When Is a Cat Considered Senior?

Whether you adopted your cat as a kitten or an adult, watching them grow old can be a bittersweet experience.

You might notice they don’t jump or pounce as ferociously as they used to, their coat is looking a little dull, or they’re spending more time at the litter box.

As you take note of these changes, you may begin to wonder if your cat has reached the senior stage of their life. If they have, you can be proactive to improve their quality of life as they enter their golden years.

To answer common questions about senior cats, we sought out advice from a veterinarian.

When is a cat considered a senior?

All cats age differently, so there’s no single timeline for when a cat reaches the senior, or geriatric, stage of life. In general, cats are considered senior when they are about 11 years old. They remain a senior until their final weeks or months, when they enter the end-of-life stage.

The cat aging process is very different from the human aging process, which means even though they’re only 11 in human years, your kitty is actually 60-70 years old in cat years.

What are the signs of aging in cats?

Just like humans, you may notice age-related physical changes such as a dull coat. You’ll also notice changes in your cat’s behavior and health over time. For instance, an older cat may meow loudly seemingly at random. 

Here are some potential signs of aging in cats:

• Weight issues: Some cats experience a decrease in appetite, leading to weight loss, whereas other cats may experience decreased mobility, leading to weight gain. 
• Coat changes: Cats can develop gray hair and their fur may become stiffer, duller, or thinner with age.
• Changes in litter box habits: Senior cats can experience digestive changes that lead to more frequent trips to the litter box.
• Changes in mobility: As they age, it may be harder for your older cat to climb or jump, and they may become less active overall.
• Behavioral changes: Many cats become more vocal with age so you may notice more frequent or excessive meowing. Some older cats may also experience increased anxiety or cognitive issues like confusion.

While these physical and behavioral changes are all completely normal for an aging cat, it never hurts to check in with your vet if you notice them.

Common health problems in senior cats

Just like humans, aging cats become more susceptible to medical conditions and common feline diseases. Watch out for signs of pain from these health issues as well as any new symptoms or sudden behavior changes..

Kidney disease

Older cats are at a higher risk for developing kidney disease. When functioning normally, your cat’s kidneys play a key role in regulating fluids and filtering waste. If their kidneys become damaged, waste may build up in the bloodstream. If you notice weight loss, poor coat quality, dehydration, or excessive drinking and urination, seek veterinary care. 

Dental disease

Dental disease is extremely common in older cats. In fact, more than half of cats over the age of three have some form of dental disease, and these problems worsen over time. As your cat ages, be on the lookout for changes in appetite and eating habits, and don’t skip regular checkups. Your vet will perform an oral exam to identify any dental issues.

Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism occurs when your cat produces too much thyroid hormone, causing their metabolism to spike. The condition can cause weight loss, increased appetite, and hyperactivity. Hyperthyroidism can be diagnosed and treated by your vet.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease in which the cartilage cushioning your cat’s joints breaks down, which can be painful. Because of this persistent pain, osteoarthritis can make it difficult for your cat to walk, run, or jump.

How to support a senior cat as they age

As time goes on, these new issues will require special care beyond your regular care routines. Here are a few helpful tips to make your senior cat more comfortable and happy as they age:

Create a nutrition plan

Work with your vet to create a nutrition plan for your cat so they feel nourished and energized even as they age. Some senior cats experience an appetite decrease as they grow older. To combat this, try offering smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day. Also, make sure their food bowl and water bowl are somewhere low and easily accessible (and not near their litter box).

Help them with grooming

Senior cats may need a little extra help with grooming. Brush your cat regularly with a soft brush, paying special attention to the areas that may be harder for your cat to reach, like their hindquarters and legs. You can also gently wipe away mucus from the eyes or nose with a warm, wet washcloth if you notice buildup. Elderly cats tend to have a harder time retracting their claws, so regular nail trimming is a must.

Keep them stimulated

Because arthritis, obesity, and cognitive dysfunction are common in older cats, it’s important to keep your senior cat both physically and mentally stimulated. Continue to engage them in play with their favorite toy or cardboard box. Throw small toys or use a string to encourage your cat to hunt. 

If mobility becomes an issue, add steps or ramps up to their favorite lookouts and nap spots.  You can also switch from tall scratching posts to horizontal ones.

Visit your vet regularly

Keeping up with preventive care is especially important for senior cats as a way to detect and treat illnesses early. Plus, symptoms of illness can sometimes be confused with common signs of aging, so it’s best to have your vet perform regular exams on your cat to figure out what’s cause for concern and what’s not.

“At a minimum, a yearly exam with your veterinarian is essential. Blood work should be performed at this visit to screen for early signs of liver, kidney, and thyroid disease,” says Dr. Jamie Whittenburg (DVM), a veterinarian at Cat World and director of Kingsgate Animal Hospital in Texas.

Enjoy your cat’s golden years

As you can see, parenting a cat throughout their senior years may take a little extra attention and loving care, but it’s so worth it. So long as you keep up with routine care and adapt to their changing appetite, grooming habits, and quirky behaviors, your cat can live a happy, healthy life well into their golden years.

Remember, pet insurance can still benefit an older cat by helping you pay for critical, sometimes life-saving care. Pumpkin Cat Insurance plans help cover the costs of eligible vet care if new accidents and illnesses arise.

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