Latest research from Ever Clean reveals comfortable bathroom experiences for older cats are overlooked by owners

• Nearly a third of cat owners admit giving their cat cheese, 18% steak, while 13% have even tried lobster

• 49% have made menu changes to meet their felines’ nutritional needs as they have aged, but experts say they are overlooking simple changes in older cats’ comfort

• Only 3% consider litter the most important change even though it could spot potential ageing health issues

• Manchester’s cats are the most pampered in Britain, but Bristol most likely to serve up indulgent menus

LONDON, 23 April, 2026 – Britain is a nation of cat lovers, and it seems our feline friends are living the high life as owners invest in only the most indulgent foods. But new research from Ever Clean, a renowned leader in premium cat litter, suggests owners might be missing a simple step when it comes to caring for overall wellness in their later years.

A new study of UK cat owners reveals just how far people will go to spoil their pets, with nearly a third (29%) admitting giving their cat cheese, and almost a fifth (18%) feeding them steak, and 13% even treating them to lobster. It’s safe to say many moggies are eating better than their owners.

The research also shows just how strong the bond is, with over three quarters 77% of owners considering their cat a family, a fur baby or like a child to them and willing to go the extra mile to keep them happy and healthy. When it comes to food, many owners are already thinking ahead. 49% say they have adapted their cat’s diet as they’ve aged, making sure their feline companion is getting the right nutrition.

But while many owners have adapted nutrition needs for ageing cats, there’s an equally important piece of an ageing cats wellbeing that deserves attention, the litter environment.

Only 3% of owners consider litter the most important change as their cats age, revealing a potential gap in holistic care for ageing cats. And when it comes to spotting the signs that something might be wrong, the research suggests the litter tray could be a blind spot. Just 43% pay close attention to their bathroom habits and only 14% say changes in how their cat uses the litter tray would quickly alert them that something is wrong. This is an important step as cats begin to age, with vets flagging toileting changes is one of the earliest indicators of age-related health conditions.

Unlike other species, cats rarely let on when something's changed. They're experts at masking discomfort, which means shifts in their habits, including how they use the litter tray, can go unnoticed. That makes the everyday details, including what's in their litter tray, more important than many owners might realise.

"Owners clearly care deeply about their cats’ wellbeing and only want what’s best in their bowl, but when it comes to ageing, the everyday things matter just as much as the high quality produce and new toys. Arthritis, dental disease and kidney problems are incredibly common in older cats, and the signs are easy to miss – a change in grooming, sleeping more, or visiting the tray more often can all be early red flags. A softer, low-dust litter supports cats dealing with joint pain, and a good clumping litter makes it much easier to spot changes in toileting habits, which is one of the first things I'd want to know about in a check-up. It's worth giving the tray as much thought as the bowl." says vet Cat Hendstridge.

The findings come as Ever Clean launches its new Senior Cat litter, developed specifically for cats aged seven and over.

Just as life stage nutrition has become the norm in cat food, experts encourage owners to think about life stage care when it comes to the litter tray too. Ever Clean Senior Cat has been developed with older cats in mind, helping to keep them comfortable while also giving owners a better understanding of their cat's day-to-day habits.

Key features include:

• Gentler, finer granules that are softer on ageing paws

• Lightweight and low dust formula to create a more comfortable environment to move and dig through for less mobile cats

• Advanced odour control to tackle stronger smells from frequent tray visits

• Superior absorbency for frequently used trays

• Tight clumping for easy scooping and an extra clean tray

The research also found regional differences, with Manchester’s cats ranking among the most pampered in Britain (84%), similar to Newcastle (83%) and Liverpool (82%). While Bristol has the most refined tastes with owners more likely than average to serve lobster (21% vs 13%), crab (21% vs 14%) and duck (33% vs 24%). It seems these cities' feline residents are truly living their best nine lives.

What’s clear is the UK is full of devoted cat owners committed to their cat’s wellbeing, but experts are suggesting an emerging opportunity is to extend the same level of thoughtful care to the litter environment, which plays a vital role in ageing cat health and comfort.

Maria Papandroulidaki, Senior Brand Manager at Ever Clean added: “Our research shows that many UK cat owners are thoughtfully investing in premium nutrition because they want the best for their cats. True comfort extends beyond the bowl, and the litter tray is equally important to in an ageing cat’s wellbeing and hygiene. When owners invest in both, they’re giving their cats the complete comfort picture they deserve.”

“Senior cats can be incredibly sensitive about their toileting. If the litter is uncomfortable, dusty or consistently dirty, many will start to avoid the tray altogether. That’s why we developed Every Clean Senior Cat, a soft, low-dust, clumping litter that can make a big difference in comfort, and enables owners to spot changes in urine output, which is invaluable as cats get older.”

-END-

About Ever Clean

Ever Clean exists to make sure every cat feels seen, safe and loved. With over 35 years of expertise and a deep understanding of feline behaviour and wellbeing, the brand is driven by a genuine obsession with cats and their evolving needs.

By combining expert insight with high quality ingredients and advanced carbon technology, Ever Clean creates superior hygiene solutions that support both cats’ physical comfort and their emotional sense of security at home – helping cat parents care with confidence.

Newly launched in-store at Pets at Home, and available online, Ever Clean Senior Cat Litter has been specially developed to support cats as they age. Its advanced odour control and absorption are designed for more frequently used trays, while the gentle, paw friendly microgranules offer a softer, more comfortable litter surface for older more sensitive paws. Designed to make everyday routines easier and more comfortable, Ever Clean Senior Cat Litter helps senior cats continue to feel confident, comfortable and cared for in their own space.

About the survey

This online survey of 1,000 UK cat owners for Ever Clean was conducted independently by market research company Vitreous World. Data was collected between March and April 2026.

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