As a pet parent, there’s nothing I want more than to see my cat live a long, happy and healthy life.
But with my cat turning 10 in less than five months, the sad reality is that he probably only has a few more good years before Father Time takes over.
And since he’s on the verge of being a senior cat, I’m learning to be more aware of the many different signs of aging in cats — and you should, too!
When Is a Cat Considered Old?
The average lifespan for a pet cat is somewhere around 13 or 14 years old, but they’re considered a senior cat at age 11 and can start showing signs of aging as early as 7 years.
Of course, all cats are different.
Some cats won’t show signs of aging until 12 and some will live to see the age of 20. Either way, most cats are considered “old” by the time they turn 10. At that point, cat owners will start to notice at least some, if not all, of the most common signs of old age in cats.
And they’ll likely be easy to spot because humans share a lot of the same signs.
Don’t worry, I’ll break down some of the ones all cat owners need to be aware of.
1. Lack of Energy and/or Activity
We all miss how active and playful our cats used to be when they were kittens. But as they age, those activity levels will begin to fade.
You may notice your cat taking longer naps, sleeping more often and having less of an interest in playing with toys — even their favorite ones.
Outdoor cats might spend less time outside, or at least less time hunting. While this is normal to a degree, it wouldn’t hurt to notify your veterinarian of these changes, especially if your cat is struggling to jump or move freely.
The sooner you can rule out (or identify) any possible health concerns, the sooner you can learn how to best care for your aging cat.
2. Mood Swings
Personality changes and mood swings are normal for aging cats.
Cats that are normally friendly and welcoming might seek solitude, while cats that normally like to be left alone might seek affection.
You might also notice that your cat is more irritable and, at times, hostile when bothered, which could be coupled with biting, scratching or hissing more frequently than usual.
Other behavioral changes include increased vocalization, especially at night, reduced need for attention, or signs of confusion, such as seeming disoriented in familiar places.
If you notice significant changes in your cat’s behavior, don’t hesitate to discuss them with your veterinarian. It could be related to age, but it could also indicate pain or discomfort in your cat.
3. Changes in Appetite
An aging cat might not eat as much or have as much of an appetite as they used to.
If you free-feed your cat, they might still have food left in their bowl when you go to change it. And if you feed your cat on a schedule, they might walk away before finishing.
This is a normal part of the aging process and is primarily a result of their slowing metabolism, as well as their reduced need for calories as their playing time decreases.
For that reason, many veterinarians suggest giving your aging cat as much as 20-30% less food on a daily basis to avoid excessive weight changes.
Still, a decreased appetite could be a sign of hyperthyroidism, kidney disease or an infection, so discuss any sudden changes with your veterinarian.
4. Changes in Weight
Many aging cats experience a change in weight, but that doesn’t mean it’s okay and should always be monitored by a professional.
Cats might gain weight if they’re not active enough or if they’re eating more than their metabolism can handle.
Likewise, they might lose weight if they’re not eating enough or if your cat has a disease in play. Either way, it’s worth notifying your cat’s veterinarian to find the root of the issue.
If it’s merely an age issue, then they’ll recommend changing the cat’s diet to accommodate their aging body. If it’s a deeper issue, then they’ll find a treatment that works.
If you notice your cat looking frail, bony or gaunt, don’t ignore it — it could be a sign that they need help.
5. Fur Health & Appearance
Believe it or not, you can tell your cat’s getting old by the look and feel of their fur.
For example, my male cat started growing gray and white hairs around his face — primarily under his chin and around his eyes — at around 7 years old.
This can happen no matter what color fur your cat has and it’s a result of the hair follicles not producing as many pigment cells, which is a normal part of the aging process.
You might also notice your cat’s coat thinning out or shedding more frequently due to hair loss. They might also lose some of the shine in their coat as they groom less frequently.
If your cat’s fur becomes too oily or matted, speak with your veterinarian as this is not normal or healthy.
6. Dental Issues
Dental disease is extremely common in all cats – even young ones – but it grows even more common as they age.
Even routinely brushing your cat’s teeth, as well as regular dental visits with the vet won’t fully reduce an aging cat’s risk of disease. Eventually, Father Time will catch up.
Gingivitis, periodontal disease and tooth resorption are three of the most common dental issues with aging cats and often result in tooth loss if not treated properly. Signs of dental disease include bad breath, a reluctance to eat, chewing on one side of their mouth and frequently dropping food when they eat.
With that said, the strong majority of cats will develop some form of dental disease by the time they turn 7. So, if your cat hasn’t yet, then it’s only a matter of time.
7. Vision & Hearing Changes
Much like humans, aging cats might have a hard time hearing or seeing clearly.
It might not be noticeable at first because cats already have heightened senses, but they might eventually start bumping into things as they walk or not reacting to things that are right in front of them.
And if they don’t come running when you call their name, it might not be because they’re a lazy cat. It’s possible they just didn’t hear you!
Common eye problems as a cat ages include cataracts, glaucoma, uveitis, lenticular stenosis, conjunctivitis and retinal detachment.
While vision and hearing changes are common, sudden blindness or total hearing loss isn’t normal and should be treated like a medical emergency.
8. Abnormal Lumps
Lumps and bumps can appear as your cat ages. And while they aren’t always a cause for concern, you should treat them all as if they are.
That’s why it’s important to pet your cat often.
Not only does it let them know they’re loved, but it gives you an opportunity to periodically check for anything that seems out of the ordinary.
If you find a lump or bump, contact your veterinarian and let them investigate. Whether it’s benign or not, early detection is often the best-case scenario for treatment.
