When adopting a four-legged friend, everyone wants their cat to never grow old. Unfortunately, unless you’ve opted for a cuddly toy (and even then!), your cat will age, whether you like it or not. However, this inevitability deserves to be seen in a different light.
Growing old is normal and not a disease in itself.
Ageing can also be synonymous with happiness and comfort.
At what age is my cat considered old?
Aging is a continuous and progressive process, unique to each individual. In the domestic cat, we know that this process begins at the cellular level at around 7 years of age.
We then classify aging cats into three categories, according to their age:
- 7 to 10 years: mature cat;
- 11 to 14 years: “senior” cat;
- 15 years and over: geriatric cat.
Even though the aging process begins fairly early in a cat’s life, it can take several years before the first signs of aging appear. From one cat to another, the speed at which the effects of aging appear can also vary enormously. For some cats, it will be quicker, for others much longer. On average, most cats will begin to show some of the physical changes associated with old age around the age of 12. But that doesn’t mean their life is over! As mentioned above, the process is slow. What’s more, with increasing knowledge and targeted veterinary care for our little felines, it’s becoming less and less rare to come across cats aged 19, 20 and even 21!
Signs that my cat is aging
What is old cat behavior? The answer can vary widely. Some will say that the cat is slowing down, sleeping more, moving around less. Others will mention that the cat no longer climbs onto the bed, that it doesn’t stick as much. For some, it will be changes in locomotion: a cat that climbs stairs more cautiously, a cat that hesitates to jump on the cat tree or table, a cat that no longer plays or no longer plays as long. For others, there will be minor problems with cleanliness, both in terms of the litter box and coat maintenance. And for some, it may be the appearance of meowing at inappropriate times, often at night, and a feeling that the cat seems lost at times. Sometimes, it’s also mentioned that the older cat in the household is less and less tolerant, or reacts differently to certain situations.
What unites all these descriptions of an older kitty? They’re all changes in the cat’s usual behavior.
Cats are highly routine animals. It doesn’t like change. So they won’t change their behavior without a reason. So, if a cat changes its behavior or habits, it’s always important to look for the cause.
Another great characteristic of cats is that they are masters at hiding their discomfort, no matter what kind it is. So don’t expect him to tell you when his joints start to ache a little! Chances are, he’ll only let you know when he’s no longer able to endure the pain! Cats prefer to subtly modify their habits to limit, avoid or bypass whatever is causing them discomfort. This will invariably result in a change in behavior, but unfortunately it’s not always obvious.
When Minou starts to show signs of old age, or when you notice a change in his habits, the best thing to do is to talk to your vet. Your vet will always prefer prevention to cure, and your cat will be just as grateful to you.
Symptoms of aging in cats
Growing old is not a disease. Nor is aging a synonym for poor health.
So never assume that Papi-Chat (or Mamie-Chat) is not doing so well, simply because of his age.
Indeed, while aging is normal, it invariably leads to a certain loss of function and eventual fragility of all the body’s organs. The “senior” or geriatric cat will therefore sooner or later develop diseases caused by aging. The rate and manner in which the various organs and systems of the cat’s body are affected depends on a host of internal factors (such as genetics), and external factors (such as environment, nutrition, etc.).
In addition to behavioral changes, which can always be a sign of illness, there are other symptoms to watch out for:
- any loss of weight or muscle mass;
- a dull coat or lesions on the skin;
- bumps or swelling that weren’t there before;
- changes in appetite;
- changes in stool or urine;
- vomiting;
- any other anomalies.
The good news? Most age-related pathologies can be addressed, controlled, slowed down and sometimes even completely treated. What’s more, if identified early, the success rate is increased and the cat’s quality of life can be maintained for longer. Good observation of your cat and an annual veterinary check-up (or even every 6 months for “senior” and geriatric cats) will help diagnose “old age boo-boos” early and prevent unnecessary suffering .
What can I do to help my old cat?
In addition to your veterinarian’s medical and nutritional recommendations, a cat showing signs of age can benefit from a number of small changes around the house, as well as your loving care.
Facilitating access to resources
Older cats tend to shrink their living space. This may be because he’s less comfortable in his joints , and going down or up the stairs becomes more arduous. It may also be because of increased insecurity, whether due to an external cause, such as the presence of an extravagant younger cat in the house, or an internal cause, such as a decrease in sensory or cognitive functions.
To help him, we can make sure that all the resources he needs (water, food, litter, a comfortable bed, safe hiding places…) are easily accessible and on the same floor where he’s most likely to want to stay.
Making litter more accessible
The basic rules of litter box management still apply, regardless of the cat’s age. The aim is to have one litter box more than the number of cats in the house. These litter boxes should be in different parts of the house, ideally one on each floor, and easy to access. It’s also important to position the litter boxes so that access (or exit) cannot be blocked by another cat, or by the dog or children in the house.
The litter tray is something to consider as our cat gets older. We want to make it easier for him to go to the toilet, so he won’t choose another place to relieve himself. The criteria are :
- a large tray, where the cat can turn around easily, especially if it has joint problems or loss of balance;
- an uncovered litter tray, since the small door to the covered litter tray can become difficult to maneuver as the years go by;
- low edges, or at least a large entrance that’s very easy to step over, even when the legs get stiffer;
- The substrate must also be soft, highly absorbent and not look like quicksand when the cat walks on it.
Be sure to check the litter box every day and remove stool and urine once or twice a day. Regular litter box cleaning makes it easier to notice any changes in your cat’s urine or stools. If in doubt, talking to your veterinarian can help detect certain age-related illnesses at an early stage.
Adaptations to make the couch or bed accessible
It’s a well-known fact cats love to be higher and higher! Getting older doesn’t change this love of heights. If an older cat decides to stop climbing in places he enjoyed when he was younger, it’s because it’s become difficult or painful for him to jump there, or because he just can’t jump anymore. It may also be because he lacks balance and is afraid of falling or missing. To help your aging feline, you can adapt a few strategic places (such as a high bed, or a windowsill…) by installing small steps to facilitate access. However, make sure that the installation is very stable, otherwise the cat won’t want to use it. Also, the high resting surface could benefit from being enlarged to limit the risk of falling off.
For cats with osteoarthritis, or those who have lost weight due to age or illness, comfort and warmth can become very important in the choice of bed. Once again, stability, if the bed is high, and safety are paramount. A heated blanket or bed can be a good investment, taking care to avoid any risk of burns and to be careful with electrical wires, if applicable. If the family environment is very active, it’s also a good idea to set aside a more secluded, quieter area or corner of the house for your elderly cat. Children can be taught to respect the cat’s rest in this area, or access can be blocked to the house dog.
Use suitable scratching posts
As your older cat’s old bones begin to ache, the vertical scratching post may become more difficult or painful to use. You can offer him more than one type of scratching post, with at least one horizontal one, so that he has a choice to suit his needs and comfort.
4 tips for caring for your “senior” cat
- Brushing
For a number of reasons, aging cats groom themselves less or less well. Regular brushing will prevent the formation of uncomfortable knots where Minou is no longer able to groom himself. Brushing also removes a good deal of dead hair from the cat’s stomach, reducing the risk of hairballs. Brushing, like a massage, also stimulates blood circulation on the skin’s surface, promoting a more beautiful, healthier coat.
- The claws
As kitty wears out its claws less with age, it’s best to check them more often and trim them if necessary. Keeping claws short also helps cats with osteoarthritis, as they may no longer be able to keep their claws well retracted. Short claws are less likely to get caught in carpets or blankets.
- Teeth
Regular checks of teeth and gums can help prevent the onset of oral problems, which are also more common in older cats. Daily brushing with a cat-friendly toothpaste can help limit the progression of many dental problems. Talk to your vet!
- Feeding a senior cat
As each cat ages in its own unique way, its diet will also need to be personalized. Your veterinary team will always be in the best position to determine your cat’s dietary needs, at all stages of its life, according to the vagaries of its health.
This food may need to be served in an adapted bowl. For example, a cat that is in pain when tilting its head forward, or when squatting, will be happy if its bowl is lifted a few centimetres off the ground.
What can I do to help my old cat stay in shape?
Can an old pussycat still play?
Age should not be a barrier to play; rather, we should ensure that the cat continues to play as it ages.! Play helps maintain muscle mass and joint flexibility. It’s a highly enjoyable activity for the cat, stimulating its brain, senses and instincts. Of course, games should be adapted to the cat’s abilities. The aim of the game is to get the cat to move just enough to mobilize and stretch different parts of its body, without causing pain. For each cat, as well as for the same cat, the game may therefore be a little different over time. Also, and especially for cats beginning to lose their physical or mental capacities, the game must be very interesting. Being able to catch the toy often will encourage him to continue playing. Similarly, establishing a daily play routine with your cat can only be beneficial:
- daily stimulation helps maintain the cat’s abilities;
- routine helps reduce anxiety, which is often more prevalent in older cats;
- By watching your cat move around every day, you’ll notice more quickly if there are any changes in his mobility;
- and playing with your cat, isn’t that always a great moment for you too?
For the Éduchateur play method, click here! And yes, it’s recommended for all ages, even geriatric cats! Just adapt it to your cat! Go ahead, let your old cat play!
In addition to play, stimulating and independent activities are highly recommended for cats of all ages. Among these, the interactive bowl is undoubtedly one of the best. The interactive bowl requires the kitty to work to obtain its food or rewards. The cognitive stimulation it provides is of immense benefit to the cat’s brain, as well as giving him a great deal of pleasure when he succeeds in eating each kibble or treat. Once again, the difficulty of the interactive bowl must be adapted to the individual who will be using it. If it’s too difficult, the cat may get discouraged and not eat. If it’s too easy, there will be no cognitive benefit for the cat. Also, with potential joint pain in the legs, back or neck, the bowl must be chosen or adapted so that the cat is able to reach its food. For example, a “kibble tube” type bowl could be fixed to an inclined surface to help a cat with sore paws. A slow-motion bowl could be fixed to the wall after cane food has been spread on it: the cat would have to work with its nose and tongue to find and dislodge the wet food, without having to bend too much towards the floor. Trixie’s “Brain mover” bowl is also a good alternative for cats who don’t use their paws much (because of pain or because they’re like that).
Does my cat suffer from senility?
Senility, also known as cognitive dysfunction syndrome, exists in cats just as it does in dogs and humans, although in the case of humans it’s more commonly known as dementia.
Senility is caused by a progressive, age-related decline in cognitive functions. Its onset and symptoms vary widely from one individual to another. Symptoms of senility are also mainly behavioral, as the pathology affects the brain.
Cats with cognitive dysfunction may :
- meowing for no apparent reasonoften at night;
- at night;
- seem lost, even in their everyday environment;
- change his social interactions, like being more distant from his human, whom he used to stick to;
- loss of appetite;
- sleep more;
- stop grooming;
- urinate or defecate in places other than the litter box;
- become increasingly anxious.
Cognitive dysfunction syndrome is a disease. Only a veterinarian can diagnose it. However, as many other age-related pathologies can resemble senility, it is essential to consult your veterinarian when one or more of the above-mentioned symptoms appear in an aging cat. Your cat’s well-being and quality of life depend on it!
Article written by Karine Gélinas
Educator and veterinarian
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