Most cats live for 12 to 15 years, depending on breed, however some domestic cats can live to 20. They reach their senior years at around 10 years of age (60 human years equivalent), which is when they’ll start to show signs of ageing. You’ll find your cat sleeps more during the day than it used to and is less active and playful. They also become more prone to health problems.

The following information will help you to care for your senior cat during their golden years, to help keep them happy and healthy.

How Can I Keep My Older Cat Healthy?

Grooming continues to be an important part of caring for ageing cats, including dental care. An elderly cat enjoys being brushed and it becomes valuable bonding time, as well as giving you a chance to look for any health issues. Check their ears, eyes, and teeth regularly. Older cats are more at risk of dental disease but brushing your cat’s teeth at least 3 times a week will help to keep dental issues at bay.

Yearly vaccinations continue to provide valuable protection against infectious diseases, which can be very serious in older cats. It’s also recommended to treat your cat for fleas and worms on a regular basis, even if they’re not going outside as much. Routine healthcare will help to reduce the chances of your furry friend becoming unwell.

It’s likely that your cat will become less active and playful than it used to be. They’ll prefer a quieter life and will rather spend their days curled up indoors than outside exploring. Ensure their scratching post is readily accessible, so your pet can use it whenever they experience a burst of energy or need to keep their claws in good condition.

Climbing stairs will become more difficult for your cat, due to arthritis or joint problems, so it's a good idea to have litter boxes on every floor. They’ll likely start to use their litter tray more now, rather than venturing outside. Make sure their food and water bowls are also easy to reach.

Your cat’s behaviour will change as they age, but if you notice significant changes, its best to get them checked by a veterinarian to make sure they’re not suffering from an underlying condition.

Will My Old Cat Need a Special Diet?

As cats age, they become less active, so can be prone to putting on excess weight which can cause medical problems. On the other hand, some cats lose weight as part of the ageing process. Take your cat to see a vet or vet nurse for regular weight check-ups to keep track of any weight changes.

You may need to increase or decrease the amount of food you feed them or change the type of food they’re eating. Weight loss can also be a sign of a health issue, so it's best to get your cat’s health checked.

Elderly cats can’t digest their food as well as younger cats, so need a diet designed for senior cats. Cat food for older cats, often called ‘Senior’, contain all the nutrients they need during their golden years. Ageing cats have a reduced sense of smell and taste, so may need stronger smelling foods with more flavour to tempt them.

An older cat tends to drink more, so will need easy access to a water bowl that is regularly filled with clean fresh water. If your cat is drinking and urinating more often, it could be a sign of an illness. Get them checked by your vet – they may request to do some blood work to check for conditions like diabetes.

What Health Conditions Can Older Cats Suffer From?

As cats age, they may become more prone to health issues. Older cats are masters at hiding pain, so it's important to get your cat checked regularly by your vet. An untreated medical condition will significantly affect their quality of life. The following is a list of the most common conditions seen in senior cats and what symptoms to look out for:

• Arthritis and joint problems - reluctance to move or go outdoors, struggle climbing stairs and jumping from a height, generally grumpy or quieter than normal, joint swelling, licking of the affected joint
• Blindness - reluctant to jump down from a height, walking crouched down and using their whiskers to feel their way around, cloudy eyes, bumping into things
• Cancer - signs vary depending on the type, site and stage of cancer but can include weight loss, fever, loss of appetite, tiredness, depressed, vomiting, diarrhoea/constipation,
• Cognitive dysfunction syndrome - changes in sleep, decreased attention and activity, disorientation, withdrawal, house soiling
• Cushing's disease - signs are extremely variable, most commonly increased thirst and weeing, weight loss despite no changes to appetite, lack of energy, lethargic, changes to skin and coat, pot-bellied
• Deafness – lack of response to noises, sleeping lots, may make strange noises because they can’t hear themselves
• Diabetes - increased thirst, weight loss despite good appetite
• Dental disease – pawing at mouth, difficulty eating, bad breath, tartar
• Heart problems - lack of energy/exercise intolerance, poor appetite, weight loss, difficulty breathing, swollen tummy
• Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid gland) – increased appetite and thirst, weight loss despite good appetite, coat changes (rough/unkempt), restlessness, aggression, body tremors, vomiting, diarrhoea
• Kidney problems - vomiting, loss of appetite, increased thirst/urination, depressed, weight loss, dull coat, can cause seizures in older cats
• Obesity - excessive weight gain
• Seizures – caused by kidney disease, heart problems, high blood pressure, liver disease and other conditions that are more common in older cats
• Skin tumours - lumps and bumps that can be found anywhere on the skin
• Urinary incontinence - urine dripping, wet patches on bedding/floor

Can My Elderly Cat Be Treated for an Age-Related Condition?

Fortunately, most of the health problems common in elderly cats are easily treated or controlled if caught early on. But for some conditions the treatment can be too much for an older cat, for example cancer treatment.

Deciding when to euthanize your cat is a difficult decision to make. All pet parents hope that their beloved companions will pass peacefully in their sleep. But if you're faced with a health problem that affects your cat’s quality of life, it may be the right time to let them go. Your vet will help you decide when the time is right.

As you cat ages, it relies on you more than ever for comfort, companionship, grooming, food, and water. As a pet parent, you’re responsible for keeping them happy and healthy. So, if you detect any signs that they’re unwell, don’t hesitate to speak to your vet. 

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. 

Get a quote

 

Content provided from Vetstream's Vetlexicon Felis - 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.