Caring for Older Cats
Thanks to advances in veterinary care, better nutrition, and increased awareness of feline health, cats are now living longer and healthier lives. However, like humans, ageing brings changes, and you may notice that your once-active cat has become a little less energetic.
Understanding the natural changes that come with ageing and taking steps to support your cat’s health, comfort, and activity can help ensure that both you and your pet make the most of their senior years.
How will I know when my cat is getting “old’?
As cats enter their senior years, they undergo gradual changes similar to those seen in ageing humans. Their coat may lose some of its colour and shine, their bodies may become less flexible, and reflexes may slow. However, it’s important to note that some of these changes can also be caused by conditions more common in older cats. For example, an overactive thyroid can dull the coat, while arthritis can make movement painful, leading to reduced grooming and mobility.
Hearing, vision, and sense of smell may also decline, and overall energy levels often decrease. Because cats are naturally adaptable, the earliest signs of ageing are usually subtle: a slight drop in activity, longer and deeper sleep, and a tendency to spend more time resting.
When does a cat enter ‘old’ age?
Signs of ageing in cats can start to appear anywhere between seven and eleven years of age. Indoor cats that have been well cared for, particularly those that are neutered, tend to age more slowly than cats that have faced illness or environmental challenges earlier in life.
While wild or feral male cats often live only around three years, a well-cared-for, neutered house cat can live comfortably into its late teens and, in exceptional cases, even reach the early twenties. As with humans, the ageing process varies between individual cats, and your veterinary surgeon can advise when your cat should be considered a “senior.”
Twice-Yearly Check-Ups for Senior Cats
As cats grow older, regular veterinary check-ups become increasingly important. For senior cats, it is recommended to schedule a comprehensive examination every six months, as cats can age the equivalent of four human years within a single calendar year.
During these visits, your vet will carry out a full physical examination and may also perform simple urine and blood tests. These tests can detect early-stage diseases that may not yet show obvious symptoms, allowing for prompt treatment. Early intervention often leads to better outcomes and helps your cat stay healthy and comfortable in its senior years.
Monitoring your older cat’s health
It’s essential to inform your veterinary surgeon about any noticeable changes in your senior cat’s behaviour or physical condition. This might include eating or drinking more or less than usual, urinating more frequently, grooming less, changes in their coat, or reduced responsiveness to familiar commands or signals.
One practical way to track changes is to measure your cat’s daily water intake and share this information with your vet. If you’re doing this, ensure your cat doesn’t go outside or drink from sources such as the toilet, which could skew your measurements.
Sometimes, what appears to be normal ageing may actually indicate a treatable medical condition. For example, a reluctance to play or exercise may not simply be due to reduced energy; it could be caused by arthritis, which can lead to stiffness and discomfort but can be managed effectively with proper treatment.
Regular veterinary check-ups allow your vet to develop a suitable preventative health programme and detect potential problems early, ensuring that your cat enjoys healthy, happy senior years.
The Right Diet for an Older Cat
As cats age, their nutritional needs often change. Some cats may eat less but still gain weight due to a slower metabolism or decreased activity. Excess weight can contribute to or worsen conditions such as diabetes, heart, respiratory, skin, and joint problems. To help your cat lose weight, consider offering smaller portions or gradually switching to a lower-calorie diet. Many veterinary practices provide free weight management clinics run by qualified nurses for personalised guidance.
Other cats may lose weight as they get older, sometimes due to conditions like kidney disease, hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), heart disease, dental issues, or diabetes. These illnesses can affect appetite in different ways, either reducing or increasing food intake. In all cases, consult your veterinary surgeon to determine the most appropriate diet and nutritional plan for your senior cat.