{"id":887,"date":"2020-09-07T08:12:17","date_gmt":"2020-09-07T08:12:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/animalsa2z.com\/?p=887"},"modified":"2020-09-07T08:12:17","modified_gmt":"2020-09-07T08:12:17","slug":"what-is-considered-old-age-for-a-cat","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/animalsa2z.com\/what-is-considered-old-age-for-a-cat\/","title":{"rendered":"What is Considered Old Age for A Cat?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Cats nowadays live longer than was the case twenty years ago, thanks to much better nutrition, home care and veterinary care. In recent years, the life stages and ages of cats have been redefined.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<!--more-->\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_17 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-grey\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" style=\"display: none;\"><i class=\"ez-toc-glyphicon ez-toc-icon-toggle\"><\/i><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class=\"ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1\"><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/animalsa2z.com\/what-is-considered-old-age-for-a-cat\/#How_old_do_cats_get_and_when_are_they_considered_old\" title=\"How old do cats get and when are they considered old\">How old do cats get and when are they considered old<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/animalsa2z.com\/what-is-considered-old-age-for-a-cat\/#Signs_of_old_age_in_cats\" title=\"Signs of old age in cats\">Signs of old age in cats<\/a><ul class=\"ez-toc-list-level-3\"><li class=\"ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/animalsa2z.com\/what-is-considered-old-age-for-a-cat\/#Sleeping_most_of_the_time_or_not_sleeping_at_all\" title=\"Sleeping most of the time or not sleeping at all\">Sleeping most of the time or not sleeping at all<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/animalsa2z.com\/what-is-considered-old-age-for-a-cat\/#Confusion\" title=\"Confusion\">Confusion<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/animalsa2z.com\/what-is-considered-old-age-for-a-cat\/#Having_trouble_jumping_or_climbing_stairs\" title=\"Having trouble jumping or climbing stairs\">Having trouble jumping or climbing stairs<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/animalsa2z.com\/what-is-considered-old-age-for-a-cat\/#Unintentional_weight_gain_or_weight_loss\" title=\"Unintentional weight gain or weight loss\">Unintentional weight gain or weight loss<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/animalsa2z.com\/what-is-considered-old-age-for-a-cat\/#Behavioral_changes\" title=\"Behavioral changes\">Behavioral changes<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/animalsa2z.com\/what-is-considered-old-age-for-a-cat\/#Oily_or_matted_fur\" title=\"Oily or matted fur\">Oily or matted fur<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/animalsa2z.com\/what-is-considered-old-age-for-a-cat\/#How_old_-_Cat_age_chart_human_years\" title=\"How old &#8211; Cat age chart human years\">How old &#8211; Cat age chart human years<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/animalsa2z.com\/what-is-considered-old-age-for-a-cat\/#Common_questions_about_cat_age_and_signs_that_your_cat_is_getting_older\" title=\"Common questions about cat age and signs that your cat is getting older\">Common questions about cat age and signs that your cat is getting older<\/a><ul class=\"ez-toc-list-level-3\"><li class=\"ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/animalsa2z.com\/what-is-considered-old-age-for-a-cat\/#How_do_I_know_if_my_elderly_cat_is_suffering\" title=\"How do I know if my elderly cat is suffering?\">How do I know if my elderly cat is suffering?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/animalsa2z.com\/what-is-considered-old-age-for-a-cat\/#What_do_most_older_cats_die_from\" title=\"What do most older cats die from?\">What do most older cats die from?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/animalsa2z.com\/what-is-considered-old-age-for-a-cat\/#What_is_the_usual_lifespan_of_a_cat\" title=\"What is the usual lifespan of a cat?\">What is the usual lifespan of a cat?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/animalsa2z.com\/what-is-considered-old-age-for-a-cat\/#Conclusion\" title=\"Conclusion\">Conclusion<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_old_do_cats_get_and_when_are_they_considered_old\"><\/span>How old do cats get and when are they considered old<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Cats are considered old cats once they reach 11 years old. A cat is considered really old when it is older than 14 years. This is often called a super senior cat. The average lifespan is around 15 years for indoor cats, but with a little luck they can live up to 20 years. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Signs_of_old_age_in_cats\"><\/span><strong>Signs of old age in cats<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As a parent of an aging feline, you will want to watch for some behavioral changes that can signify underlying problems. Below, we have listed the most common age-related conditions and symptoms you may see in older cats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Sleeping_most_of_the_time_or_not_sleeping_at_all\"><\/span><strong>Sleeping most of the time or not sleeping at all<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>While it\u2019s normal for a cat to slow down while he ages, it may indicate a serious underlying health problem. Having said that, if your cat is more active during the night and not sleeping too much, he may be experiencing changes in his body related to his age. Experts also note that older cats that suddenly have more energy may have hyperthyroidism. It\u2019s best to talk to your veterinarian if you have concerns about your cat\u2019s overall health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Confusion\"><\/span><strong>Confusion<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The moment your feline friend easily gets confused by ordinary objects or tasks he\u2019s used to doing such as finding his bed or food bowl, its a sign he\u2019s probably reaching his golden years. In addition, this can be a sign of much larger cognitive problems, so it\u2019s best that you consult your veterinarian if you see this behavior in your cat.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Having_trouble_jumping_or_climbing_stairs\"><\/span><strong>Having trouble jumping or climbing stairs<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Arthritis is actually very common in aging cats. While she may not show other obvious signs that she has painful joints or limbs, you may notice that she has more difficulty jumping than she used to, whether it&#8217;s jumping on furniture, climbing the stairs or jumping into her litter box.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Unintentional_weight_gain_or_weight_loss\"><\/span><strong>Unintentional weight gain or weight loss<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In older cats, weight loss could be a sign of health problems like diabetes, kidney disease or heart disease. Some energy and food needs of your cat can increase as he moves from adult to senior, and he might lose weight much faster than he can eat to catch up. As your cat gets older, his metabolism slows down so he doesn\u2019t need as high a calorie intake as he used to. If your cat starts to gain more weight, then it\u2019s the right time to switch your cat food to a specialized senior cat food diet, in order to meet his needs and preferences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Behavioral_changes\"><\/span><strong>Behavioral changes<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Is your cat avoiding human interaction? Is she having accidents that she never did before? These can be common signs of feline kidney failure, a cat that\u2019s mentally confused or a cat in pain. These health conditions are more prevalent in aging cats. Fortunately, your vet can help you assess the behavioral changes of your cat and probably prescribe the right treatment for her.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Oily_or_matted_fur\"><\/span><strong>Oily or matted fur<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If your cat stopped grooming himself it could be a sign that he\u2019s in pain due to dental problems or arthritis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_old_-_Cat_age_chart_human_years\"><\/span>How old &#8211; Cat age chart human years<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img src=\"https:\/\/animalsa2z.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Cat-human-age-01-606x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2355\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>[crp]<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Common_questions_about_cat_age_and_signs_that_your_cat_is_getting_older\"><\/span><strong>Common questions about cat age and signs that your cat is getting older<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_do_I_know_if_my_elderly_cat_is_suffering\"><\/span><strong>How do I know if my elderly cat is suffering?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Cats usually hide the pain they feel, so it\u2019s important to look for subtle signs. Breathing, appearance, heart rate and even behavior could change when your cat is in pain. You should consider calling your trusted vet if you think your furry pal is in pain. Also, bear in mind that it\u2019s not advisable to self-diagnose your cat and give him medication without asking your vet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_do_most_older_cats_die_from\"><\/span><strong>What do most older cats die from?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The most common underlying causes of senior cat death are cancer and kidney disease, as well as infectious diseases like feline immunodeficiency virus or FIV. Cats can also suffer from hyperthyroidism that can cause inflammatory bowel disease, high blood pressure, dental disease, and arthritis. These diseases are most common in senior cats, but many years can be added to your cat\u2019s life span if he\u2019s given the right diet and treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_the_usual_lifespan_of_a_cat\"><\/span><strong>What is the usual lifespan of a cat?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/animalsa2z.com\/what-is-the-average-lifespan-of-an-indoor-cat\/\">Cats live an average lifespan<\/a> of 15 years \u2013 and that\u2019s quite a long time compared to other pets&#8217; lifespans. Teenage felines, or even the ones in their 20s, are also common to see since there are a lot of factors that can play a big role in terms of determining how long a cat might live.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span><strong>Conclusion<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It is important to bear in mind that aging isn\u2019t a disease. According to experts, this should be accepted as a natural process. The human or animal body goes through a lot of complex changes physically as the years pass by. However, even though some of your cat&#8217;s conditions might not be easy to cure, they can still be controlled. So, help your furry pal enjoy his senior years by ensuring that he has regular access to veterinary care and that he receives plenty of attention and love at home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/animalsa2z.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/What-is-considered-old-age-for-a-cat_-1-683x1024.png\" alt=\"What is considered old age for a cat\" class=\"wp-image-889\" srcset=\"https:\/\/animalsa2z.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/What-is-considered-old-age-for-a-cat_-1-683x1024.png 683w, https:\/\/animalsa2z.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/What-is-considered-old-age-for-a-cat_-1-200x300.png 200w, https:\/\/animalsa2z.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/What-is-considered-old-age-for-a-cat_-1-768x1152.png 768w, https:\/\/animalsa2z.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/What-is-considered-old-age-for-a-cat_-1.png 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Cats nowadays live longer than was the case twenty years ago, thanks to much better nutrition, home care and veterinary care. In recent years, the life stages and ages of<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":888,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[8],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v16.2 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>What is Considered Old Age for A Cat? [ Detailed Answer ]<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/animalsa2z.com\/what-is-considered-old-age-for-a-cat\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"What is Considered Old Age for A Cat? 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