Whether they seem to have lost all interest in food or are eating more than ever, as cats age many can become decidedly bony.
Changes in Weight and Appetite
Alternatively, you may notice your elderly feline looking more boney and gaunt, which can happen if your cat cannot absorb the nutrients in their food as well as they did in their youth. If their nutrition requirements are not met, they may lose lean muscle mass.
Many elderly cats can lose weight – often over such a long period of time that owners who see them daily don't notice the change. This weight loss can be due to old age, but more often than not, it is an indicator of disease.
If your cat is feeling especially bony and no longer has as much muscle covering these areas, some muscle loss is likely happening. Obesity can make this harder to appreciate, since fat can cover these areas, making it harder to feel muscle tone.
While this is normal as a cat ages, it should happen gradually rather than suddenly. A cat spine that feels knobby isn't always a cause for immediate concern, but it can be, so you should monitor your cat's weight and habits carefully and consult your veterinarian with any questions.
There are two main causes for a skinny cat: Either they aren't eating enough, or they're expending more calories than they are taking in. They may not be eating enough due to stress, dental disease, nausea or a host of other reasons.
The clearest way to identify feline hyperthyroidism is by monitoring your cat's weight and eating habits, especially as they get older. According to the Veterinary Centers of America, “The most common clinical sign of hyperthyroidism is weight loss due to the increased rate of metabolism despite an increased appetite.
Older cats tend to be less active and playful, they may sleep more, gain or lose weight, and have trouble reaching their favorite places. Don't chalk up health or behavior changes - often gradual - to old age, however.
In recent years, feline ages and life-stages have been redefined, cats are considered to be elderly once they reach 11 years with senior cats defined as those aged between 11-14 years and super-senior cats 15 years and upwards. When caring for older cats it sometimes helps to appreciate their age in human terms.
The most common cause of rear limb paralysis in cats is a blood clot that goes to the back leg, called a saddle thrombus or arterial thromboembolism (ATE). This clot blocks blood flow to the affected limb(s). A clot in the back leg suddenly causes the cat to be unable to put full weight on the affected leg.
Well-recognized causes of weight loss in old cats include chronic renal disease, diabetes mellitus, hyperthyroidism, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, and dental problems, to name a few.
"A cat who's losing weight but still eating is extremely common in older cats, and is a primary sign of hyperthyroidism," Rucinsky says. "This disease is super-common and one of the most treatable problems we see.
Weight loss and specifically muscle loss is a concern in cats 11 years and older. It can be described as cachexia or sarcopenia. Cachexia is loss of muscle with the disease, e.g. congestive heart failure, chronic kidney disease, cancer and many other chronic conditions.
A 14 year old cat is the equivalent to 72 human years old.
Cats are considered to be 'seniors' when they are between 11-14 years and are the equivalent of a human 'senior' between the age of 60-72 years old. Cats over 14 years of age are considered to be 'geriatric' and are comparable to humans that are 76-100 years or more!
As your cat nears the end of her life she will probably be less active. She will sleep more and more and may be weak when she is awake. Some cats may also appear depressed and listless.
Weight loss occurs when too few calories are being consumed. Some of the more common reasons cats will cut back on their food intake include: A painful problem in the mouth such as a growth or dental disease. Competition at the food bowl created by other cats or a sneaky dog.
Again, you should be able to feel the bones, but not excessively. If the vertebrae feel very knobbly or like there's nothing on top of them, you have a thin cat and they're underweight. If they're difficult to feel, your cat's fat and you have an overweight cat.
A common issue with dry food is that your old cat might be unable to chew it if they have dental problems. The best way to make your kitty gain weight is to combine dry and wet food. Biscuits provide the necessary calories, while gravy and jelly add the necessary proteins, amino acids, and fatty acids to the mix.
Cats tend to live around 15 years, on average. As in humans, female cats tend to live for longer than male cats. Neutered cats are also likely to live for longer than intact ones, and pure breed cats are less likely to live as long as crossbreeds.