All cat breeds and individual cats have differing life expectancies, just as there’s no guarantee what age a human will live to. That said, some domestic cats can live to over 20 years old, says says PDSA Vet Nurse Nina Downing.
During their lifetime they will go through different life stages, from kitten, young adult, mature adult to senior.
Older cats often need a little extra care and attention as they enter their twilight years. Not all cats will age or act the same in later life, but generally older cats may need more rest and consideration for their aging paws, factoring in their environmental needs and diet.
What problems are cats like to develop as they age?
As our pets age, owners will begin to notice some changes - some will be sudden, and others will be gradual and harder to spot, but it’s important for owners to understand changes in behaviours and appearance that could signal there is a problem.
Owners may notice their pet’s fur colour fading slightly or that darker coloured cats sprout some white hairs, these can just be a part of ageing.
However, some owners may notice that their cats’ coat becomes less glossy, can look greasy or even clumpy. These signs can actually indicate that your cat feels less interested in grooming, so should be discussed with your vet as there could be underlying health issues causing this; such as painful dental disease or arthritis.
Senior cats may be slower on their paws, struggling with joint issues or loss of muscle, so it’s handy to keep everything they may want or need easily accessible, such as water and food bowls, as well as litter trays. When choosing litter trays, look for ones with lower sides, so they can be accessed easily by cats who are finding getting in and out more of a challenge.
Even if your cat preferred to toilet outdoors in their younger years, you may find them more inclined to use a litter tray in older age, which can be related to a lack of confidence about going outside if they feel less able to get themselves out of trouble.
Reduction in mobility may also mean your older cat is more prone to putting on weight. Ensuring you feed the correct amount of a complete senior diet and being mindful of how many treats your cat is getting, can help keep extra weight off.
Having said that, although cats may be prone to putting weight on if they’re not moving around as much, it’s also common for some older cats to lose weight, chatting this through with your vet is really important.
Unexpected weight loss shouldn’t be ignored as it can be associated with many senior health problems, including kidney disease or hyperthyroidism, both common conditions for older cats. Your vet may want to run blood and urine tests to diagnose the problem.
Tooth decay can also impact weight, if they’re put off eating. However, surprisingly, dental problems don’t always put your cat off from eating, you may instead notice teeth chattering, smelly breath or drooling, if you do notice any of these signs, your vet can help.
Changes in appetite in older cats can also be common and can be due to many of the problems discussed above. When supporting your cat with episodes of them being seemingly ‘fussy’ eaters or struggling with tooth decay, you may find that some cats prefer softer foods as their old teeth may not enjoy crunchy or hard foods. Warming food up can also help encourage them to eat.
We know cats enjoy being high up and having plenty of perches at home where they can have a good vantage point of the room. This doesn’t change as cats age, but their ability to climb, or jump up high might not be as good as it once was.
To aid your cats' natural desire to be up high, you can modify their environment to make it safer and more accessible. This can help to prevent injury and avoid pressure on stiff joints. Cat shelving can be provided at different levels to act as ladders going up the side of a wall so they can access the den or high shelf that they’re so fond of.
Common health concerns seen in older cats can include:
- Arthritis, joint and mobility problems
- Sight loss
- Hearing loss
- Cat dementia (Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome)
- Obesity
- Kidney disease
- Dental disease
- Hyperthyroidism
How to care for your elderly cat
We’d recommend all owners with an aging cat keep regular checkups with their vet at least every six months, so they can pick up on any health changes early.
Whilst some older cats tend to slow down a little or rest more, it's still really important to keep them both physically and mentally active so they stay happy and healthy.”
PDSA’s top tips for caring for older paws:
- Older cats may not be as agile as they once were, and this can make it difficult for them to take care of their coat. You can aid in their grooming routine by brushing them regularly to remove dirt and debris and keep their coat smooth and mat free.
- Watch out for the weather - older cats don’t always cope with temperature changes, so be mindful if it’s cold out or if it starts to heat up. They may not be aware that they need to get themselves back inside before they get too cold or too hot depending on the weather, you will need to keep a watch out for them and intervene as necessary.
- ·Especially for older cats who may be experiencing sight, hearing loss or dementia, it is beneficial to them to avoid moving the furniture in your house or leaving objects in their way, so everything they know in their home remains familiar, and they are less likely to be startled, and remain able to freely navigate around as usual.
- Older cats tend to sleep more than they used to, ensure they have plenty of warm and comfortable snooze spots, placed somewhere quiet in your home for the best chance of rest. Hammock-style radiator beds are especially warm, which your older cat might love, but do check the radiator doesn’t get too hot for them, you may also have to lift them in and out if they’re not as agile as they used to be.
- Cats enjoy any toy interaction – even just watching keeps them alert and stimulated. Toys they can easily play with, such as a ball, a teaser or even a puzzle feeder will keep your cat both mentally and physically happy.
- As cats age, they may become confused more easily, should they still want to venture outside it might be beneficial to install a catio (cat patio) or cat proof fencing, so there’s less chance of your cat wandering off and becoming lost. If the worst should happen and your cat get confused and lost, ensuring they are microchipped and your details up to date on the database offers the best chance of being reunited with a lost cat. Plus of course, it’s the law in England!