If you’re a cat owner then you know that all cats are different, and they each have their own peculiar ways, but what if you’ve got an old cat? What should we expect as our cats get older and have different needs? Nobody likes to think of one day losing their pet – it only feels like yesterday that you were bringing your kitten home – they’re part of the family and we all want to think that they’ll be with us for a long time, but as cats age their behaviour might also change.
Your cat may slow down and want to sleep more, and some might need more cuddles while others might want to be left alone. Older cats can be more susceptible to certain medical conditions, their muscles and bones become weaker, and their hair loses its shine, with the appearance of the odd white hair. They might suffer from reduced hearing and sight, and their memory might not be what it was. But older cats can still lead a happy, active life if their humans make a few adjustments.
Let’s take a look.
AT WHAT AGE IS A CAT CONSIDERED OLD?
The average lifespan of a cat, depending on diet, lifestyle, breed and genetics, is 13 to 17 years – although Flossie, who at 30 is the world’s oldest cat, might have something to say about that! Cats are considered to be middle-aged from the age of seven, senior from 11 to 14 years old, and geriatric from the age of 15.
WHAT SHOULD I FEED MY ELDERLY CAT?
A cat’s dietary needs can change as they get older, they may not be as active as they once were, or they may have a reduced sense of taste or smell. With guidance from your vet, you could have a look at diets that are specifically designed for senior cats. If your cat has less appetite, you could try feeding them little and often or trying different flavours and consistencies; some older cats also prefer having their food warmed up.
WHAT HEALTH ISSUES MIGHT AFFECT MY OLDER CAT?
ARTHRITIS
90% of cats over the age of 12 show evidence of arthritis, yet many owners aren’t aware of it. One of the most important factors in arthritis prevention and treatment is weight, even just a couple of pounds extra can put pressure on painful joints. One of the best things you can do for your cat is take them for regular check-ups with a vet; they may suggest medication or dietary supplements, and acupuncture can also help.
So, do I need to adapt my house as my cat gets older? Your cat might find it more difficult to scratch on a vertical post so you could swap it for a horizontal one and check their claws regularly for damage. Older cats still like to climb, they just might not be as flexible as they used to be, so getting up and down could be a struggle, especially if their eyesight isn’t what it was. You could help them by positioning a piece of furniture as a step, as well as placing cushions underneath windowsills etc so they have a soft landing if they misjudge that jump.
DENTAL PROBLEMS
Dental problems are also common in older cats; they can get holes in their teeth, break a tooth, or develop gum disease, as well as develop oral tumours. Dental infections could get into the bloodstream and affect other organs in the body, such as the heart, liver, and kidneys, so it’s important that you keep an eye on them so you can spot any problems early on.
Cats can’t tell you when something is hurting, but you can look out for signs such as bad breath, reduced appetite, problems eating, drooling and facial swelling. It might be necessary to remove a tooth, and while any surgery on an older pet is a worry, modern anaesthetics are considered safe and removing the tooth will mean your cat can eat normally again and be much happier.
BEHAVIOURAL CHANGES IN OLD CATS
Lots of things can affect an ageing cat’s behaviour and there are any number of things that could mean your usually playful cat isn’t their usual self, for example, impaired hearing, a reduced sense of taste and smell or sore joints. Like humans, cats can suffer from dementia so if you do notice any particularly odd behaviour, for example, if they often seem confused, or don’t greet you as they usually do when you walk through the door, it might be worth getting them checked out by a vet.
Above all, cats like routine and may not cope as well with changes, or stress, so introduce new routines/food/toys gradually.
OTHER PROBLEMS IN OLD CATS
It’s always a good idea to keep an eye on your cat’s weight, whatever their age, but weight loss can be a sign of illness in older cats, including:
- Diabetes
- Kidney Disease
- Liver Disease
- Heart Problems
- Bowel Problems
Weight gain is just as serious, as overweight cats are more prone to kidney conditions, diabetes, and arthritis. Remember, fluid intake is also important but if your cat is struggling to move around as much it might be worth putting more than one bowl of water around the house, this means they can access it more easily, wherever they are in the house.
HOW TO KEEP AN OLD CAT HAPPY
It’s worth keeping an eye out for signs that they may not be grooming themselves as often, so they might need help with a soft brush, taking care where their bones protrude, and a damp cloth around their eyes. Grooming your older cat will also help strengthen your bond.
Older cats still like to play as much as they did when they were little, it just might not be as energetic! Play time is still important and, as with humans, gentle exercise is great for supporting mental and physical health, it just needs to be adapted slightly. By all means give them that trusty cardboard box to play with, but you might want to put it on its side so they can get in and out more easily.
Looking after an older cat can have its challenges, as some symptoms that are common signs of ageing could also be an indicator of something more serious; sitting and staring at a blank wall could be interpreted as a sign of dementia, but it’s also something a lot of younger cats do too. And they might not be ignoring you because they’re confused and have forgotten who you are, it could just be that they can’t hear you because their hearing isn’t as good anymore (or they might just be ignoring you, because they’re cats…).
As any cat owner knows, cats are notoriously stubborn and often change long-held habits for no clear reason other than they can! The key is to know your cat and know what normal behaviour for them is. You might also want to have a look at our senior cat insurance that is specifically tailored to the older cat, aged eight and over that you can tweak with our range of optional benefits to suit your needs. Our cats are our family, and we want them to enjoy every minute of those nine lives!
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