphynx throughout its life, choose a healthy, balanced, high-protein diet to help them stay in good health.

Obviously, your cat's breed is not the only factor to consider when determining its nutritional needs and daily ration calculation. However, it is a good idea to consult the breeder and your veterinarian about any dietary peculiarities related to the breed. For example, the Bengal cat struggles to digest starch, the Persian cat has a delicate stomach and will need fiber to maintain optimal digestion, while the British Shorthair may easily become overweight if it doesn’t get enough exercise. Does breed really affect your cat’s nutritional needs? Currently, no study has proven a significant difference in energy needs based on breed. However, it is reasonable to think that breed does play a role, especially since some breeds are predisposed to obesity while others are not. Some breeds mature later than others, and some are prone to congenital diseases. Physical characteristics can also impact the body's thermoregulation, which could explain variations in nutritional needs. Long-haired cat breeds seem less prone to obesity than others A 2009 study showed that long-haired cat breeds are less prone to obesity than other breeds. Another study from 2017 even suggested that they are more likely to be underweight. Several factors must be taken into account But beyond your cat's breed, what’s important when considering its daily ration is, firstly, its optimal weight, secondly, its activity level (whether it has access to the outdoors or is strictly an indoor cat), its physiological status (whether it’s neutered or not), and finally, its age. For some cat breeds that tend to gain weight easily, a 100% wet food diet (canned food or home-made food) is recommended, especially if your cat is neutered and doesn’t go outside. For other breeds, a mixed diet with mostly wet food and some dry kibble can be an option. The nutritional needs of the Bengal Being close to the wildcat, it has been shown that Bengal cats have more difficulty digesting starch than other cats. Therefore, it is best to offer your Bengal a diet low in carbohydrates but rich in proteins and fats. Kibble containing high levels of carbohydrates, even grain-free varieties, should be avoided; wet food, which contains much less starch, is preferred. For more information, feel free to check our dedicated article on Bengal cat diet. The nutritional needs of the British Shorthair The British Shorthair seems predisposed to obesity. This breed is robust and muscular, but if it lacks stimulation and physical activity, it can easily gain weight. And weight gain means paying special attention to carbohydrate content in its food... Especially if your British Shorthair is neutered, you should avoid free-feeding kibble. Instead, choose mostly wet food, distributed in several small meals, which will keep it fuller for longer. And, most importantly, make sure to play with and exercise it. If you can’t let it outdoors, you can invest in a cat tree or a wall-mounted climbing course to keep it active. The nutritional needs of the Chartreux The Chartreux is also prone to weight gain. Therefore, it is best to give it a mostly wet food diet, especially if it is neutered and doesn’t have access to the outdoors. Avoid free-feeding kibble. Also, keep in mind that kibble is 4 times more caloric than wet food, gram for gram. With wet food, your Chartreux will stay fuller for longer than with kibble, as it adds volume to its stomach with fewer calories. The nutritional needs of the Maine Coon The Maine Coon has higher energy needs than European cats due to its size. However, like any other cat, it needs to find quality proteins and essential amino acids (taurine, arginine, leucine, lysine...) in its food to stay healthy. Unlike other cats, it needs more protein and fatty acids to maintain its beautiful coat. You can offer your Maine Coon a wet or mixed diet, with mostly wet food and some kibble on the side. To learn more, check our article on the ideal diet for a Maine Coon cat. The nutritional needs of the Norwegian Forest Cat Like other cats, the Norwegian Forest cat requires a diet rich in animal proteins. It’s a sturdy cat, and if properly fed, it can remain healthy throughout its life. Its diet must include many nutrients essential for the health of its coat and organs: proteins, sulfur amino acids (methionine and cysteine), omega-6 fatty acids (linoleic acid and arachidonic acid), omega-3 fatty acids, minerals, vitamins A, E, and B vitamins, particularly biotin (B9), and trace elements (including copper, zinc, manganese, selenium, and iodine). For this breed, you can opt for 100% wet food or a mixed diet, always with a majority of wet food and some kibble on the side. The nutritional needs of the Persian The Persian is a low-energy and fragile cat, so it will need a suitable diet. Also, since the Persian ingests a large amount of fur during grooming, which can get stuck in its intestines, it is important to offer a wet, fiber-rich diet to ensure proper digestion. Vegetables like carrots, green beans, and zucchini are great sources of fiber. It’s also important to ensure the cat stays hydrated. To avoid constipation, wet food should be the main part of the Persian’s diet. The nutritional needs of the Ragdoll The Ragdoll, a large breed, requires a diet rich in protein and fat. It is especially important for this breed to have high-quality proteins for muscle maintenance. The Ragdoll also has a thick coat that requires sufficient fatty acids to stay healthy and shiny. As such, it will need wet food, with a focus on proteins and fats. Wet food with high protein content, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, and essential amino acids is ideal for the Ragdoll. Nutrition Needs of the Birman With its medium-length coat, the Birman is easier to groom than the Persian cat. However, during shedding season, daily brushing is necessary to prevent matting and excessive hair ingestion by your cat. The Birman is predisposed to hereditary kidney dysfunction. Therefore, it is essential to choose a diet that supports kidney function and pay special attention to phosphorus levels in its food. Contrary to what has been widely believed, protein is not the enemy of the kidneys, provided the protein is of good quality. Feel free to consult our article on kidney failure in cats, which explains the preferred diet for kidney health. If you suspect your cat may have kidney failure, do not hesitate to consult your veterinarian, who can perform thorough tests and prescribe suitable veterinary food. For more information, feel free to check out our article on the ideal diet for the Birman cat. Nutrition Needs of the Sphynx Due to the complete lack of fur on its body, the Sphynx uses more energy to regulate its body temperature than other cats. It must consume a diet that meets its nutritional needs and keeps it satisfied. You can offer it a mixed diet, with both wet food and dry food. As with other cats, it is important to follow a gradual dietary transition to avoid upsetting its digestive system, which can sometimes be sensitive. For more information, feel free to consult our article on the feeding your Sphynx cat.

Often victims of false beliefs and superstitions, our black cats actually have a lot of love and tenderness to offer us! The origin of their beautiful coat, anecdotes, and superstitions, here are 10 things you absolutely need to know about black cats, adorable felines with the looks of panthers. #1 The B Gene Behind Their Coat Color The main gene responsible for the color of our cats' coats is the B gene. It can appear as B (dominant), giving the black color, or as b (recessive), giving the chocolate color. All cats carry the B gene, but color variations are related to other genes located on other chromosomes that influence the expression of B. Note that some black cats may have their coat "redden." We explain why in our article: why my cat's fur is turning reddish. You can also find all our tips on how to make your cat's coat shiny. #2 They Often Have Yellow or Golden Eyes Due to Melanism Melanism is the opposite of albinism. It is a genetic phenomenon that causes the completely black coat color and gives the cat golden or yellow irises. #3 Doubtful Superstitions Prejudices and archaic beliefs penalize our beloved black cats. For a long time, people believed they belonged to witches or were symbols of bad luck. In Ireland, an old legend says that black cats are actually leprechauns, who take on their appearance to get closer to humans. #4 A Good Luck Charm in Japan and the United Kingdom In Japan, the superstition about black cats being "bad luck" doesn't exist. On the contrary, every cat, regardless of its coat color, brings good fortune and is believed to have the ability to attract wealth. They are called "Maneki-Neko," which literally translates to "inviting cat." In certain parts of England and Ireland, encountering a black cat is not considered bad luck, but rather a sign of good fortune. #5 Many Black Cats in Shelters Black cats are reportedly less adopted than cats with different coat colors. According to a study conducted by the RSPCA, a black or black-and-white cat takes, on average, 10 more days to get adopted compared to a ginger cat. Besides superstitions, there’s another surprising reason for the low adoption rate: some people consider them less "Instagrammable" than other cats... We find them absolutely stunning and particularly photogenic, as you can see in the photos in this article! Psst: August 17th is International Black Cat Day. This day was created to raise awareness about the great cause of black cats and to encourage people to adopt one. #6 Black Cats Can Be in Danger Around Halloween In some places, shelters refuse to adopt out black cats several weeks before Halloween, fearing they might be sacrificed. #7 They Are Little Panthers in the Living Room Their coat highlights their eyes, which shine brightly. And their way of moving, with grace and agility, gives them the appearance of wild felines. So classy! #8 The Bombay, a Breed of Black Cat The Bombay is recognizable by its shiny black coat. Even its paw pads and nose are black. Contrary to what their name might suggest, they are not from India but from the United States. It was breeder Nikki Horner who decided to develop a breed of cat resembling a small panther. #9 Famous Black Cats Famous black cats include Salem, the cat from *Sabrina the Teenage Witch*. Also, Snowball II, the cat from *The Simpsons*, appears in several episodes. There’s also Luna, from the manga *"Sailor Moon*". And finally, Oscar the Bionic Cat, who received two prosthetics to replace his rear legs after an accident. #10 Black Cats Are Often Described as Affectionate but Also Shy Black cat owners often describe them as affectionate and almost clingy, but also intuitive and sometimes shy. Of course, coat color doesn’t influence a cat’s personality. However, it’s possible to draw a connection to how black cats have been treated for centuries by superstitious people. We love our cats just the way they are, for the happiness and love they bring us every day. We feed them accordingly, with a healthy and balanced diet that provides them with quality protein. Choosing healthy food is an investment directly in your little companion’s health.

Our cats are so peaceful when they sleep on us, real little angels. Hard to imagine that 10 minutes earlier they were destroying your couch or vomiting on the carpet. Despite that, we wouldn’t dare disturb them during their sleep, not even to go to the bathroom... You may have wondered why your little companion prefers your lap to their soft, cozy cushion. We tried to answer this fascinating mystery in this article by suggesting a few hypotheses on the subject. 6 likely reasons why your cat loves to sleep on you Your little companion is asking for affection Smart kitty! They simply choose the best spot to relax and get attention. By settling on you, they know perfectly well they will get their dose of pets and massages during their nap. Your cat sleeps on you because they love your scent It’s likely that your scent is naturally reassuring and soothing for your cat. Before their nap, your cat will certainly "knead" your lap or belly with their front paws. A little dance directly linked to their natural instinct! They seek warmth You have certainly noticed that our cats tend to favor warm places for their naps. In winter they never settle far from the radiator and when sunny days return, they never say no to sunbathing. Although the main purpose in kittens is temperature regulation, when they sleep against their mother, this behavior is not considered the main reason adult cats sleep against us. Your kitty enjoys the sounds of your body Your cat may indeed like the sounds of your body. Especially your heartbeat and breathing, which can soothe them. Double benefit: it has been proven that "purr therapy" has a beneficial effect on humans. Indeed, our furry friends’ purrs emit low frequencies, between 20 and 50 hertz, which are as soothing for us as for them. Over the long term, purr therapy could help reduce our stress and limit the appearance of cardiovascular diseases. They feel safe If most of the time you are at work, it’s no surprise that your kitty sticks close to you when you come back. Your cat is not only seeking warmth and comfort but is also looking for security. During their sleep, your little companion knows they are vulnerable and can’t see threats coming. But if they are by your side, they are safe and can sleep soundly. Your belly is comfortable Have you ever disliked your little belly? Your kitty certainly doesn’t mind it and actually enjoys it a lot. Forget the “summer body,” your belly is simply the most comfortable place for a nap. Want to know the secret of a satisfied cat who sleeps longer and lets us sleep in on weekends? Ziggy’s pâtée! Thanks to its quality proteins, our pâtées help your cat feel fuller (and thus let us sleep a few more hours).

We are all affected by aging, yes, sorry to break it to you! But your cat, although old, still certainly has many good years ahead. And to continue taking care of him, it may sometimes be necessary to adapt his comfort and routine. Here are our tips to bring him eternal youth (well, almost). At what age is my cat considered old? Aging affects all organs of course, but they do not all age at the same pace, and this varies from cat to cat. For example, some become a bit deaf, others experience declining eyesight, and just like humans, some will have whiter fur! So yes, indeed, a 16-year-old cat is considered old. However, he can still be in good health and remain "young" in his mind. We need to consider two aspects regarding aging: senescence and senility. Senescence corresponds to the physiological changes associated with getting older. Basically: the body functions less efficiently. While senility refers to certain functions that will deteriorate or disappear over time. The few studies on this topic suggest that the boundary between senescence and senility in our cats is around 12 years (between 10 and 14 years for 95% of the feline population). How to take care of my elderly cat? Provide more comfort You can start by making sure his food and water bowls are easily accessible. If you notice he has trouble finding a comfortable position to eat, you can raise his bowl or invest in an elevated feeding dish. Some cats tend to stiffen with age. To help your kitty continue to cuddle in your arms on the couch, don’t hesitate to place a small stair-like structure. This way, he can more easily reach his favorite spot! Keep stimulating him Of course, your cat is no longer the lively and agile kitten he used to be, and even if he naps longer, you should still stimulate him physically and mentally. Elderly cats generally continue to enjoy play sessions. You can play with him by recreating hunting scenes, for example, with a fishing rod toy or a feather wand. For game ideas, feel free to check out our article: which games to choose for my cat. Take care of his coat As your cat ages, his fur may become duller. He will also have more difficulty grooming properly, especially if he suffers from osteoarthritis. To make things easier for him, don’t hesitate to help by brushing him daily. Watch his weight Pay close attention to his weight. Weigh your cat regularly to anticipate any sudden weight changes. If you notice sudden weight gain or unexplained weight loss, don’t delay consulting your veterinarian. The goal is to help your cat maintain an optimal weight to keep him healthy as long as possible. Warm his food a little If you feed him pâté, it is a good idea to warm it up for a few seconds in the microwave, in an appropriate dish. This will enhance the smell and make it more appetizing for your cat, whose sense of smell may gradually decline. Should I change his diet? If your cat is currently in good health, and the latest veterinary check-ups confirm this, there is no need to change his diet. However, it is important to give him quality cat food . The quality of his food can be evaluated based on its digestibility. Of course, you probably won't weigh your cat's stools. But as a guideline, the amount of stool produced should be about 50g for every 100g of dry food or 500g of pâté consumed. Quality food should have a sufficient protein level to meet your cat’s nutritional needs, especially if he is older. And if possible, with low phosphorus content. Don’t hesitate to ask your veterinarian for advice; he will guide you. Some adjustments may be necessary depending on the cat. For example, some may need more fiber if they have slow digestion or are overweight. Regarding this, you can read our article about the benefits of zucchini for our cats. If your cat has dental problems, wet food is even more recommended. Finally, we advise you to divide meals and continue to favor mostly wet food. For example, you can give four small meals: one when you get up in the morning, a second before leaving for work, a third when you come home in the evening, and a final one before going to bed. For more information, feel free to check out our dedicated article on senior cat food. We love our cats at any age. So we give them all the attention and care they deserve. We make sure to give them healthy food to keep them in good health throughout their lives.