What My 13-Year-Old Cat Teaches Me About Thriving
A senior cat’s story of prevention, vitality, and holistic care (and a simple bonus treat recipe your cats will love)
When I look at Tibby, I often forget she’s 13. She still plays with the same sparkle in her eyes, hunts bugs and lizards on the catio, and curls up with me like she did when she was six. Sometimes I have to remind myself that she is a senior cat. But in her presence, she feels ageless.
Tibby came into my life by chance. I found her along the side of a busy highway all those years ago. I thought I’d find a rescue to help rehome her, but of course, she had other plans. She chose me, and I’m grateful every single day that she did.
When she was younger, I didn’t know what I know now about cat health. I fed kibble because I thought it was the best food for her. It wasn’t until another cat of mine, Jolie, was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism that I began to understand the importance of nutrition, especially a moisture-rich diet. That knowledge changed everything, not only for Jolie, but for Tibby too.
Shifting Tibby away from kibble and toward a fresh, moisture-rich diet has been the single biggest factor in her vitality today. Over the years, she’s eaten a blend of canned, cooked, and raw food, and I’ve added natural supplements, omega-3s, and enrichment. The changes were visible first in her coat, which grew softer and shinier, her eyes brighter, her energy higher. She hasn’t developed the common chronic illnesses so many cats face like kidney disease, urinary issues, diabetes, or GI problems.
That doesn’t mean she’s invincible. She sometimes has stiffness, but with joint support, sardines, red light therapy, and energy work, she moves with ease. To me, her health is proof of what preventive, holistic care can do. While it can’t control everything, it does lay the strongest foundation possible for a long, vibrant life.
And there’s another piece Tibby reminds me of, every day. She teaches me gentleness. She softens me when I’m tense, reminds me to look through a lens of love, and shows me how powerful presence really is. Her lesson isn’t just in the supplements or the food I’ve chosen for her, it’s in the way she is. Kind, steady, full of grace.
That’s the heart of holistic care for me. It’s not just about preventing illness, it’s about helping our animals thrive in body, mind, and spirit. And in the process, they help us thrive, too.
If you’d like to learn how to create that same foundation for your own cats, I’d love for you to join me in the Conscious Cat Parent series. We begin October 2. We’ll talk about nutrition, environment, energy, and the deeper lessons our cats are always offering us.
Because thriving at 13 isn’t just luck… it’s love, it’s care, and it’s the conscious choice to walk this path with them.
P.S. Want to try one small, healthy swap today?
Here’s a simple, three-ingredient recipe you can use to replace commercial treats. It’s one of Tibby’s favorites. And yes, dogs can enjoy them too (just make the pieces larger for their size).
Shrimp & Pumpkin Treats (for cats and dogs)
Ingredients
4 cooked shrimp (peeled, deveined)
2 Tbsp pumpkin purée (plain, no spices)
2 eggs
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Finely chop or mash the shrimp.
In a bowl, mix shrimp, pumpkin, and eggs until blended.
Spoon into silicone molds (or roll into small bite-sized pieces).
Bake for 20 minutes, until firm.
Cool completely before serving.
✨ Store in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze for longer.
Thank you so much for reading this post!
My name is Melissa, and I’m an animal communicator, energy healer, and holistic pet health coach. I live on a little farm sanctuary where I’m happily outnumbered by animals: seven dogs, three cats, and a mix of other furry, feathered, and hooved friends who keep life interesting. You can learn more about my work at calmingcreek.com
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Disclaimer: The information shared in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. I am not a veterinarian, and my services are intended as a complementary practice to support your pet’s overall well-being. They are not a substitute for professional veterinary care, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your veterinarian regarding any medical concerns, conditions, or treatments your pet may require.
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