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How Your Cat’s Needs Change as They Age

Rachel M.
by Rachel M.
Published:  July 25th, 2025

Just like humans, our feline friends go through life stages, and their needs shift along the way. You wouldn’t feed a toddler the same way you would a teenager, right? The same goes for cats.


Whether your whiskered companion is bouncing off the walls or snoozing twenty hours a day, here’s what to expect as they age — and how you can best support them through every life stage.

Kitten playing with a flower - image via Canva

Table of contents

1. Kitten (0–12 Months)

Kittens are basically tiny, fluffy balls of energy. During this stage, your cat is growing fast, physically and mentally.


They need:

  • High-protein kitten food to support rapid development
  • Tons of playtime for physical exercise and socialization
  • Litter box training and routine building
  • Vet check-ups and vaccinations — don't skip those early visits!
  • Dental hygiene — double check with a vet on when to start brushing their teeth


Kittens are basically the toddlers of the cat world: curious, mischievous, and learning constantly. 

2. Adult (1–9 Years)

Once your cat hits adulthood, they generally mellow out a bit. Though they’re still active and need mental stimulation.


This is the prime of their life, and their care should focus on:

  • Balanced adult cat food that matches their activity level
  • Regular exercise and still plenty of play
  • Routine vet visits for preventative care


This is also when some personality quirks start really setting in. Maybe they only drink from the bathroom sink now. Maybe the vacuum cleaner is their number one enemy.  

Cat - image via Canva

3. Senior (10+ Years)

As cats age, they tend to slow down, both physically and mentally. That doesn’t mean they aren’t still loving, playful companions.


It just means their needs evolve:

  • Senior-formula food to support joint health and digestion
  • Softer bedding and easy-access litter boxes
  • Regular vet visits to catch age-related issues early
  • Watch for signs of arthritis, weight changes, or cognitive decline


Older cats might nap more, jump less, or become a little more vocal at night. That’s normal but staying tuned into small behavioral changes can help catch health issues early.

Older cat sleeping - image via Canva

Final thoughts

From zoomie-filled kittenhood to serene senior snuggles, your cat’s needs are always changing. Being in tune with these changes and adjusting your care as needed helps your cat live their happiest, healthiest life.


Have you got any tips or advice of your own? Share it in the comments. 


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Rachel M.
Rachel M.

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Catnip has long been a source of fascination for cat owners. Its ability to induce playful, euphoric, or even bizarre behavior in felines makes it a popular addition to many pet households. But is it actually safe for your cat?Let’s take a look at the benefits and potential concerns surrounding catnip. 

How Do You Get Rid Of Bad Breath in Dogs?

Bad breath in dogs - often brushed off as “just doggy breath” - can sneak up on even the most devoted pet parent. While a little morning whiff might seem normal, persistent or foul-smelling breath usually means something more is going on. The good news? With a bit of attention and care, you can freshen up your dog’s breath and help support their overall health in the process.So let’s break down the common causes of bad breath in dogs and how you can safely get rid of it.Start With the Most Likely Culprit: Dental IssuesThe number one reason dogs develop bad breath is poor dental hygiene. Over time, plaque builds up on your dog’s teeth and hardens into tartar, which harbors odor-producing bacteria. Left untreated, this can lead to gingivitis, periodontal disease, and even painful infections. And that stinky breath? It’s often the first warning sign.What helps:Brush your dog’s teeth regularly. Use a dog-safe toothbrush and toothpaste (never human toothpaste). Even a few times a week can make a difference.Try dental chews or water additives. These can help reduce plaque and freshen breath, especially when used consistently.Schedule regular vet cleanings. Your vet can remove tartar buildup during professional dental cleanings and check for deeper issues like infections or tooth decay.

Why Does My Pet Follow Me Into the Bathroom?

It’s a scene pet parents know all too well. You close the bathroom door, sit down for a little me time… and suddenly, there’s a paw scratching at the door. Or worse, unblinking eyes staring directly at you while you’re doing your business.Why, exactly, is your pet obsessed with your bathroom routine?Let’s break down this strangely universal phenomenon.

New Research Reveals the Most (and Least) Trusted Dog Foods

As loving dog parents, we want to ensure our pups are getting the best of the best – including the best toys, the most comfortable beds, and, of course, the best nutrition. But with so many dog food brands on the market, deciding which ones truly deliver on their promises can be overwhelming.A recent study has shed light on this very issue. By analyzing a massive amount of market feedback and online customer reviews, it highlights which brands are earning – and losing – the trust of dog parents. Reviews.ai, a consumer data analysis firm, recently published their Dry Dog Food Report 2025 – Best Seller Performance. It analyzed over 135,000 online customer reviews from 2024, covering 26 pet food brands and 89 specific dry dog food products. The report painted a clear picture of what brands are meeting the expectations of dog lovers across the country and which brands are falling short. The report sorted the pet food brands into four main performance groups: LeadersBrands with high customer satisfaction and strong loyalty. These brands consistently received positive reviews, revealing that dog parents were satisfied not only by the products but also by the brands responsible for them. Examples include:  Purina, Hill’s, Iams, Nutro, Royal Canin, and Rachel Ray Nutrish.NicheThese are smaller companies that have a strong customer sentiment. Brands in this group cater to specific needs or preferences and, in doing so, have built a strong, loyal customer base. Examples include: Merrick, Pedigree, Health Extension, and Natural Balance.At RiskDespite having high visibility, brands in this group were found to have declining customer trust. These brands face challenges related to customer satisfaction and loyalty, which may suggest potential issues with their products or brand practices. Examples include; Blue Buffalo, Taste of the Wild, Orijen, and Open Farm.LaggardsBrands in this group were found to have low engagement and poor consumer sentiment. They are experiencing significant difficulties in building and maintaining customer trust and satisfaction. Examples include: Signature, Diamond Naturals, Cesar, Canidae, and Wagg.So, what do these rankings really mean? What decides which group each pet food brand is sorted into? Researchers combed through a wealth of market research and customer review data, focusing on the feedback provided on various online retailer websites. The rankings were based solely on the feedback offered by dog parents. In addition to sorting the brands into four categories, the report also revealed that nearly all reviews could be sorted into six primary areas of concern: Dog Preference and Satisfaction: Many pet parents shared frustration with dogs rejecting food due to taste, smell, or texture. Dog Health and Wellness: Pet Parents showed a higher level of loyalty to brands that had strong veterinarian endorsements and clear nutritional health benefits.Brand and Trust: Pet parents are increasingly skeptical and desire brand transparency. Frequent formula or ingredient changes and the use of vague marketing terms can lead to a loss of trust. Product and Experience: Some of the most common complaints seen in reviews included packaging issues, formula changes without notice, and inconsistent food quality. Price and Purchase: Looking behind the “premium” label, pet parents are carefully weighing price vs quality to find the best option for their pets while keeping to their budgets. Service and Fulfillment: When making a purchase, pet parents want to receive their products in a timely fashion. Their opinions can be influenced by delays resulting from slow delivery times and stock shortages. They may also drop due to poor customer support. This research highlights the importance of doing your own research and due diligence when choosing the best food for your best friend. Most importantly, the best dog food is the one that meets your pup’s individual needs (and preferences). By staying informed and paying attention to changes in the pet food industry as well as to your dog’s response to their food, you can make the best decision for their health and happiness. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter  here.

Best Prime Day Bargains for Your Furry Friends
Best Prime Day Bargains for Your Furry Friends
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Virus-Hunting Cat Helps Scientists, Again

Most cats bring their humans dead lizards, half-eaten mice, or, if they’re generous, a slightly crumpled leaf. But Pepper isn’t like most cats. This adventurous feline has helped scientists discover not one, but two previously unknown viruses, and she’s done it without even trying.Pepper lives a seemingly normal cat life in Gainesville, Florida. She naps in sunny windows, patrols her backyard like a tiny panther, and occasionally brings “gifts” to her humans. But her owner just so happens to be Dr. John Lednicky, a virologist at the University of Florida. So when Pepper dragged in a lifeless shrew one day, instead of recoiling in horror, Lednicky did what any virus researcher would do, he swabbed it.What he found was a new strain of orthoreovirus, a virus typically found in mammals and birds, and one that has occasionally been linked to gastrointestinal or neurological illness in humans. The new virus, officially dubbed Gainesville shrew mammalian orthoreovirus type 3 strain UF-1 (try saying that three times fast), was living in that unlucky Everglades short-tailed shrew. And thanks to Pepper’s keen hunting skills, scientists now know it exists.“We wouldn’t have found it if not for Pepper,” said Dr. Lednicky. “It’s funny, because this is the second time she’s done this. I don’t think she knows she’s contributing to science, but she’s certainly making her mark.”Last year, Pepper brought home a cotton rat, which led to the discovery of another rare virus called a jeilongvirus, the first of its kind found in North America. At this point, her batting average is better than some research grants.The latest find was part of an ongoing project led by Lednicky and researcher Emily DeRuyter, who studies viruses in wildlife. They’re interested in how viruses move through animal populations and what that means for human health. And while no one is saying Pepper is the next big epidemiologist, she has inspired a new wave of curiosity in “backyard biosurveillance.”“We’ve started taking a second look at what comes through the door, whether it’s roadkill or something Pepper drags in,” said DeRuyter. “I never thought I’d be thanking a cat for contributing to my research, but here we are.”Orthoreoviruses are common in many species and typically don’t cause illness in healthy people. Still, discovering new strains helps researchers understand how viruses evolve, spread, and occasionally jump between species.“There’s still so much we don’t know about the viruses living quietly in wild animals,” said DeRuyter. “Every new one we identify gives us another piece of the puzzle.”Back at home, Pepper seems unfazed by her growing reputation. According to Lednicky, she continues to bring in specimens, though not all of them are useful.“Sometimes it’s a frog, sometimes it’s a plastic fork from the neighbors’ trash. You never know what you’re going to get,” he said with a laugh.On social media, Pepper has become something of a folk hero. A tweet featuring her photo next to the words “Virus Hunter” has gone viral, and fans have suggested everything from honorary degrees to a dedicated lab named in her honor.“Someone even asked if she could be part of a research team,” said Lednicky. “I told them only if the pay includes salmon treats.”So, what’s next for Pepper? More prowling, probably. Maybe another rodent-shaped contribution to science. For now, she’s enjoying her status as the most unintentionally helpful cat in Florida.As Lednicky put it: “She’s not a trained lab assistant, but she’s definitely earned her place in the team photo.”Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

How to Keep Your Dog Safe from Ticks This Summer

When the sun is shining and the trails are calling, nothing beats outdoor adventures with your pup. But as fun as nature walks, dog park visits, and backyard playtime can be, they also bring a hidden danger: ticks. These tiny parasites latch onto dogs (and humans!) to feed on their blood. They can transmit serious illnesses like Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, and anaplasmosis.Here’s a comprehensive guide to tick prevention and protection every pet parent should follow.Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you. 

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