You’re settling in for your nightly routine with your cute kitty. You know the one. It’s when you watch your feisty feline chase the laser pointer all over the walls and furniture. Typically, it’s a pretty rousing play session, but lately, you notice your cat’s not quite into it as much as they used to be.
Before you assume something must be wrong, remind yourself about how old your cat is. If they’re around the 10-year mark, it’s likely their newfound penchant for a slower pace is due to their age.
When Does a Cat Enter Their Senior Years?
The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) discusses various ranges when it comes to cats and their aging process. There is no specific age at which a cat suddenly becomes a senior, because every pet is unique.
However, overall, you can consider a cat that is 11-14 years old a senior. From 7 to 10 years old, cats are middle-aged, and they enter their geriatric years at 15 years old.
Age Isn’t Just a Number
If your cat is 10, technically, they’re approaching their senior years, but you need to look beyond the number. Just because a cat is 10 doesn’t mean they’re automatically going to stop playing, eat less, or move more slowly.
On the flip side, some cats might start doing all of these things by 10, maybe even sooner. The best thing for you to do is to keep these age ranges in mind when you start to notice your cat showing various signs of aging.
If the symptoms begin to appear when your cat is older, it’s more likely that age plays a role. Understanding these signs means you can get your pet the proper help and make their life as comfortable and happy as possible.
Common Signs of Aging in Cats
Recognizing typical signs of aging in cats helps you know what to expect as your cat gets older. It’s always a smart choice to discuss any differences in your pet’s behavior, disposition, or appearance with your vet. However, understanding that certain changes come with age can help ease your mind.
Mobility Changes
Older cats tend to slow down a bit, jump less, and take a little longer to get going. You might notice your pet starts to forego their favorite perch atop the bookshelf in favor of a sunny spot on the floor. Instead of chasing the laser pointer, they’d rather stretch out on your lap.
Overall, cats sleep a lot, but senior kitties like to snag even more rest, so they’re enjoying their golden years by taking more time to relax. However, other potential culprits for hesitating to jump, stiffness, and slower movement could be arthritis or joint issues.
Appetite Shifts
Senior cats experience metabolic changes that may require dietary tweaks to maintain a healthy weight. You may notice your cat wants to eat more or less than usual. Discuss diet changes with your vet to keep your cat on the right track and ensure they get the appropriate amount of nutrients.
You also want to make sure that your cat’s decreased appetite isn’t due to dental disease or other oral problems. Broken teeth and sore gums could cause your cat to drop food, chew on one side of their mouth, or be reluctant to eat at all.
If your older cat loses weight, this is not a normal part of aging, so address it with your vet as soon as possible. It’s important to catch things early, as some causes of rapid weight loss, such as diabetes or hyperthyroidism, are treatable.
Different Grooming Habits
Cats tend to be the experts at self-care in the pet world, but as they get older, grooming habits dwindle. Remember, older cats like to rest more, which means less time for self-maintenance.
You may notice your cat grooming themselves less, but you’ll also spot physical signs, like a dull coat, waxy ears, or longer nails. Your cat will start to rely more on you for things they used to do. Consequently, you might want to start practicing things like trimming their nails, daily brushing, and even bathing your cat.
Behavior Changes
In addition to changes in appetite and grooming, you may notice your older cat behaving differently in other ways. For example, did thunderstorms once send your cat fleeing to safety under the bed, but now they seem unfazed? They might be experiencing hearing loss.
Their hesitation to jump could be due to some vision decline, or maybe you notice them bumping into the couch more often. Vision and hearing loss come with age, but stay observant. If it seems to happen suddenly, there could be underlying conditions to blame.
Your kitty might also get more fussy, especially if you disturb them from a restful slumber. Sometimes, age simply exaggerates an already persnickety disposition, but if your cat seems to be extremely irritable, they could be in pain. Cats hide pain well, so if they’re showing their discomfort, talk to your vet.
Is It Your Cat’s Age or Something Else?
When you begin noticing these (or any) changes in your cat as they get older, remind yourself that age could be a factor. However, it’s essential to remember that other conditions could cause these same symptoms.
Therefore, keep up with your pet’s routine vet checkups, and as they reach their senior years, plan to do a well visit every 6 months. Your vet will determine whether your cat’s symptoms are simply age-related or something else, such as kidney disease or high blood pressure.
A typical senior cat vet exam includes blood work to help identify any underlying medical conditions or concerns. One of the best things you can do for your pet is to be proactive about their health.
Tips to Keep Your Senior Cat Happy and Healthy
Here are some tips on how you can help keep your senior cat happy, healthy, and loving life.
- Be proactive, stay on schedule with vet visits, and address any concerns immediately.
- If your cat is an outdoor cat, start transitioning them to an indoor cat.
- Switch to low-sided litter boxes.
- Create a comfy place for your cat to rest on the floor, rather than having to jump.
- If your cat loves to be on the furniture, provide them with a ramp or steps, but stay watchful. When these things become too hard for your cat to use, it’s best to keep them grounded.
- A raised bowl means your cat doesn’t have to bend down to reach their dish, easing strain on neck joints.
- Assist with grooming or consider bringing your cat to a groomer.
- Ask your vet about special diets designed for senior pets to help your cat look and feel their best.
- Discuss supplementation with your vet to fill nutritional gaps or support joint health.
Guide Your Cat Into Their Golden Years With Grace
As your cat gets older, remember they’re still your precious pet and best friend. Shower them with attention (when they want it) and give them their space when they want to rest.
Stay alert to changes so you can address concerns promptly, and pamper your pet as they progress through their golden years. After all, they deserve it
For more ways to be the best pet parent to your favorite feline, check out the rest of the Neater Pets blog.