As cats live longer, understanding the changes that come with advanced age is crucial for providing them with the best possible quality of life. While the common “seven human years for every cat year” rule is inaccurate, cats do experience physiological and behavioral shifts as they mature. A one-year-old cat is roughly equivalent to a 16-year-old human, and each subsequent year adds about four human years. By the time a cat is ten, they are akin to a 53-year-old person. Recognizing these changes and providing appropriate care can ensure your senior feline companion remains healthy and happy.
What Happens as Your Cat Ages?
Aging is a natural process, not a disease, but it brings about several physical and behavioral transformations. The immune system becomes less effective, making older cats more susceptible to infections and chronic conditions. Dehydration can further compromise circulation and immunity.
- Skin and Coat: The skin becomes thinner and less elastic, with reduced circulation, increasing the risk of infection. Older cats may also groom themselves less effectively, leading to matted fur, odor, and inflammation.
- Claws: Nails can become overgrown, thick, and brittle.
- Cognitive Changes: Similar to human senility, some older cats may exhibit wandering, excessive meowing, disorientation, and social avoidance.
- Sensory Decline: Hearing loss is common in advanced age, and while minor changes in the eyes, like lens haziness, are normal, significant vision impairment can occur due to diseases.
- Dental Health: Dental disease is highly prevalent in senior cats, causing pain and difficulties with eating.
- Appetite and Digestion: While a decreased sense of smell might play a minor role, dental discomfort is a more likely cause of reduced appetite. Loss of appetite can also signal underlying medical issues.
- Kidney Function: Age-related changes can impair kidney function, leading to kidney failure, a common ailment in older cats with varied symptoms.
- Mobility: Degenerative joint disease, or arthritis, is common. While not always causing overt lameness, it can make accessing essentials like litter boxes and food/water dishes challenging, especially if they are elevated or require climbing stairs.
- Prevalent Conditions: Conditions like hyperthyroidism, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, inflammatory bowel disease, and cancer become more common with age.
Is It Old Age or Illness?
It’s a common misconception that all changes in older cats are simply due to aging and untreatable. Never assume behavioral or physical alterations are an inevitable consequence of getting older. Any change in your cat’s behavior or condition warrants a consultation with your veterinarian. Diseases affecting any organ system, or conditions causing pain or mobility issues, can manifest as behavioral changes. For instance, a cat in pain from dental disease or arthritis might become aggressive or fearful. Increased urination due to kidney failure, diabetes, or hyperthyroidism might lead to accidents outside the litter box. Similarly, difficulty accessing a litter box due to arthritis can prompt inappropriate elimination. Older cats are also generally less adaptable to household changes, making them more sensitive to stress.
How to Keep Your Senior Cat Healthy
Close observation is your most powerful tool. Consider performing a basic weekly physical examination, with guidance from your veterinarian.
- Daily Brushing: This removes loose hair, preventing hairballs, and stimulates circulation, promoting healthier skin and coat. For older cats who may not use scratching posts as much, weekly nail trims are essential.
- Daily Tooth Brushing: The most effective way to prevent dental disease, which is common in older cats and can lead to other health issues, is regular teeth brushing with pet-specific toothpaste. Introduce this gradually over several weeks. You can find helpful videos for guidance.
- Proper Nutrition: Many senior cats become overweight, requiring a modified diet. Others may become too thin due to underlying medical conditions, necessitating special diets. Consult your vet to modify the diet as needed.
- Reducing Stress: As cats age, their ability to adapt to change diminishes. Minimize environmental stressors. If boarding is necessary, provide familiar items. Home care by a trusted person is a better alternative. Avoid introducing new pets, which can be traumatic for older cats. Moving to a new home is also stressful, but increased affection and attention can help. Remember, cats are masters at hiding illness, so early detection through careful monitoring is vital.
The Role of Your Veterinarian
Regular veterinary check-ups are as crucial as your own observations for early disease detection. Your vet may recommend more frequent evaluations for senior cats, especially if they have existing medical conditions. During these visits, your vet will review your cat’s medical and behavioral history, conduct a thorough physical exam, assess weight and body condition, and compare them to previous records. Annual tests, including blood work, fecal exams, and urinalysis, can help identify and manage disorders early, contributing to your senior cat’s optimal health.
Considering Adoption? An Older Cat Might Be Perfect
Shelters are full of wonderful senior cats often overlooked in favor of younger kittens. These mature felines are typically calmer, more likely to be litter-trained, and can offer immense companionship. If you’re considering adoption, take the time to meet the shelter’s senior residents. Opening your home to an older cat can enrich both your lives, bringing happiness and satisfaction.
