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.
Older cats losing muscle mass is natural and can be reduced with proper nutrition. Whether your cat is used to dry, wet, raw, or homemade food, you can customise a meal plan and tailor it to your senior feline's nutritional requirements. Sudden or rapid weight loss, though, could point to a more serious condition.
The change can be so gradual that you don't notice, but your cat's eating habits may not be keeping up with nutritional needs. "A cat who's losing weight but still eating is extremely common in older cats, and is a primary sign of hyperthyroidism," Rucinsky says.
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. Their immune function declines reducing their ability to fight infections.
Healthy (but skinny) cats may simply need more meals per day and/or free access to dry food in order to gain weight. Cats prefer to 'graze' or eat small meals throughout the day so having food available all day long can make all the difference.
The best diet for bony older cats is high calorie and protein wet food. To find out how much to feed your senior cat, use a BCS. Weigh your cat and use an online calculator to find out how much to feed them. Choose a cat food that meets AAFCO's guidelines for all life stages.
When your cat is losing weight but still eating, there might be an underlying medical problem, particularly hyperthyroidism or diabetes. If your cat is losing weight rapidly or is underweight, consult your veterinarian.
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.
According to the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, the average life expectancy of a house cat is 10 to 15 years, while outdoor cats may only live on average 2 to 5 years.
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 two main reasons for cats losing weight as they age are diet and age-related diseases. For diet-related loss, proper nutrition can help to ensure your cats stay happy and healthy throughout their elder years. If the weight loss has been more rapid, there could be another issue at play.
Life expectancy depends on many things, including one important factor – whether your cat is an indoor-only cat or an outdoor cat. 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.
You should be able to feel your cat's ribs, spine and hipbones quite easily but they shouldn't stick out. Feel the base of your cat's tail. There shouldn't be any build-up of fat where the tail meets your cat's back.
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.
According to the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) Senior Care Guidelines, older cats are classified as mature or middle-aged at 7 to 10 years old, as senior cats at 11 to 14 years old, and geriatric from 15 to 25 years old.
Creme Puff is the oldest cat ever at 38 years and 3 days old. She was born on August 3, 1967, and died on August 6, 2005.
Signs of Pain – Cats will usually display clear signs if they are feeling pain due to an illness or injury. They may meow constantly or hide away from people; some cats will even stop grooming themselves if they are too uncomfortable or unwell.
A cat's life expectancy will depend on many factors, including health, diet and their environment, but the average lifespan for a domestic cat is about 12-14 years. However, some pet cats can live to be around 20 years old.
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.
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.
"When cats get older, it's normal for their appetite and eating habits to change with time. Some cats lose interest in the food they once loved, while others want to eat less often than when they were younger. However, older cats not eating, or eating well but losing weight can be worrying.
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. Most are readily suspected and confirmed based on physical examination and routine laboratory testing.