A senior cat can raise many questions for pet owners: what is the best food for senior cats? What is the average lifespan of a domestic cat? How old is my cat in human years? These are all good questions that we will help answer here. And if you’re considering adopting a cat, we’ll tell you why adopting an older cat might be a good decision for your family. But first, let’s find out when a cat becomes senior.
What age is considered senior for cats?
To help veterinarians ensure that cats receive the appropriate care for their life stage, the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) and the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) have developed guidelines that define the stages of the lives of cats. The AAHA/AAFP’s 2021 Feline Life Stages Guidelines classify cats into four age-related stages as well as a late-life stage that covers all ages. The four age-related stages of life are:
- Kitten: Birth to 1 year
- Young adult: 1 to 6 years old
- Mature adult: 7 to 10 years old
- Senior: More than 10 years
So if your cat is over 10 years old, they are considered senior under these guidelines. However, if your cat is 11 years old and has no medical issues (for example), your vet may also use the mature adult guidelines while caring for them – it depends on each cat.
How long do cats live?
As with humans, many factors contribute to a cat’s life expectancy, including nutrition, regular checkups, vaccinations, breed, and genetics. Where your cat lives can also make a difference. The average lifespan of a domestic cat is around 15 years, while outdoor cats only live around 4.5 years on average. The increased risk of injury and disease in outdoor cats contributes to a reduced life expectancy.
You can help your cat live a long, healthy life by taking him regularly to your veterinarian, including keeping his vaccinations up to date and seeking medical treatment if he’s injured or sick. Feeding them a complete and balanced diet and watching their weight will also help them stay healthy longer.
If you are wondering “How to convert cat years to human years?” the AAFP can help you estimate your cat’s human age. You can see that when a cat has entered its senior life and is 11 years old, its age is equivalent to that of a 60 year old. That’s about when people are also considered elderly (depending on who you ask).
Age Shouldn’t Limit a Cat’s Chances of Adopting a Cat
Most people looking to adopt a cat probably go to the shelter looking for a kitten or young cat and walk right past the older cats. But you should stop and consider mature cats as they have certain advantages over younger cats. And while age 11 is considered senior, don’t automatically assume they’ll only be with you for a few years. Some cats live into their twenties, and one cat called Creme Puff lived into their late thirties!
One of the benefits of a mature cat is that they have understood their personality. Besides possibly being a little less active and a little more needy as he gets older, the cat you meet at the shelter is probably the one you will have. A kitten, on the other paw, is more of a stranger – an adorable cuddle now can turn into an aloof adult later.
Senior cats can develop health issues as they get older, but a younger cat or kitten can also have health issues that you aren’t aware of. An older cat could also live a full and healthy life without any medical issues. Worrying about taking care of a sick cat shouldn’t put you off adopting an older cat, although you should be aware that they may need extra care.
READ MORE TIPS FOR ADOPTING SENIOR CATS
Tips for Managing Health Issues in Older Cats
Cats have distinct personalities and can also have very different health issues as they age. Some cats stay healthy well into their twenties, while others may start having health issues earlier in life. To help your cat live a long and healthy life, we have some tips for caring for older cats.
Keep an eye out for symptoms of common age-related illnesses like hyperthyroidism, diabetes, and kidney disease. Some of the early signs of these illnesses are difficult for pet owners to detect, so it’s important to take your cat in for regular checkups with your veterinarian – at least every six months is recommended for older cats. It is important to go for checkups even if they appear healthy, as some of the symptoms of the disease can only be detected by laboratory tests.
Help make life more comfortable for your aging cat by changing some things around your home. For example, use a litter box with low sides so your cat can get in and out easily, and be sure to clean it regularly as she becomes more sensitive to dirty litter boxes. Raising food and water bowls so they don’t have to bend down can help cats with arthritis stay hydrated and well-nourished. A warm, padded bed and more petting time will also help keep your senior cat happy and comfortable.
LEARN MORE ABOUT YOUR SENIOR CAT’S HEALTH
The cause of weight loss in older cats could be hidden
Weight loss is a common occurrence in older cats and there are several reasons why it can occur. If you’ve noticed that your cat isn’t eating as much as usual, it may be because their food is less appetizing to them. Their senses may decline as they age, making food less tasty than before. Digestion and absorption of nutrients from food may also decrease.
Medical issues can also lead to weight loss in older cats, although in some cases they may actually eat more than usual. Some of the common diseases in senior cats that can lead to weight loss include kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, diabetes, and periodontal disease. A decline in cognitive function may also contribute to weight loss.
You can help your cat maintain her weight as she gets older by making sure she gets regular check-ups and feeding her a diet that meets her health and nutritional needs.
LEARN MORE ABOUT WHY OLDER CATS LOSE WEIGHT
Nutrition advice for senior cats
“What is the best cat food for senior cats?” is a common question that cat parents ask, but it’s also a difficult question to answer. Some mature cats go through physical and health changes that affect their nutritional needs while others are healthy until the end.
For example, some cats lose weight in their later years (as discussed above), so they may need more calories to maintain ideal body condition. If your cat has a medical condition, he may benefit from a therapeutic diet to help manage the condition. However, if your cat is in good health, in ideal physical condition, and eating a complete and balanced diet, he may not need to change his diet when he is older. Your veterinarian is the best person to determine which food is best for your cat.
LEARN MORE ABOUT FOOD FOR YOUR SENIOR CAT
Going from a mature adult cat to a senior cat doesn’t necessarily mean the end of your cat’s life is near – some cats live another 10 years or more. But that means they may need a few extra TLCs and exams to make sure they stay healthy and comfortable for as long as possible.
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