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!