Bringing a pet into the home is a major decision that can change your own living situation dramatically. It also requires considering how your life may change as a result and what needs the pet may require. These concerns are significant, but they are often easy enough for prospective owners to imagine, understand and assess based on future responsibilities entailed.
Arguably one of the most meaningful considerations when bringing a new pet into the home is the lifespan of the pet. It is not uncommon for pets to live 10 or even 20 years: that’s a long timeframe of responsibility that absolutely should be considered carefully. It’s also important because – just like with humans – pets age and can require special care as they get older.
These concerns are no different with people’s feline companions. Cats can live long and happy lives when taken care of properly, but cats can’t vocalise their feelings or health in the same ways as humans. As such, we must keep an eye out for what they need.
Let’s delve into what cat owners should be looking for in their ageing pets and how to give them the care they deserve.
When Do Cats Become Susceptible to Ageing?
With more people keeping their cats indoors and protected from the dangers of nature, the average lifespan of felines continues to increase. Data shows that the average lifespan of a cat has nearly doubledover the past few decades alone[1]. In general, a cat owner can expect their companion to live anywhere from 12 to 15 years.
However, while cats are living longer lives, the onset of noticeable ageing remains relatively the same; at around 7 years, many cats will begin undergoing a shift in their biology that can affect every major system of the body[2]. These changes can be subtle and hard to detect initially, but being aware of these changes is important. As your cat ages, you can begin to take proactive measures in ensuring their continued health; from dietary changes to more frequent vet visits, these precautions will help your ageing cat do so with grace.
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Pet Insurance and Healthcare for Your Ageing Cat
Once your feline friend reaches middle ages, considerations for their health should be made. As mentioned above, changes in their diets may be needed to offset losses in nutritional absorption or to account for other issues like hairballs and kidney problems. Around this time, it is also necessary to begin preparing for the inevitable vet visits that ageing cats generally require in order to stay healthy.
Pet insurance is definitely one consideration to make in the years leading up to this period of your cat’s life. Pet insurancesuch as Everypaw,provide new cover for cats up to their 10thbirthday, offering both lifetime plans and maximum benefit plans. But insure your cat before their 10thbirthday and renew every year and they will provide pet insurance for your older cat. Having insurance for your ageing cat through a service like Everypaw may take some of the worry out of otherwise costly vet visits in the future.
It is not uncommon for ageing cats to need a bit more TLC in the form of visits to the vet. Feline health professionals generally advise once per year visits to the vet in their prime years, but visits every six months are more common once a cat reaches middle age[3]. These visits may help to catch emerging conditions or illnesses before they become untreatable or cost exorbitant.
Signs of Ageing Cats
The signs that your cat is ageing – not including their age itself – may be subtle initially, but will slowly become evident over time. Which signs of ageing are likely to be most noticeable?
First and foremost, changes in sleeping patterns are often associated with ageing.[4]While when your cat sleeps can change over periods of time, how much your cat sleeps is a different story. Generally speaking, the older a cat becomes, the more it sleeps.
Changes in weight are another sign that the ageing process is becoming more rapid. Some cats may pack on excess weight due to a loss of energy and reduced exercise, but others will lose weight due to other factors associated with their biological changes[5].
Common Problems in Ageing Cats
With the exception of the changes we can see with our own eyes, it can be difficult to determine how your ageing cat is feeling. After all, they cannot vocalise to us their ailments and problems, but lots of veterinary experience and pet ownership stories can prove useful in identifying what most likely is happening with elderly cats.
In broader terms, the problems ageing cats face aren’t inherently different from ageing humans: changes in weight, loss of vision and/or hearing, joint problems and dental issues are among general ailments experienced.[6]Diseases such as various forms of cancer, diabetes and even dementia are not uncommon in older cats, which is why regular trips to the vet are so essential.
How to Care for Your Ageing Cat
Besides regular health check-ups with your vet, there are a variety of actions you can take at home to improve the quality of life for your ageing cat.
Regular inspection of your cat’s teeth is recommended, and may include daily tooth brushing to remove plaque that can cause other health problems. [7]
Knowing when to change your cat’s dietto one high in fatty acids and joint supplements is important, and recommended for cats with documented cases of arthritis or joint pain[8].
Regular grooming can also be a good idea, as a cat’s coat can become more difficult to properly maintain with age and without assistance. Regular brushing can remove excess fur and debris, which can minimise the instance of hairballs[9].
Even though cats can begin to show signs of ageing in just a few years, the right treatments and care can provide many feline companions with many additional years of life. By being aware of when these changes begin, how to prepare for them, what signs to watch out for and how to address their occurrence, you can make your feline friend happy and comfortable in their golden years.
[1] https://www.sciencealert.com/these-are-the-signs-that-your-cat-will-probably-live-a-long-life
[2] http://www.vetstreet.com/your-senior-cat-what-to-expect-at-7-9-years
[3] https://www.purina.co.uk/cats/health-and-nutrition/when-to-see-a-vet/regular-vet-check-ups
[4] https://www.purina.co.uk/cat/purina-one/advice/psychology/article/strange-behaviour-in-elderly-cats
[5] https://vetmed.illinois.edu/weight-loss-in-older-cats/
[6] https://www.hillspet.com/cat-care/routine-care/common-senior-cat-problems
[7] https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/special-needs-senior-cat
[8] https://pets.webmd.com/cats/cat-arthritis-symptoms-pain-relief
[9] https://www.petplan.co.uk/pet-information/cat/advice/understanding-cat-hairballs-in-senior-cats/
