Why Senior Cats Sleep Differently — And What Beds Actually Help

<h1>👵 Why Senior Cats Sleep Differently — And What Beds Actually Help</h1>

<p>Your senior cat may still purr like a kitten — but their body and sleep behavior have changed. Just like humans, cats become <strong>more sensitive to cold, joint pressure, and noise</strong> as they age.</p>

<p>This article explains how senior cats sleep differently from younger cats — and how the <strong>right bed can reduce pain, improve rest, and support overall wellbeing</strong>. 🐾</p>

<hr>

<h2>🛌 How Senior Cat Sleep Is Different</h2>

<ul>
  <li>🔁 More frequent naps, but lighter sleep overall</li>
  <li>🛏️ Preference for low-entry, firm, warm sleep surfaces</li>
  <li>😿 Sensitivity to light, noise, and temperature shifts</li>
  <li>🐾 Less movement during sleep (due to joint stiffness)</li>
</ul>

<p>💡 A bed that worked at age 2 might <strong>hurt at age 12</strong>. Comfort needs evolve.</p>

<hr>

<h2>🧠 What Senior Cats Need in a Bed</h2>

<ul>
  <li>✅ Firm but soft support (avoid squishy or memory foam)</li>
  <li>✅ Low-sided or flat beds for easy access</li>
  <li>✅ Felt or fleece-lined materials for insulation</li>
  <li>✅ A quiet, dim, draft-free sleeping location</li>
</ul>

<p>🐈⬛ Bonus: Add a heat disc or fleece pad in colder months — aging cats <strong>lose body heat faster</strong>.</p>

<hr>

<h2>🛏️ Best Beds at Purrz for Senior Cats</h2>

<h3>1. <a href="https://purrz.com/products/xl-felt-pad" target="_blank">XL Felt Pad</a></h3>
<ul>
  <li>Flat = easy to step onto</li>
  <li>Dense felt = ideal for warmth and pressure distribution</li>
  <li>Fits inside crates, under radiators, or in sun patches</li>
</ul>

<h3>2. <a href="https://purrz.com/products/uluru-felt-cat-cave" target="_blank">Uluru Felt Cave</a></h3>
<ul>
  <li>Fully enclosed for temperature and sensory regulation</li>
  <li>Firm dome shape supports curled or tucked posture</li>
  <li>Add a sherpa blanket inside for extra softness</li>
</ul>

<h3>3. <a href="https://purrz.com/products/3-in-1-cat-cube-cave" target="_blank">3-in-1 Cube Cave</a></h3>
<ul>
  <li>Use flat mode for mobility-challenged cats</li>
  <li>Transition to half or full cave when they want privacy</li>
</ul>

<hr>

<h2>🧘♀️ Signs Your Senior Cat’s Bed Isn’t Working</h2>

<ul>
  <li>They’re sleeping on the floor, not the bed</li>
  <li>They keep changing spots, looking restless</li>
  <li>They avoid climbing or stepping into any bed with sides</li>
  <li>They wake up limping or stiffer than usual</li>
</ul>

<p>💡 Solution: <strong>Flatten the entry point</strong>, reduce fluff, and increase warmth + structure.</p>

<hr>

<h2>💬 From Dr. Duncan Houston</h2>
<blockquote>
“Aging cats sleep more, but they’re less comfortable. Supporting their joints and regulating temperature can improve mobility, mood, and sleep quality. It’s not about softness — it’s about support and safety.”
</blockquote>

<hr>

<h2>🛒 Shop Senior Cat Beds That Actually Help</h2>

<ul>
  <li>🛏️ <a href="https://purrz.com/products/xl-felt-pad" target="_blank">XL Felt Pad</a></li>
  <li>🌋 <a href="https://purrz.com/products/uluru-felt-cat-cave" target="_blank">Uluru Felt Cave</a></li>
  <li>🔁 <a href="https://purrz.com/products/3-in-1-cat-cube-cave" target="_blank">3-in-1 Cube Cave</a></li>
</ul>

<p>😽 <strong><a href="https://purrz.com/collections/felt-caves" target="_blank">Find your senior cat’s next favorite bed at Purrz</a></strong></p>

<hr>

<h2>📚 References</h2>
<ol>
  <li>International Cat Care. (2023). Understanding feline aging and sleep changes. https://icatcare.org</li>
  <li>Lascelles, B. D. X. (2010). Joint pain and sleep quality in aging cats. *Veterinary Clinics: Small Animal Practice*, 40(5), 1065–1074.</li>
</ol>