Senior Care

According to popular legend, one human year is the equivalent of seven ‘cat years’, but in reality, a one-year-old cat is much more mature than a seven-year-old child. How old is my cat in human years? Although there’s no reliable scientific way to calculate the relationship between human and cat years, it’s generally agreed that the first two years of a cat’s life are roughly equal to the first 25 of a human’s. After this, each additional year is around four ‘cat years’. This means if your cat is six years old, their equivalent cat age in human years will be around 41. Find out how old your feline friend is using ourcat age calculator Don’t worry, we’ve done all the math for you! Check our calculator at the bottom of the page and find out your cat’s age in human years at a glance. What is the average life expectancy of my cat? The true answer is that it depends, but indoor cats usually live longer than outdoor cats. On average, indoor cats live 16 to 18 years and some even reach the venerable age of 20. Life expectancy in cats also varies depending on the breed, as some cat breeds will naturally live longer than others. For example, Siamese and Manx breeds are said to live the longest, so could reach a ripe age in human years! Did you know that according to some sources, the world’s oldest cat lived to be 34? That’s 153 in cat years! Read more fascinating cat facts here. Cats’ life expectancies have increased dramatically in the last few decades. Although it’s never enough, we’re spending more and more time together with our feline friends and that can only be a great thing. How can I tell my cat’s age? To find out how old your cat is, it’s best to take them to a vet. But you can still look for tell-tale signs of a cat’s age and health. Teeth Teeth can’t pinpoint the exact date for your feline friend’s birthday party, but they are still a great indicator of a cat’s age. The milestones are: • A kitten’s first teeth appear between two to four weeks. • Their permanent white teeth come in at around four months. • Yellow stains (aka tartar) on a few teeth can mean your cat might be between one or two years old. • If the stains appear on all teeth, the cat is likely at least three to five years old. • Missing teeth are usually a sign that your cat is a respectable senior, between 10 to 15 years of age. • But keep in mind that some cats can just have worse teeth than others regardless of their age.

Your cat is an important part of your family, and we understand that it’s not nice to think of your fluffy companion getting older. As felines don’t get fine lines and wrinkles like us, the signs of old age in cats aren’t always obvious. Changes in your cat are most likely to start on the inside as they approach their golden years, and they will gradually age like we do. But there are a few tell-tale signs you should be aware of. We explore them, next. At what age is a cat considered senior? Although cats are considered to be of old age from when they reach 7 years old, some felines will be showing off their kitten-like antics well into their mature years. Because there’s no exact age when your pet changes into a senior cat, you have to look out for particular signs instead. Signs of an old cat If your cat is not a spring chicken anymore, it’s natural to wonder what to expect when your pet becomes elderly and whether that moment hasn’t actually arrived. Elderly cats are very similar to humans in old age and will experience changes in their physical and mental abilities as years go by. Here are some of the most common signs that your cat is now a senior: Loss of agility One of the first things you will notice is a lower level of energy than usual. Of course, this could be also due to a medical problem, so it’s always best to check with your vet whenever you notice big changes in your cat’s behaviour. But expect your cat to enjoy living life in the slow lane as they get closer to senior status. Changes in their play time routine Play time for elderly cats will likely be comprised of shorter sessions, less energetic chases and more walking around the house or climbing cat trees. Depending on your cat’s health, you may need to adjust some of the usual games and bring them down to a slower pace, but don’t think play time is over once your feline reaches the golden years. Your vet will be able to advise on a level of activity that is suitable for your pet and will keep them well-entertained no matter the age. Different sleeping patterns Changes in the sleeping routine can also be a sign of an old cat. Whether your cat is waking up and vocalising in the middle of the night, or on the contrary, starts enjoying a shut eye more than usual, a cat’s sleeping habits could be the giveaway for old age. Increased disorientation Cats are not particularly aloof creatures. Their feline DNA keeps them in tune with their environment well into their senior years. So when all of a sudden your cat starts getting confused while doing simple tasks such as finding their food bowl or getting to their bed, this disorientation can be caused by a cognitive decline relate to ageing in elderly cats. In this case as well it is recommended to discuss the unusual behaviour with the vet. Changes in body condition and weight Weight fluctuations can also be a sign that your cat should start getting the senior treatment. Usually their metabolism slows down and as the amount of exercise decreases with age, you can expect to see your feline frame getting larger than usual. On the other end of the spectrum, some cats might suffer weight loss due to dental problems, also common in old age. You can check your cat’s body condition at home using these simple steps and get plenty of clues about your pet’s health and weight. Changes in behaviour You can find many signs of an old cat in their behaviour as well. They get a bit rusty when it comes to using the litter box and the frequency of accidents increases. They might not groom themselves as thorough as before. Or might even become moodier and less tolerant of changes in their environment. Many cats become less able to cope with stress as they age, so if you want to find out more about how you can manage cat anxiety, our guide is a good start.

Senior cats may not be as active as they once were, but that does not mean that they do not still enjoy playing when the mood takes them. Play is a necessary part of all pet cats – no matter what stage of life - and it has important health benefits. All you need to do is better tailor the games you play with them to their age and their needs, and you will have one happy cat! In this article, we’ll talk you through the best toys and games for senior cats and what to keep in mind when you play with your older cat.

Cat seizures have many causes and can often occur quite suddenly. Find out what you can do to make the experience less stressful for you and your pet. Cat seizures can be a symptom of many different diseases but are one of the more unusual illness symptoms in cats. It can be alarming the first time your cat has a seizure, but by following the advice set out in this article, we hope you’ll have the confidence to remain calm and seek veterinary advice when necessary. Keep reading to find out more about cat seizures and epilepsy.

As your cat ages, their sleep patterns might change. Older cats may sleep more, with their energy levels simply decreasing with age. Other times, senior cats might sleep more during the day, saving their energy for evenings and nighttime explorations. While you might find this a little disruptive, it's a natural shift in their sleep cycle. Learn how to understand these sleeping patterns and create a cosy sleep haven to ensure they get the rest they need. Common Changes in Older Cats' Sleep Patterns

Understanding Your Senior Cat's Grooming Needs As cats age, they may face several grooming challenges. Common age-related health issues such as arthritis or becoming overweight can reduce their flexibility and so make self-grooming much more difficult for them. This can lead to dandruff, unkempt fur and unhealthy skin. Other conditions, such as hyperthyroidism, diabetes, and kidney issues, can also affect a cat's coat and skin. Older cats with these conditions may require extra care to remove dead hair and manage excess skin oil, preventing matting. It’s also common to see changes in their coat texture and skin health as cats age. Some ageing cats have an increase in the naturally produced oils from their skin, which can cause mats – often at the base of their tail and up their back. A sudden reduction in your cat’s self-grooming is always a cause for concern – especially if they are usually fastidious. It could indicate mouth or dental problems, pain or disease, and you should always contact your vet. Top Tip: Look for signs that your senior cat may need help grooming themself. These can include matted fur, dandruff, an unkempt appearance, itchiness, or increased hairballs. If your cat seems to be starting to have issues to grooming themself, it's time to step in and help them.

As your cat enters their senior years, you’re likely to notice some changes in their health, appearance, and behaviour. Ageing is, of course, a completely normal process. Just like us, senior cats may have less energy, be interested in different things, and experience age-related conditions such as arthritis. These changes are to be expected, and with some adjustments to their care (as well as regular check-ups with the vet) they should enjoy their senior years to the full. However, some senior cats may also undergo changes in their behaviour. Perhaps they don’t like playing anymore, they avoid being touched, or they even behave aggressively. Others may seem unusually confused, particularly if there are unexpected environmental changes. But how much of this is a normal part of ageing, and when is it time to see a vet? Read on to find out more about caring for old cats and how to spot any behaviour changes. Forgetting litterbox training If your usually fastidious cat begins to urinate in places other than their litterbox, it may be down to age-related changes. Elderly cats may seem to forget their years of training; this is called ‘cognitive dysfunction’, although many people think of this as a form of ‘cat dementia’. When this happens, your cat may be confused about where the litterbox is, or forget where they are supposed to urinate or defecate. There is very little you can do about this, apart from making it as easy as possible for your cat to find their litterbox. For example, if they always urinate in the same place, try moving the litterbox there. If they still don’t go to their litterbox, patience and understanding are key. However, urinating or defecating in inappropriate places can also be a sign of several other conditions, such as feline urinary tract infections, constipation, or even eyesight loss. For this reason, you should always take your cat to the vet for a check-up before assuming their new behaviour is down to age-related confusion.

You might have noticed that your cat is napping more, can’t jump as high as they used to or isn’t chasing a piece of string with as much energy as they did before. These are all normal as a cat approaches their senior years – like us, they’ll want to slow down a little as they get older! Cats are usually classed to be of a senior age from around seven years old, but this can vary slightly depending on your cats breed and other factors. Diet, fitness and any medical issues all contribute towards the expected lifespan of a senior cat. Even though they may seem a little calmer than when they were a young moggy, the later years that you share with your cat should still be as fun, loving and rewarding as ever. Our team of Pet Care Experts offer guidance and tips on how to make the most of your cats twilight years, for the both of you.

From around the age of seven you’ll notice that your older cat starts taking life a bit easier - and who can blame them! A senior cat may start to become less active, spend more time indoors and have a slower metabolism. These can all add up to them putting on weight. Equally, as they reach their geriatric years, illness and a reduction in their sense of taste and smell can affect their appetites, which will have an impact on their body condition. As felines get older, their nutritional requirements start to change. And as your cat will spend roughly 40% of their life as a senior, it's important that you give them the right food to stay in good shape. In their senior years, more than ever, your cat should eat a high quality, tasty diet with easy-to-digest protein and a careful balance of key nutrients. A good senior cat diet provides concentrated high quality protein, controlled levels of fat, and easy-to-digest carbohydrates for energy. Key minerals support ageing joints, and vitamins, along with proteins, help support the ageing immune system.

Putting a cat to sleep is a heart breaking thought, and a time that any pet owner dreads, but at some stage you may have to consider this as the kindest option for your cat. For example, this may happen if their quality of life is suffering due to illness, injury or old age, and there’s no sign of them getting better. Making the decision Knowing when to put a cat down is always difficult and intensely personal. In making the decision, you have to weigh up your own desire to spend a little longer with them against your cat’s best interests. Unless they’ve been in a serious accident, you may have a bit of time to think things through, and we always recommend you talk to family and friends and consult your vet as part of the process. Unlike other animals, including humans, cats often hide their pain - but as their owner you will usually know when they’re acting out of character, and your vet’s knowledge and experience will be invaluable. Ultimately the decision to put your cat to sleep will be yours, but remember that sometimes the kindest thing can be to let them go, especially if their quality of life is suffering. However hard the decision is for you, it will be equally tough for your family, particularly if you have children. It will come as less of a shock if you can all sit down and discuss the decision together, being honest about your reasons and what it will mean for everyone, including your beloved pet. Of course it will be an upsetting conversation but it can help children come to terms with what’s happened later if they understand that your decision is based on putting your cat’s needs first.