Older cats hunt less, spend less time outside, are generally less active and sleep for longer periods. They can have a reduced or fussy appetite, be less keen to play or groom and be more vocal. They also tend to become more insecure and therefore potentially more dependent on you.
Behavior Changes
She may become more vocal or develop more anxieties about change, strange people or new noises. She may show less interest in play, although she's still willing to participate occasionally, and she is more likely to indulge in longer catnaps.
Mature (seven – 10 years)
At this age your cat will be the human equivalent of someone in their mid-forties to mid-fifties. This means that you may notice your pet starting to slow down and they are more likely to put on some weight.
Cats in the mature stage are the human equivalent of 40-50 years old. Mature cats tend to be less active than adult cats. They may need special considerations based on physical issues. Yearly veterinary exams will help identify arthritis, weight or dental issues, which are more common in mature cats.
Cats of all ages are notorious for sleeping, and senior cats are no exception. Life expectancy for cats is gradually growing longer; a cat isn't considered a “senior citizen” until they are 12 to 14 years old. Just like when they were kittens, older cats tend to sleep as much as 20 hours a day.
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.
As they age, cats are not able to digest their food as well resulting in increased nutrition requirements. If their nutrition does not meet their requirements, they will lose muscle mass resulting in the ability to easily feel the bones of their spine and hips when petting them.
From 7-10 years of age, your cat begins to lose their drive to play and is less active. This is a normal shift in activity as your cat is comfortable in their environment and routine. As your cat slows down, it is crucial to monitor your pet's eating habits.
The transition to adulthood ordinarily occurs from 1 to 2 years old. At this time, and possibly after neutering, a cat may retain a lot of energy but should be notably calmer with it reaching full maturity at 2. From 3 to 10 years old, a cat is relatively calm but remains active.
How Long Do Cats Live Indoors? On average, indoor cats live to be about 10 to 15 years old, but can reach ages of up to 20 years old. Because indoor cats don't have to deal with predators and some of the other potential risks that come with living outdoors, they tend to live a bit longer.
Indoor cats generally live from 12-18 years of age. Many may live to be in their early 20s. The oldest reported cat, Creme Puff lived to be an amazing 38 years old. Outdoor cats generally live shorter lives due to being more likely to be involved in traumas such as motor vehicle accidents or dog attacks.
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.
Senior cats need some extra attention. Here are a few tips to make your senior cat comfortable and happy. Place resources (food, water, litter boxes, bedding) in multiple locations where your cat can easily access them. If your cat is having trouble jumping to favorite high surfaces, add steps or ramps for access.
"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.
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.
The bathroom is full of the smells of you: your cat's favorite human! You spend time there doing important things, or at least it may seem that way to your cat. Your cat may be intrigued by watching you do all the little things humans do in there.
Creme Puff (August 3, 1967 – August 6, 2005) was a domestic cat, owned by Jake Perry of Austin, Texas, US. She was the oldest cat ever recorded, according to the 2010 edition of Guinness World Records, when she died aged 38 years and 3 days. Austin, Texas, U.S.
Older cats tend to be less active and playful, they may sleep more, gain or lose weight, and have trouble reaching their favorite places.
Cats are juniors until the age of 2, and like human children, may start to show a different temperament between 6 months and 2 years old, even progressing from the (sometimes) defiant 'Terrible Two's' to becoming a stroppy teenager!
Anyone with a cat in their life will know that they're probably going to stick around for a while, with the average lifespan of indoor house cats these days hitting an impressive 12 to 15 years.
Signs that your cat has missed you
Affectionate behaviour and extra purring! A good sign that your cat is happy you're back is if they show physical affection such as head butting, purring, rubbing against you and stretching. Shadowing behaviour.