Do you know the signs that your cat will show once he/she becomes a senior citizen? Do you know at what age your cat will actually be a senior? Once a cat reaches 8 years of age (48 years in human terms) he/she is considered elderly. Once he reaches 14 years (72 in human years) he is considered geriatric. Let's take a closer look ...
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.
Dental problems
Dental problems are more common in older cats. An ounce of prevention when they are young and just starting out helps promote good dental hygiene and see them through their elderly years. Word of warning- best to leave teeth cleaning to the veterinarians otherwise you are liable to end up with some very painful cuts on your fingers. Cats do not like people poking around in their mouths (even their loving and faithful owners- ouch!).
Bladder control problems
Bladder control problems plague some cats so an extra dose of patience and understanding is necessary to cope with your aging cat. Vomiting is very common in older cats as the digestive system doesn’t function as well as it did when your sweetie was young. Again be patient, and it would be a really good idea to keep a fair share of sponges, rags and cleaning supplies on hand for the accident days. I’ve cleaned up so much regurgitated food over the years (and stepped in some too!) that I can laugh about it now. When you love your cat(s) vomit becomes par for the course! I’ve become an incredibly good cleaning lady as I’ve had lots of experience. Another thing to be aware of is this, older cats sometimes misinterpret their positions when they are using their litter pans so it’s a smart move to put newspapers under the pan to catch any of the residual mess they very well might make.
Sense of balance
Senior citizen cats have a worse sense of balance than their younger counterparts. With this in mind, if you have a stubborn older cat who insists on jumping up on ledges, high shelves or windowsills, consider strategically placing stepladders or chairs near their favorite spots to make it easier for them.
Cats and laps
Lap cats tend to become more “lapalicious” as they age. If your young cat always wants to fall asleep on your lap when you sit down to watch television or red a book, prepare yourself for even more time on the couch or in your favorite chair as your cat ages. Get comfortable because you’ll be there for a while!
Pain or discomfort
Aging happens to all cats but if yours seems to be in obvious pain or discomfort that’s a sign that something is very wrong and a visit to the vet will be an absolute necessity. Older cats are less limber and less energetic but don’t make the mistake of assuming that pain and aging naturally go hand in hand. They don’t.
Time and attention
Older cats want less of your time and attention, which makes them even better home buddies. In face many become loner types, preferring their own company to anyone else’s. They will let you know when they want something from you, like food or their litter pan cleaned. Oh how they will tell you! In my experience felines often “talk” more in their senior years. It makes for interesting communication. I swear my cats know exactly what I’m saying to them- they learn keywords and sounds through repetition, and respond in their own way to my words and mannerisms.
Not a diehard rule but …
It’s not a diehard rule of senior cats but I find that some seek more comfort and reassurance from their owners in their later years. My female cat Georgia rarely slept on my bed at night when she was young but now that she’s nine going on ten she waits for me to get into bed and settle in and then she herself settles in for a good night’s sleep, usually nestled close to me.
Older cats have special needs and considerations but can be every bit as funny, sweet and loving, as they were as spry younger cats. Take good care of your cat and he/she very possibly could have many more “cat” years ahead. Some cats have been known to hit the twenty year mark and upwards. And remember that senior and sickly are not synonymous. Enjoy your time with your purrfectly meowelous feline friend and in his or her own way, they’ll thank you for it. And that will be reward enough!