At What Age Is A Cat Considered Old

Introduction

Have you ever heard that age is just a number, that you’re only as old as you feel? Well, when it comes to cats, the same can’t be said. Cats age much faster than humans do. They mature quickly and are considered “senior” at the age of 7! A senior cat has a lot in common with a human senior citizen – they’ll have similar health problems and will have trouble doing things they used to do easily, such as jump on top of surfaces or even groom themselves properly. Many pet owners don’t recognize these signs early enough to make changes in their lifestyle and diet that could improve their quality of life. There are many different ways to help your aging cat live comfortably for years after crossing over that seven year mark!

Is your cat getting up there in age? If so, you should be aware that older cats have specific needs and challenges.

If your cat is getting up there in years, you should be aware that older cats have specific needs and challenges. It’s not just about how much food and water they need, but also how much care they require. Some of the things to look out for include:

More attention. Older cats can get pretty set in their ways, so they may not be as interested in playing or snuggling with you as they were when they were younger (or maybe even just a few years ago). But this doesn’t mean that your old kitty isn’t still part of the family—it just means he needs more attention than before. You might have to dole out some treats or even spend an hour every day reading together on the couch!
More exercise. Like humans, older felines tend to become less mobile over time due to joint pain or other physical limitations; if your senior feline is particularly sedentary now than he used to be, then it’s probably a good idea for him (and you) if you take him outside once per day so he can get some fresh air and soak up some rays while stretching his legs under supervision from his favorite human companion(s).

When Does A Cat Become a Senior?

When you think of an “old” cat, what comes to mind? One with gray whiskers and a bushy tail? A senior feline is usually defined as any animal that’s reached its seventh birthday. However, there are other factors that can make your aging pet seem older than their actual years. These include:

Weight loss or gain (especially if the weight has shifted from fat to muscle)
Changes in personality
Physical ailments such as arthritis or diabetes

How Can You Tell That Your Older Cat Is Aging?

The following signs may indicate that your cat is aging:

Weight loss
Loss of muscle mass
Decreased activity level and reduced ability to climb stairs or jump onto furniture
Sleepy or lethargic behavior compared to normal healthy cats of the same age
Increased susceptibility to infections (colds, eye infections, urinary tract infections), as well as disease due to decreased immune function (cancer)

What are the Signs That a Cat is Getting Old?

There are a number of physical, mental, and behavioral changes that can indicate your cat is getting old. These include:

Loss of appetite
Weight loss
Sleeping more than usual
Deterioration of vision (cataracts)
Change in litter box habits (missed the box or urinating outside the box) _Increased thirst _(drinking more water) _Lack of energy _(not running around as much)
And many others, such as changes in personality and sleeping habits

Common Senior Care Issues

When a cat is considered “old,” it can depend on the breed and lifestyle. A young adult cat is usually between 1-3 years old, while an older adult would be 7 years or older. An older cat often has health issues that need to be addressed as well as more specific nutritional requirements than younger cats. Older cats may not want to eat as much, so it may take longer for them to get full. They might also have decreased sense of smell and taste, slowing down their appetite even further.

A common senior care issue is cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS). This occurs when there are changes in your pet’s behavior due to brain damage caused by chronic pain, anxiety or dementia. CDS symptoms include pacing around aimlessly; sleeping more than usual; hiding instead of interacting with others; not responding as quickly when called; being startled easily; having decreased appetite; struggling with balance; urinating outside the litter box despite adequate cleanliness (this is known as “spraying”).

Older cats have specific needs and challenges.

Older cats require more attention, extra care and specialized nutrition.

An older cat’s needs change as they age. They need more exercise, grooming and dental care. They also require more love, attention and vet visits. The most common health problems in senior cats are arthritis or osteoarthritis; hyperthyroidism; kidney disease; cancer (tumors); urinary tract stones or bladder stones; gingivitis (gum disease).

Conclusion

Now you have a better idea of what to expect as your cat gets older. It’s also important to remember that just because your cat is getting older, it doesn’t mean he or she won’t still be happy and playful. If you need to find out more about how best to care for an aging kitty, talk to the veterinarian who has been treating your pet for years. This professional can give you proper advice based on the specific needs of both you and your cat.