Aging cats and how they change

When a cat ages, it experiences physical and mental changes. Learn what changes you can expect and what you can do about it.

By Maria Coolester, Vet   Talk to the Author.

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Aging cats and how they change

The aging process can be difficult for cats. Month after month and year after year of their lives they've become used to a certain routine. They wake up at a certain time, are groomed at a particular time, then get to eat and exercise. But as they age, they realize that things are different. Not because their owners are treating them differently, but because they feel differently.

The changes can be frustrating for older cats. As your pet ages, you may notice that it becomes irritated more easily and whines a bit more. That's because they don't like what's going on in their bodies.

Cats experience both physical and mental changes as they grow older. Just as human hair turns white, so does cat hair--particularly the fur around their noses. You may also notice that their leg muscles aren't as strong as they once were, and that their primary organs begin to diminish in strength. On the physical side, you certainly want to monitor how your cat is doing. When your cat begins to age, you'll want to take it in to see your vet more frequently--maybe every six months.

Your cat may start to lose its sight or hearing abilities as it ages, as well. That's even more reason to have your cat checked out regularly. As your cat ages, you want to use special precautions when you give it commands. Don't get as upset if your pet doesn't hear you. Sometimes as cats age, they hear high-pitched sounds much more easily than they do a human voice. You need to keep this in mind as you care for your pet.

Mentally, you may see certain changes that you won't like. Because of these physical changes that are occurring, your cat may not feel as outgoing as it once was. It may cuddle alone in a corner or under a table more frequently than usual. It is embarrassed by how it feels. It would much rather be younger and feel more active.

You want to be sure to exercise your cat frequently and keep your older cat on as regular a schedule as possible. You want to make sure you spend plenty of time with your older cat to help it feel wanted. Your pet can very easily fall into a trap in which it doesn't feel as if it's loved anymore. And that can be the most dangerous for it.

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