Keeping a cat is a lifelong commitment. The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) Senior Care Guidelines classifies a mature or middle-aged cat at 7-10 years old, a senior cat at 11-14 years old, and a geriatric cat from 15-25 years old. Most cats don’t look old after age 7, so you may wonder if your cat is really getting older. In fact, while the majority of older cats don’t show their age, their physical conditions gradually deteriorate just like humans. Their mobility, vision, and hearing get worse, and the metabolic rate of their organs gradually decreases, leading to diseases. Therefore, aging cats need more of our careful observation and care.
On average, indoor cats live 14-16 years. With special monitoring and care, many live up to 20 years. Cat owners should pay more attention to the physical changes of older cats and take them in for regular check-ups to ensure they live a happy, retired life. How to take care of an old cat? Let’s find out!
Cat Years to Humans Years
Common Diseases In Older Cats
Older cats, especially those after age 10, often suffer from a range of health problems. Issues can arise from the accumulated lifestyle habits of both you and your cat, as well as their organ function decline. Older cats are usually less active and get less exercise, which decreases their metabolic rate and immunity. As a result, their bodies store more fat. They also don’t handle stress as well as when they were young, which causes more health issues for them.
Common diseases in older cats include dental disease, an overactive thyroid, chronic kidney disease, and diabetes. The incidence of cancer also rises significantly after age 7. Arthritis is another common old cat problem because the cartilage tissue that protects their joints decreases with age, which makes them prone to pain.
Many health conditions are treatable, and problems can be prevented from developing into serious diseases by catching and curing them early. Schedule regular veterinary exams, six-month checkups for cats after age 7, and three-month checkups for those after age 10.
