Your Senior Cat: Signs of Ageing in Your Older Feline

Your cat may not be an energetic kitten anymore, but old age shouldn’t keep your senior cat from getting the most out of the years ahead.Generally cats over 11 years of age are classified as Senior cats. If your cat falls within this age group it is important to be aware of certain physical and mental changes your cat will undergo. The following list contains common symptoms and conditions often associated with senior cats that can potentially impact their quality of life:

• Weight changes (either gaining or losing too much weight)
• Decreased sense of smell and hearing
• Sensitivity to light
• Heart or circulatory problems
• Less agility
• Digestion difficulties
• Brittle nails
• Grooming difficulties in hard-to-reach areas
• Loose skin/Loss of muscle mass
• Behaviour changes, such as increased accidents outside the litter box, irritability, decreased human interaction, confusion and less playfulness
• Fluctuating sleep patterns
• Reduced digestive function
• Reduced immune response