Cats are living much longer than before due to improved nutrition and state-of-the-art vet care. They may slow down and develop some health problems as they grow older, but elderly cats can still have a good quality of life.

Often, people considering adopting a cat choose an older cat because they’re less energetic than younger cats. Older cats are more likely to be happy spending time at home with their family. So how old can a cat live and how can we better care for old cats?

How Old Is My Cat in Human Years?

 

Once cats reach 11 years of age, they are classified as elderly. Cats between 11 and 14 are considered senior, while those over 15 years are classified as super-senior.

When converting human years to cat years, the first 2 years are equivalent to 24 years, and after that, every cat year is equivalent to 4 human years. For example, a 14-year-old cat would be approximately 72 in human years. With modern care, it's increasingly common for cats to live to 18 years or more, which would be about 88 in human years.

Health Problems Facing Older Cats

As cats live longer lives, their immune systems weaken, and they can be prone to developing certain medical conditions which affect older cats, including:

• Dental disease
• Hyperthyroidism
• Arthritis
• Degenerative joint disease
• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Kidney disease
• Cancer
• Eye problems
• Hearing issues

Checking your cat regularly is important – if they’re drinking more, have weight loss or new lumps and bumps, make an appointment with your vet. An old cat should have regular health check-ups so any health issues can be picked up before they get too advanced. And don’t forget that they’ll still need vaccinations and worm and flea treatments to keep them healthy.

Diet and Weight Issues in Old Cats

Some cats may put on weight as they get older, and you’ll have to reduce the amount of food you give them. Others may lose weight. An older cat losing weight may find eating painful due to dental disease. It’s very common for older cats to have problems with their teeth so make sure any dental problems are investigated by your vet.

Another reason for old cats losing their appetite is they may lose their sense of taste or smell. You may need to tempt them with more flavoured foods, change the texture of their food or warm it up slightly to make it more appealing. The oldies may also be less able to digest their cat food, so feeding little and often may be best. Your vet may recommend feeding your cat a special diet designed for senior cats.

If an older cat is losing weight despite having an increased appetite, this could be due to hyperthyroidism. A rough and unkempt coat is another sign of this condition. Cats may also be restless, aggressive, have vomiting and diarrhoea and increased drinking and urination. Most cats will recover after treatment (medication, surgical removal of the thyroid tumour or radioiodine therapy).

Weight control is also important in the long term if your senior cat has developed diabetes.

Keeping Your Old Cat Healthy

As your cat gets older, finding new ways to keep them healthy and happy is important. While older cats may not be as enthusiastic about romping and exploring outdoors, they still need to stay active. Encouraging gentle movement throughout the day can help keep their joints and muscles in good condition. Engage your senior cat in playtime, as many older cats remain playful and can benefit from mental and physical exercise.

Grooming becomes increasingly essential as cats age. Due to decreased flexibility, older cats may need assistance with grooming, especially reaching areas like their lower back and legs. This presents a perfect opportunity for you to check for any lumps, bumps, or painful areas. 

In addition to grooming, older cats may require regular claw trimming every 2-4 weeks. This helps prevent overgrowth and discomfort, especially if your cat is less active than before. Many older cats are less inclined to scratch and wear down their claws naturally, making regular trimming essential for their comfort and well-being.

Creating a comfortable and stimulating environment for your ageing cat is crucial for their overall well-being. Providing cosy beds, plenty of vertical space for climbing and stretching, and interactive toys can help keep your senior cat physically and mentally engaged.

Focusing on your cat's unique needs, and making adjustments to their care routine, you can help ensure a happy and healthy life for your feline companion.

Making Life Easier for Your Older Cat

Some small adaptations to your home can help keep your cat mobile in their old age. Osteoarthritis is a common health condition in senior cats. If you notice any signs that their joints are stiff and they're showing signs of pain, make an appointment with your vet.

Arthritic cats may no longer be able to climb stairs as easy, so make sure all their needs are accessible on one level. They may find certain types of flooring slippery and unstable as well. Placing rugs (ideally cut pile rather than loop pile) can mean that your cat is comfortable walking around.

Cats love to sit somewhere high and watch the world go by but as they get older, climbing and jumping may be difficult for them. Make sure they can easily access their favourite places by providing shallow steps or ramps. Sleeping areas, litter trays, food and water bowls may also need to be relocated so they’re more accessible.

Older cats often need to drink more - if they don’t like drinking out of a bowl, raise it slightly to make it easier to drink from. Drinking fountains can also be used to encourage them to drink more. And if they still like to go outside but find their cat flap difficult to negotiate, place a small ramp at either side to make things easier for them.

Old cats may also find vertical scratching posts harder to use so provide a horizontal surface for easy access, so they can continue scratching if they enjoy it.

Behavioural Changes in Old Cats

As cats age, it's normal for them to slow down. Some elderly cats may become grumpier, and this temperament change could indicate underlying pain or discomfort. It's crucial to regularly discuss any shifts in your cat's personality with your vet during their health check-ups. Addressing these changes early on, you can ensure your feline friend receives the care and attention they need.

Just like humans, cats can suffer from cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS) as they get older. This condition, similar to dementia in humans, can manifest in various ways, such as forgetfulness, disorientation, and increased vocalization. You may notice that your senior cat forgets how to use their litter box, becomes disoriented in familiar surroundings, or becomes more vocal than usual. 

Changes in their sleep cycles can lead to nighttime restlessness, with symptoms such as pacing, wandering, and crying during the night. They may also withdraw from interactions with family members and exhibit signs of aggression.

If you observe any of these behaviours in your ageing cat, it is crucial to schedule an appointment with your vet. Your vet will conduct a thorough examination to rule out any underlying health conditions that might be contributing to these changes.

How Long Do Cats Live?

Understanding the average lifespan of a cat is essential for providing them with the best care and a fulfilling life. The average age of cats varies, but indoor cats generally live longer than outdoor cats. Today, the average cat age ranges from 12 to 15 years old. Regular vet check-ups, a balanced diet, and a safe environment can help improve a cat's life expectancy.

As a cat owner, its important to be aware of the factors that affect the average lifespan of a cat. You must prepare for the responsibilities that come along with caring for a cat as they age. 

Signs a Cat Is Dying of Old Age

Sadly, there comes a time when an older cat no longer has a good quality of life. Their health will decline, and you may feel that your cat no longer is able to enjoy life. You may want to discuss your cat’s end of life care plan with your vet.

Deciding the right time to let go of your cat is a difficult decision. If you notice the following old age dying symptoms in your cat, then it may be time to say goodbye:

• No longer eating and drinking
• Extreme weight loss
• No longer able to use the litter tray
• Unable to stand or move about
• Unkempt appearance and abnormal odour
• Abnormal breathing
• Decreased heart rate
• Drop in body temperature
• Repeated seizures

As cats move past their golden years, it’s normal for them to slow down. Signs of their ageing process can affect their health, behaviour and mobility. But with some tender loving care, your senior cat can still have a good quality of life while reaching a ripe old age. Old cats make wonderful companions!

Everypaw Cat Insurance

Everypaw's Cat Insurance comes with 24/7 unlimited access to vets and vet nurses that can help with your pet's health, care, nutrition and behaviour. So you can rest assured your kitty will be well looked after. 

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Content provided from Vetstream's Vetlexicon Felis - https://www.vetlexicon.com/felis/

Vetlexicon is the world’s largest peer-reviewed online clinical reference source. All our content is written and peer-reviewed by over 1,000 of the world’s leading veterinarians, ensuring relevance, accuracy and quality.