At what age does a cat become a senior citizen? It is generally believed that a cat becomes a senior at approximately 8 years of age (48 years in human speak) and he/she is considered elderly or geriatric at 14 years (72 years human) and over. A 19-year-old cat is actually 92 years old (almost 100!). That’s hard to believe but terrific for us cat-loving souls!

So other than actual age in years, what signs of getting older do cats exhibit?

As cats age they tend to sleep more and are less active. There’s less jumping, playing, running and general cat excitement and enthusiasm (and cat toys don’t impress them anymore, if at all!). Sometimes they are unresponsive when spoken to and seem a bit disoriented. My cat Barry became a “senile old guy” around the age of 12. I would feed him and then 10-15 minutes later he would cry at me to feed him again! It was as if he’d completely forgotten that he had already had a meal!

Vision and hearing loss

Vision and hearing loss often occur, as does stiffness in joints. That may account for why older cats hesitate to jump up on countertops, tables and windowsills, etc. while younger ones eagerly go forward. Older cats are not as interested in the goings on of their brother and/or sister cats as much. As a rule they want to be left alone and left strictly to their own devices. “Leave me alone or pay the price.” I could almost see that very proclamation written across the annoyed face of my elderly cat Sherisse when her younger, spryer brother chose to invade her sacred “me” territory.

Physical changes

Physical changes can be noted as well. Older cats have less muscle tone and their backbones often have a more separated, brittle quality to them. Some seniors gain weight while others lose it. Appetites change as well as the taste buds of older cats (just like human beings). Older cats generally drink more water so having a full water dish or bowl (and not just during the warmer months) is extremely important.