Modern veterinary medicine has increased the lifespan of cats and dogs. As a result, owners are now required to learn how to care for their pets during their senior years properly. Our Concord veterinarians have shared some helpful tips for taking care of senior cats.
A Cat's Age in Human Years
Similar to humans, cats experience aging in their own unique way. Physical changes often start to appear between the ages of 7 and 10, with most cats experiencing changes by the time they are 12 years old. While it is commonly believed that one "cat year" is equal to seven "human years", this is not entirely accurate.
In fact, a cat's first year of life is comparable to that of a 16-year-old human. By the time a cat reaches 2 years old, they are more similar to a human between 21 and 24 years old. From then on, each year of a cat's life is roughly equivalent to four human years.
For instance, a 10-year-old cat is comparable to a 53-year-old human, a 12-year-old cat is like a 61-year-old human, and a 15-year-old cat is similar to a 73-year-old human. Cats are considered seniors when they turn 10 years old, and "super seniors" at 15 years and above. As cats age, their needs may change as they become more delicate and fragile.
Aging Cats
Cats can experience many changes in their physicality and behavior as they age, just like their humans. While aging is not a disease in itself, keeping your vet abreast of changes in your senior cat will play an integral role in ensuring they receive the most comprehensive geriatric vet care possible. Some changes to watch for include:
Physical changes
- Grooming & appearance. As cats age, they may become less effective at grooming for a few reasons and develop matted or oily fur. This can result in odors on the skin, inflammation, and painful hair matting. Senior cats' claws are also often overgrown, brittle, or thick and will need more attention from their caregivers.
- Unintentional weight loss or gain. Older cats may lose weight. This can point to numerous problems, from kidney and heart disease to diabetes. Aging cats also commonly develop dental diseases, which can hinder eating and lead to weight loss and malnutrition.
- Physical activity & abilities. Degenerative joint disease or arthritis often becomes an issue for older cats who may have difficulty accessing water and food bowls, beds, and litter boxes. The need to jump or climb stairs may further hinder their ability to reach essential places. While changes in sleep patterns are a normal part of aging, a significant increase in sleep or depth of sleep may be cause for concern and be a reason to contact your vet.
Behavioral changes
- Cognitive issues. If you notice that your cat has started being confused by tasks or objects that are part of their daily routine, this may be a sign of issues with memory or cognition.
- Issues caused by disease. A cat may become aggressive due to pain from health issues like dental disease or arthritis, so keeping an eye on your cat's mood is important because cats tend to hide discomfort. Diseases and disorders affecting urination (e.g. diabetes, kidney failure) can cause an increase in litterbox usage, which may lead to cats eliminating in inappropriate areas.
Caring for Senior Cats
Here are some simple changes you can incorporate into your kitty's routine to make them more comfortable in their senior years:
- Grooming: Brushing your cat's fur, trimming their claws, and brushing their teeth are great ways to keep older cats clean and healthy, while also checking for changes in their fur, skin, nose, eyes, ears, and claws.
- Nutrition: A lot of cats get heavy or even obese as they get older, which can be controlled with diet and activity if the weight gain is non-medical. Other weight issues include elderly cats being underweight, which may be caused by a variety of medical conditions and should be assessed by a veterinarian.
- Home life: Older cats can be more sensitive to changes in routine or household, which can lead to stress. Patience and accommodations (extra affection, a favorite toy or blanket, a quiet room for them to stay in) go a long way to helping your senior cat adjust to upsetting changes. Don't forget to keep playing with your cat as they age; mental and physical stimulation is beneficial for their well-being.
- Vet care: Because cats are adept at hiding illness until it is advanced or severe, it's important to take them regularly to the vet for wellness checks even if they seem perfectly healthy. Your veterinarian will also be able to monitor any conditions that your senior cat may have, and catch any potential or emerging issues early when they're more treatable. their behavior and health.
Vet Care for Senior Cats
As a cat owner, your knowledge about your pet and your observations are valuable resources for your vet. It's important to schedule regular wellness examinations for your cat, especially if they have any medical condition. Depending on their needs, your vet may recommend increasing the frequency of these checkups.
During a senior cat's wellness examination, the vet will assess their weight, skin and fur condition, organ systems, and behavior. Diagnostic tests may also be conducted to check for common conditions in older cats.
By combining at-home care with cooperative veterinary care, you can help ensure that your senior cat enjoys a healthy and happy life with you and your family.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. Please make an appointment with your vet for an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition