Cats don’t stay kittens forever.
And as they begin to age, necessary adjustments are needed in order for us to help them carry on leading happy and healthy lives.
Cats are generally considered senior when they turn 7 years old. Although some vets consider this marker to be closer to 11.
The fact is, no two cats are the same, and so age-related physical signs can actually begin to occur at completely different stages of a cat’s life.
Signs your feline friend is starting to “get on in years” include loss of appetite and behavioral changes.
Their immune system also begins to weaken, leading to the possibility of increased bouts of illness, along with a raft of age-associated disorders.
Another big indicator is their activity levels.
Older cats tend to be less playful. They don’t hunt as much, spend less time outside, and sleep for longer periods.
Senior cats, naturally, aren’t going to be as lively or as energetic as their younger counterparts.
But we still need to make sure they’re getting as much exercise as their body’s will allow.
Exercise for senior cats is essential when it comes to keeping their bodies and brains fighting fit, as well as keeping their weight under control.
Ailing health can make things tricky, but you should try and schedule at least one play/exercise session every day, keeping it gentle and for no longer than 15 minutes.
Don’t always chalk up a drop in activity levels to old age either. Behavioral changes can be down to injury or illness, and if you believe this could be the case, they should be investigated thoroughly by a vet.