Aging in cats

Signs of aging

At what age does your animal companion enter his golden years? It all depends on size and species. Cats begin to show visible age-related changes between the ages of 7-11 years of age.

Symptoms of aging

Some signs are subtler than others. Symptoms include:

• Hearing loss
• Hair thinning or loss
• Graying hair
• Lethargy
• Trouble getting up

Check-up checklist

It's smart medicine to bring your older pet to the vet at least once a year. Many health issues may arise as cats age, including:

• Kidney and liver disease
• More frequent intestinal problems including diarrhea and constipation
• Prostate disease and testicular cancer (common in unneutered males)
• Breast/Mammary cancer and infected uterus (common in unspayed females; mammary cancer can also be seen in spayed females, especially if they were spayed later in life)
• Dental problems (don't let bad breath go unchecked!)
• Obesity
• Arthritis
• Diabetes
• Constipation
• Hyperthyroidism
• Cancer

You'll need to be alert for symptoms such as lumps and bumps anywhere on the body,  shortness of breath, coughing, and any change in appetite, weight and water intake, or changes in you pet's daily routines and habits. Note behavioral changes, too - such as increased vocalization and uncharacteristic aggression - which could indicate that something's amiss physically or mentally. If you think your cat may be sick, don't hesitate to call the vet.  When an older cat develops a medical problem, it's more likely to be serious, and time should not be wasted.

Feeding your older cat: how & what

Many of the metabolic, immunologic, and body composition changes that your pet will go through, some of which are discussed above, are unavoidable. Some, however, can be managed with diet.  Some experts recommend that you start cats on a senior diet at seven years of age.

Cats have been shown to put on body fat in spite of consuming fewer calories, so it's important to offer a food that's lower in calories. Unfortunately, many senior formulas not only have reduced calories, but reduced levels of protein, too. Read labels and take care to avoid these foods, as your pet will need the same levels of protein to maintain muscle mass. Ask your vet for a recommendation.

If you do need to modify your pet's diet, do so carefully and gradually. A finicky cat who doesn't appreciate the change in routine may refuse to eat - and this could lead to the serious hepatic lipidosis, or fatty liver syndrome. Try introducing the new food over a two-week period by mixing it in with the old food. Gradually increase the amount of new food as you decrease the old.

Vitamins & supplements for golden oldies only

Talk to your vet about increasing your older cat's vitamin E intake. Along with beta-carotene, vitamin E can boost the immune system and help eliminate free radicals that can cause tissue damage and signs of aging.

Our animal friends can become less flexible as they age. Years of wear and tear on bones and joints can break down cartilage, possibly leading to arthritis. If your cat seems to be suffering, glucosamine supplements can help.

TLC 101

You may also notice that your older pet is more sensitive to temperature changes and extremes, so keep him warm in the winter and cool in the summer. An extra blanket or fluffy pillow can go a long way to make your cat more comfortable. Be especially gentle when brushing your pet, too, and pay extra attention to those hard-to-reach places that may be difficult for your cat to groom himself. This will be especially helpful to animals with less efficient digestive systems, for whom hairballs pose a problem.

Same old, same old

Your senior friend relies on his daily routine, and will appreciate your efforts to keep it consistent. Try to avoid stressful situations and abrupt changes in your cat's regular routine and environment. Keep your home obstacle-free, and stick to your walking and feeding schedules. Is your cat's litter box easily accessible.  If not, you may want to move it to a spot that's easier for him to get in and out of.  Sometimes, too, as cats age they are unable to easily get  in and out of their deep sided litter boxes.  If this is a problem for your cat, visit your local pet store and pick up a litter box with a ramp or low cut sides for your senior kitty. 

With plenty of tender loving care and an eye to the future, you can help your companion grow old gracefully. You and your family can make these the best years of your friend's life - he's worth it, after all!