In general, a cat who is ten years old or older can be considered a late middle aged or senior cat. As your cat ages, you can expect many of the general changes we see in humans: slowing down, sleeping more, difficulty going up and down stairs, reduced hearing, cloudy eyes, and muscle atrophy.
A senior cat needs regular veterinary examinations just as much as a cat at any other age! Annual exams are a good chance for your kitty to get a thorough once-over. Certain symptoms should be seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible:
- Change in appetite — eating less or eating more. This can be a sign of hyperthyroidism.
- Change in thirst and urine output. This can be a sign of kidney disease or diabetes.
- Bad breath or bleeding gums. Dental health can be an indicator of overall health.
- Sudden blindness, hearing loss, or staggering.
- Dementia. Cats can experience cognitive dysfunction.
- Pain — like from arthritis.
The better you know your cat, the sooner you’ll recognize when something is not quite right. At any time, if your cat is not “acting like herself”, you may want to talk to your veterinarian. Behavior changes and physical changes can go hand in hand.
A senior cat needs a clean, comfortable bed. Make sure the bed is in a warm, dry place away from drafts — the cold can make physical ailments like arthritis feel worse. Be sure to watch the distractions. Your senior pet may become fearful of children or loud noises.
At any age, a cat needs access to fresh water at all times. Make sure your senior cat’s diet is age appropriate; obesity can lead to many health problems in senior cats. Your veterinarian may recommend a particular type of diet for your senior cat.