Aging comes with changes for pets and people alike. Gradual changes in activity, behavior, and appearance can be normal for aging cats, but significant or sudden changes in older cats shouldn’t be automatically attributed to aging.
Your cat’s veterinarian can help distinguish normal aging in cats from health concerns that may be treatable.
Q1: How Can I Tell If My Cat Is Aging Normally?
Normal signs of aging in cats tend to occur gradually. These may include:
- Sleeping more
- Playing or exercising less
- Slight loss of muscle
- Mild changes to appearance of coat
- Mild changes in sensory abilities, like vision or hearing
The timing and extent of these changes will vary from cat to cat.
It’s also important to note that some health issues can also cause gradual changes. For example, osteoarthritis may cause a slow decrease in mobility and activity that also results in decreased muscle mass.
Q2: When Is a Cat Considered a Senior?
So, when is a cat considered a senior? Cats are generally considered senior around 11 years of age, although the exact timing of aging can vary between individual cats. Some cats may remain active and healthy well into their senior years, while others develop age-related changes earlier.
As cats get older, you may notice changes in their behavior, activity level, and appetite. Senior cat behavior changes can include sleeping more, playing less, becoming less social, or showing changes in their daily routines. Gradual changes can be normal, but sudden or significant changes should be evaluated by a veterinarian.
If you’re wondering, "Do cats eat less as they get older?", that's not necessarily the case. Some senior cats may have a decreased appetite, but a noticeable or persistent reduction in food intake shouldn’t automatically be considered a normal part of aging. Dental disease, kidney disease, gastrointestinal problems, and other health conditions can affect appetite in older cats.
Talk with your veterinarian if your senior cat is eating significantly less than usual or has other changes in weight, behavior, or activity.
Q3: What Changes Are Not Necessarily Normal?
The following are not considered normal aging signs in cats, whether the change occurs gradually or quickly:
- Significant weight loss or weight gain
- Major changes in appetite
- Excessive thirst
- Changes in litter box habits, like increased accidents in the house
- Difficulty jumping, using stairs, lying down, or getting up
- Confusion or significant behavior changes, like hiding or aggression
- Excessive vocalization
- Poor grooming
- Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
Many of the common cat aging symptoms can be managed more effectively when detected early, so contact your veterinarian if you’re concerned about any changes to your cat’s appearance or behaviors.
Q4: How Often Should a Senior Cat See the Vet?
It’s common for veterinarians to recommend a wellness exam every six months for seniors, but your vet’s specific recommendation will vary depending on your pet’s health needs. More frequent vet visits are recommended for older cats because seniors are more likely to develop chronic health issues, like arthritis or kidney disease, as they age. These early visits can help detect aging cat health problems sooner.
Your cat’s routine vet visits may include:
- Physical examination
- Weight monitoring
- Dental evaluation
- Blood or urine testing
- Chest or abdominal imaging
- Preventative care, like vaccination
- Monitoring of known medical conditions
Q5: How Can I Help My Cat Age Well?
While you can’t control everything that happens as your cat ages, there are steps you can take to help promote health as your cat grows older.
- Schedule regular veterinary examinations as recommended by your pet’s veterinarian.
- Monitor your cat’s appetite, water intake, energy level, mobility, grooming, and litter box habits.
- Keep the environment comfortable and accessible. This means considering what toys and environmental enrichment are appropriate for your aging cat, and providing soft, comfortable beds.
- Provide your cat with an age-appropriate diet that’s complete and balanced. Look for foods that meet the standards of the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) and/or the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA).
- Assist your cat with grooming if needed, especially if they have decreased flexibility or mobility.
- Get any significant or sudden changes to your cat’s appearance, behavior, or activity evaluated by a veterinarian.
Early Intervention Is Best
While slow changes to your cat’s behavior or appearance can be a normal part of aging, you shouldn’t automatically assume that changes, especially noticeable ones, are due to aging. To identify problems early, seek regular veterinary care and make sure you’re aware of your pet’s baseline. If you’re noticing sudden or significant changes to your cat, speak with a veterinarian to rule out underlying medical issues. Remember—early intervention often means better outcomes!
