Senior Cats: The Golden Years

Cats are considered senior once they reach 11 years of age, though some veterinarians may classify cats as seniors from 7 years old. Cats can live for 12-15 years on average, but some can reach 18, 19, or even 20 years old. The aging process in cats is unique to each individual, but around the ages of 7 to 10, many cats start exhibiting age-related physical transformations, with the majority experiencing these changes by the time they reach 12 years old. Senior cats may experience various behavioral and physical changes, such as decreased mobility, vision changes, weight loss or gain, and behavioural changes such as litter box accidents or avoidance of humans.

Senior cats are generally 7+ years old

Cats are generally considered senior when they are 7 years old or more. However, this can vary, and some sources suggest cats are seniors at 10 or 11 years old. The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) considers cats seniors once they turn 10.

Regardless of the exact age, it's important to note that ageing in cats isn't a disease. However, as cats age, they may experience various physical and behavioural changes. These changes can include decreased mobility, possible vision changes, and increased vocalisation.

To accommodate their changing needs, you can make some adjustments at home. For instance, providing a warm and comfortable bed, making their environment more accessible, and scheduling regular vet visits can help ensure your senior cat remains happy and healthy.

Senior cats may also benefit from a change in diet. Senior cat food is generally lower in calories and higher in protein to support their changing nutritional needs. However, it's always best to consult your veterinarian before making any dietary changes.

While your cat may be entering their senior years, they can still enjoy a great quality of life with proper care and attention.

Senior cats may experience unintentional weight loss or gain

Cats are generally considered senior when they are between 7 and 11 years old. At this stage in their lives, they may experience unintentional weight loss or gain.

Senior cats have a decreased ability to absorb fat and protein. They lose about a third of their lean body mass, which is the weight of the cat without any fat. After cats reach 11 years old, they require more nutrition just to maintain their resting body weight. This can result in weight loss, especially if a health condition causes your cat to not eat well.

Senior cats may lose weight gradually, so it can be challenging to notice day-to-day changes. However, if a senior cat is ill, weight loss can be rapid and dramatic. If your cat is losing weight, it's important to consult your veterinarian as soon as possible. They will be able to determine the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment options.

There are two types of weight loss: total body mass and lean body mass, or muscle. Typically, when a cat loses weight, the body prioritises the elimination of fat over muscle. However, in some cases, muscle is lost instead, coupled with the natural loss of muscle that occurs as cats age.

Loss of total body mass is usually more noticeable, as your cat will have less fat under the stomach and around the waist, resulting in a smaller midsection. On the other hand, muscle loss can be harder to identify. Running your hand down your cat's spine is a good way to feel for muscle loss, as the bones will protrude more, and you will be able to feel firm bumps along your cat's back. Other muscles, such as the legs, may also appear skinnier, especially the back legs.

While some weight loss is common in senior cats, it is not always normal. Many health conditions that increase a cat's nutritional needs occur more frequently in older cats. Additionally, older cats may hide their illness until they feel very sick, allowing too much weight loss to occur rapidly. Therefore, it is crucial to monitor your senior cat's weight and behaviour closely and seek veterinary advice if you have any concerns.

On the other hand, some senior cats may experience unintentional weight gain. This can be due to a decrease in physical activity as a result of age-related conditions such as arthritis or degenerative joint disease. Obesity in senior cats can be managed through diet and increased activity if the weight gain is non-medical.

Senior cats may have trouble climbing or jumping

Cats are considered senior when they are around 7 to 11 years old. However, the aging process differs from cat to cat, and some cats remain spry well into their senior years. Senior cats may experience a decrease in mobility and possible vision changes. One of the most common issues senior cats face is arthritis, which can make it difficult for them to climb or jump.

Arthritis is a degenerative condition that causes pain and inflammation in a cat's joints. It can lead to stiffness, lethargy, and difficulty moving, including climbing and jumping. While there is no cure for arthritis, there are ways to manage your cat's discomfort. Your veterinarian may recommend non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), joint supplements, comfortable bedding, and ramps or steps to help your cat access high places.

In addition to arthritis, other health issues can contribute to a senior cat's difficulty with climbing and jumping. These include:

• Weight gain: Excess weight can put extra stress on joints and make it harder for cats to jump or climb.
• Hip dysplasia: This condition affects the hip joint, causing pain and reduced mobility. It can be managed with joint supplements, exercise, and, in severe cases, surgery.
• Vision problems: Deteriorating eyesight or blindness can make jumping and climbing more challenging for senior cats.
• Paw health issues: Overgrown claws or dry and cracked paw pads can make it uncomfortable for cats to jump or climb.
• Cognitive decline: As cats age, they may experience cognitive dysfunction similar to Alzheimer's disease in humans, which can affect their ability to jump or climb.
• Slippery surfaces: Cats need firm footing to jump or climb, so slippery surfaces can make it difficult for them to generate enough momentum.

If you notice your senior cat struggling to climb or jump, it is important to consult your veterinarian. They can help diagnose any underlying health issues and recommend appropriate treatments or management strategies.

Senior cats may experience behavioural changes

Cats with FCD may also become more anxious and aggressive. Their relationships with their owners and other pets in the household may change. They may become overly clingy and dependent, or they may lose interest in being petted or interacting with people and other animals.

Other behavioural changes in senior cats can include increased vocalisations, restlessness, and changes in their sleep-wake cycles. They may wake up during the night and sleep more during the day. This can be caused by anxiety or pain from other medical conditions.

It is important to note that behavioural changes in senior cats are not always related to cognitive dysfunction. They can also be caused by other medical or degenerative illnesses that cause pain, discomfort, or decreased mobility. For example, arthritis can make cats less active and create difficulties in using the litter box. Cats with arthritis may also urinate and defecate in inappropriate places.

If you notice behavioural changes in your senior cat, it is important to consult your veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical conditions and determine the best course of treatment.

Senior cats may have dental issues

Cats are generally considered seniors when they are between 7 and 10 years old, with most experiencing age-related physical transformations by the time they reach 12. Senior cats may have dental issues, which can be painful and lead to other health problems.

Dental issues in senior cats can be caused by a buildup of plaque, leading to inflamed and painful gums, known as gingivitis. If left untreated, gingivitis can develop into periodontal disease. Senior cats are also at risk of tooth resorption, a condition that affects up to 75% of cats aged 5 or older, causing erosion and eventual destruction of the tooth's structure. Other dental issues include stomatitis, an immune response that causes severe inflammation of a cat's mouth tissues, and oral tumours, which are often malignant.

Signs of dental problems in senior cats include drooling, pawing at the mouth, bad breath, decreased appetite, and weight loss. Some cats may also exhibit more subtle signals, such as a failure to groom normally. It is important to take your senior cat for regular dental exams and to practice good dental hygiene at home, such as brushing their teeth with a feline-approved toothpaste.

Dental issues in senior cats can often be treated with professional dental cleaning and, in some cases, extraction of problem teeth. It is important to consult your veterinarian for advice and treatment options.

Frequently asked questions