Signs Your Cat is Getting Older and Senior: Elderly Cats

What are the signs your cat is getting older and senior? Whether you acquired your cat as a kitten or as an adult, it can be difficult to see them age.

They might not jump or pounce with the same ferocity they once did, or you could notice that they are using the litter box more frequently or that their coat is looking a little dull.

You might start to ask, "When is my cat considered senior?" and "What precisely does this entail for their behavior, health, and care?" when you become aware of these changes. For these answers and more, we consulted a veterinarian and an expert in animal behavior.

When is a cat said to be elderly? When a cat reaches the age of 11, it is regarded as a senior and remains so until the age of 14. Cats are categorized as geriatric after they reach the age of 15. It's important to keep in mind that the cat aging process differs significantly from the human aging process in order to completely comprehend these designations. During the first two years of life, cats mature quite quickly.

The first year of a cat's existence is comparable to 15 human years, according to the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). The second year of a cat's life is comparable to nine more human years, making the cat age 24. The cat's aging process slows down after these first two years. After the first two, each subsequent year is equivalent to around 4 human years. In light of this, a cat is regarded as a senior citizen when it is 11 years old, or around 60 in human years.

Signs Your Cat is Getting Older and Senior

As cats age, their behavior and health may change, just as with people. Here are a few typical ones to watch out for:

1. A new coat

As with people, cats can get gray hair with age, so if your cat's fur changes color in certain spots, don't be alarmed. Additionally, as your cat ages, its hair may get thinner or stiffer.

2. Changes in mobility

Cats tend to lose some of their former mobility as they age; your senior cat may find it more difficult to climb or jump, and they may become less active overall.

3. Changes in litter box use

When a cat reaches senior status, they may occasionally undergo digestive changes that might cause them to use the restroom more frequently. This may be the reason you're making greater messes to clean up.

4. Gain or loss of weight

As a cat ages, its weight will likely alter. In some cats, a decrease in hunger might result in weight loss, but in other cats, a reduction in mobility can result in weight increase. Although little weight fluctuations often pose no health danger, you should consult your veterinarian if you detect any significant adjustments or unusual feeding patterns. Obesity can occasionally result in diabetes or high blood pressure, both of which need to be well watched.

5. Behavioral modifications

Odd behavioral changes in older cats may be the most obvious indicator. With time, many cats get more talkative, so you could hear them meowing more frequently. Some senior cats have higher levels of anxiety, which might cause them to become anxious or to stray more frequently. Your cat may occasionally lose certain cognitive abilities and show signs of confusion or disorientation, much as people do as they age.

Even while all of these behavioral and physical changes are very typical for an elderly cat, it never hurts to consult your doctor if you observe them. Your veterinarian can help you identify aging symptoms and rule out any other possible reasons.

What are a few frequent health issues that older cats experience?

Dental illness

Dental illness is quite prevalent. In actuality, cats older than three are more likely than not to develop dental problems. Watch out for changes in appetite and feeding habits as your cat ages, and don't neglect routine checkups! Your veterinarian will do an oral examination to find any dental problems.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a painful degenerative condition where the cartilage protecting your cat's joints deteriorates. Osteoarthritis can make it difficult for your cat to walk, run, or leap because of this ongoing pain.

Hyperthyroidism

Your cat develops hyperthyroidism when their thyroid hormone production is excessive, which raises their metabolism. The ailment may lead to hyperactivity, increased hunger, and weight loss. Your veterinarian can identify and treat hyperthyroidism.

Kidney diseases

Kidney illness is more likely to affect older cats. The kidneys of your cat are important for controlling fluid balance and removing waste when they are working properly. The bloodstream may get clogged with garbage if their kidneys suffer injury. Make a vet visit if you observe your pet losing weight, having a bad coat, being dehydrated, or drinking and urinating excessively.

What can I do to help my elderly cat as they age?

You might need to make a few minor alterations to your normal care regimens as your cat ages. Here are some useful pointers:

Make a dietary strategy

Together with your veterinarian, come up with a dietary strategy for your cat so they may stay healthy and active as they age. As they age, some elderly cats lose their appetite. Try providing smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day to counteract this.

According to animal trainer and behavioral specialist Jaquelyne Kennedy, "make sure [your senior cats] are consuming meals that support whatever issues they might have due to age, and that said foods are simple to chew and digest." The availability of water should be increased as well since older cats frequently become dehydrated.

Give them a hand by grooming them

Your cat might want a bit more assistance with grooming as they become older. Regularly use a soft brush to groom your cat, paying extra care to any difficult-to-reach places like the legs and hindquarters. If you see accumulation, you can also delicately remove mucus from the eyes or nose with a warm, damp towel. Regular nail trimming is essential for cats since older cats may have trouble retracting their claws.

Keep both their body and mind active

It's crucial to keep your senior cat physically and mentally occupied because conditions like arthritis, obesity, and cognitive impairment are prevalent in older cats. Keep playing with them using their favorite toy or cardboard box. To get your cat to go hunting, throw tiny toys at it or use a string. If mobility becomes a problem, convert from vertical to horizontal scratching posts or install stairs or ramps to their favorite lookouts for easier access.

Using a toy to encourage your cat to lie on its side, grip the toy with their front paws, and kick their rear legs is advised by International Cat Care. Cats not only like this kind of play very much, but the kicking action helps senior cats with stiff rear limbs.

Go to the vet frequently

All cats should have annual exams, although elderly cats require them more than younger cats. Keeping up with preventative care is an excellent approach to discover and treat illnesses early since new health concerns may manifest more frequently and quickly than they did in their earlier years. 

Additionally, indicators of sickness can occasionally be confused with universal aging symptoms, so it's ideal to have your cat examined by your veterinarian on a frequent basis to determine what needs attention and what doesn't.

Takeaway

A annual checkup with your veterinarian is really necessary. The director of Kingsgate Animal Hospital in Texas and a veterinarian at Cat World, Dr. Jamie Whittenburg (DVM), advises that blood testing be done during this appointment to check for early indications of thyroid, liver, and renal illness.

As you can see, it may require a little additional attention to care for a cat as it ages, but it will be well worth it. Your cat may have a happy, healthy life far into old age as long as you maintain routine care and adjust to their changing appetite, grooming habits, and odd behaviors.