Bringing a senior cat into your home is one of the most rewarding decisions you can make. Many people overlook older cats for kittens, but these seniors make wonderful companions. The first 30 days help your cat adjust, and a mix of patience, care, and good nutrition makes that transition easier.
This guide covers how to set your new friend up for success and simple ways to support senior cat care, nutrition, and wellness.
Why Adopt a Senior Cat?
Cats are generally considered seniors around 11 years old, though many start showing signs of aging by about 7. When you adopt a senior cat, you’re choosing a companion who already knows the basics. Most senior cats are litter-trained, familiar with household routines, and comfortable around people. Their personalities are established, so you’ll quickly see if you’re bringing home a snuggly lap cat or an independent observer.
Adopting a senior cat also saves lives. Shelters often struggle to place older cats, so opening your home gives one the comfort and care they deserve in their later years.
The First 30 Days: What to Expect
Week 1: Settling In
Your new cat will need time to adjust to the sights, smells, and sounds of their new environment. Set up a quiet, cozy space with a soft bed, fresh water, and a clean litter box. Let them explore when they’re ready and avoid overwhelming them with too much activity early on.
Nutrition plays a huge role in helping your cat settle in. Many pet parents choose the Weruva Senior, which offers senior wet cat food made for older cats’ needs. These recipes are rich in moisture, gentle on digestion, and provide balanced senior cat nutrition to keep them hydrated and comfortable.
When choosing the best senior cat food, focus on recipes with quality proteins and a smooth, easy-to-eat texture. That's exactly what you’ll find in Weruva Senior formulas.
Week 2: Building Trust
As your cat becomes more comfortable, they’ll start showing more curiosity and affection. Gentle play, calm conversation, and predictable routines go a long way toward strengthening your bond. Keep an eye on appetite, hydration, and litter box habits. Small changes can tell you a lot about how your cat is feeling.
Week 3: Establishing Routine
By week three, most senior cats begin to find their rhythm. Consistency helps build confidence, so try to keep mealtimes, play sessions, and grooming on a predictable schedule. Regular brushing can also help you check for any changes in coat, skin, or weight.
This is a great time to talk to your vet about your cat’s overall senior cat wellness. Some cats benefit from phosphorus-conscious diets that support kidney health. If that’s the case, Weruva Wx Phos Focused is a low phosphorus cat food that helps maintain hydration and kidney support without sacrificing protein.
High protein wet cat food helps older cats maintain strength and energy well into their senior years.
Week 4: Comfort and Confidence
By the end of the first month, your cat should feel settled and secure. You’ll see their full personality shine and learn their favorite nap spots, daily routines, and new ways of bonding with you.
Keep serving moisture-rich meals like Weruva Senior or Wx Phos Focused, both made to support your cat’s nutrition and hydration needs. A consistent diet, along with gentle enrichment and affection, helps your cat feel their best day after day.
Tips for a Smooth Transition
- Stay patient: Every cat adjusts at their own pace.
- Keep things predictable: Routine feeding and gentle interactions help older cats feel secure.
- Maintain hydration: Moisture-rich meals like Weruva Senior and Wx Phos Focused support urinary and kidney health
- Encourage gentle movement: Playtime and short bursts of activity keep joints flexible and maintain muscle mass.
- Provide comfort: Warm, soft bedding helps ease aging joints.
- Schedule checkups: Early detection of changes in appetite or behavior is key for senior cat wellness.
Love in the Golden Years: The Joys of Adopting a Senior Cat
Adopting a senior cat means giving an older pet a chance to enjoy the comfort and love they deserve. With a little patience, consistent care, and the right food, the first 30 days can be the start of a strong, lasting bond.
Check out Weruva Senior for senior wet cat food made specifically for older cats, and explore the Wx Phos Focused line for low phosphorus cat food recipes to support kidney health over time.
With quality nutrition and consistent senior cat care, your cat’s golden years can be their happiest yet.
