If your older cat starts acting differently, it might be a sign of an aging problem such as feline cognitive dysfunction (FCD). FCD affects over half of cats between the ages of 11 and 15, and as many as 85% of cats over age 16. It can cause problems with your cat's memory, awareness, and ability to learn new things.
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.
If you notice any changes in your cat's eating and drinking habits, be sure to alert your veterinarian. This could be a sign of pain or various other serious medical issues including kidney disease, diabetes, and hyperthyroidism.
A change in behaviour implies something's not quite right. The stress of moving home, a new baby, or being left alone for long periods of time can all trigger antisocial behaviour. If those things have been ruled out you may need to arrange a visit to the vet, especially if your cat is growling or biting when touched.
Howling, crying, hiding, and otherwise acting in a way that is out of character for your pet should alert you that something may be seriously wrong. Changes in litter box habits, particularly in male cats, can indicate a serious health problem.
If your cat is not feeling well, they may not look quite right. They may sit in a more hunched position or move with less grace than usual. Tilting the head or carrying the tail differently could indicate that something is wrong, too. Cats who feel unwell often do not groom themselves as well as usual.
The end stage of dementia in cats may happen when they have lost interest in anything they previously liked or when their quality of life has gone down significantly.
The feline brain starts to decline at around 10-15 years old so cat dementia is more likely to occur at this age than any other.
The average lifespan for a pet cat is probably around 13 to 14 years. However, although their lifespan varies, a well cared for cat may commonly live to 15 or beyond, some make it to 18 or 20 and a few extraordinary felines even pass 25 or 30 years of age.
You'll be the proud owner of a senior cat by the time it hit about 11 years old. If a cat lives beyond 15 years of age, it'd be a "super-senior". When caring for older cats, it sometimes helps to think of their age in human terms.
Kidney Disease
Kidney disease is the leading cause of death in cats, and it's important to be aware of the symptoms so you can help your cat as soon as possible. Symptoms include increased thirst and urination, weight loss, vomiting, and diarrhea. Your cat may also appear tired or lethargic all the time.
Ideally, providing cushier beds and bedding can give them the comfort they seek. Memory foam cushions bones and muscles to allow a deeper and more satisfying sleep. Older cats are often more sensitive to cold too, so while you are placing their beds in easy to reach places, be aware of drafty areas to avoid.
Make sure your pets are nice and warm, very poorly cats, especially those of age are not as good at maintaining body temperature so making sure that your cat has a warm and comfortable place to rest is really important. Try changing to beds or shelters that are lower to the ground and maintain heat well.
The signs and symptoms of a cat stroke
Sudden collapse. Head tilt. Blindness. Stumbling.
Cats, like humans, can have mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety. Although cats cannot vocally express their feelings, their behavior, and physical signs might provide information about their mental health.
If your cat is meowing, purring, or making unusually loud vocalizations, they might be in pain. Cats that are in pain might make quite a lot of noise, and this is often the first sign that your cat is not feeling very well. Cats that are meowing and fussing loudly are likely not feeling good and need to go see the vet.
How Long Does a Cat Live With Dementia? Depending upon the age at which your cat is diagnosed with dementia, they could live 5-10 more years—each case can be different. That said, some felines may progress faster than others, and your health regimen for them may need to be altered as their symptoms change.
Some cats may show an obvious change in their facial expression when in pain, while with others it may be more subtle for example: Your cat may squint or close their eyes. Their ears may appear slightly flattened or pressed to the sides. Their mouth, nose and cheeks may appear tenser and more compressed.
They Are Sick
This hunger will make them cry for food more than usual. Stress can make your cat meow a lot, and they may not be comfortable. The cat could be in pain or not feel good. If you think your cat may be suffering from physical or emotional pain, contact your veterinarian immediately.
A short meow is like a standard greeting or 'hello'. A drawn-out meow can be a demand for something immediately like 'feed me now' or 'open the door'. A higher pitched longer meow, or yowl could mean pain or anger. This could be if another cat is in their territory; e.g. 'I don't want you here!