Elder Cat Symptoms

With the improvements in care for domestic cats, more are living longer and becoming elderly. On average, indoor cats live longer than cats that spend time outdoors. Oftentimes, owners think their cat is sick, when in reality he is just displaying normal signs of aging. But it is not unusual for sickness or disease to affect an elderly cat. A cat older than 10 may start to exhibit signs of aging and will likely need some extra care from its owner.

  1. Fragile Health

    • As cats get older, their immune system is less able to fend off illness and disease. Dental disease is common and can cause pain, which leads to behavior problems like aggression. Hearing loss is also common. An elderly cat may stop responding to the faint noises, such as a can opening or bird chirping, that used to get his attention. Kidney failure is an unfortunate condition of aging in many cats. Feline kidneys undergo changes as they age, which can lead to failure. Most cats will experience some level of arthritis as they age. It may not become debilitating, but a cat might have a difficult time standing after a long nap, jumping on or off furniture or making quick movements. Owners can help their arthritic cat by making sure her favorite napping place and window sill are easily accessible by adding a step and placing the litter nearby. Age-appropriate, moderate exercise will help keep the cat's joints limber, and fend off health problems associated with joint pain, muscle atrophy and weight gain. Proper nutrition, a stress-free environment and regular visits to the veterinarian will help elderly cats achieve optimum health.

    Appearance

    • Like humans, cats experience a change in appearance as they grow older. It may not be noticeable to strangers, but owners can usually identify the changes. Skin begins to lose elasticity and becomes thinner. The cat may develop more problems, like itching, patchy hair loss or infection. Cat fur often becomes more dull and matted because elderly cats do not groom themselves as well as younger cats. A cat may need help grooming even if he never needed to be brushed in the past. Older cats' eyes might develop a hazy look, but it does not necessarily impair vision. The cat's claws will become more brittle and thick.

    Decreased Appetite and Thirst

    • Although older cats tend to lose some weight naturally with age, some experience a decreased appetite as a result of dental pain or the loss of a sense of smell. Owners should monitor their elderly cat's weight because significant weight loss could be a sign of a more serious condition. Decreased thirst is also a sign of a more serious condition, and can lead to dehydration and poor circulation.

    Confusion

    • Some elderly cats might experience loss of memory or senility, which can result in confusion or a change in personality. Symptoms include wandering around the house, excessive meowing, disorientation or avoidance of social situations.