Cats are not just pets; they are part of the family, which is why people want to provide their cats with the best life possible. Just as people are living longer lives, so are cats. Advances in science and medicine have improved the ability to detect and treat disease early, leading to longer and healthier lives for our feline friends.

Cat's Age in Human Years

Aging is a process experienced differently among cats. Factors that affect aging include the quality of human care, other environmental factors and genetics. Many people find it helpful to associate the age of their cats with the equivalent age of humans. A one year-old cat is generally at the same stage as a 16 year-old person. Now you know why kittens are sometimes so destructive and rebellious; they are going through their teenage years. A two year-old cat is equivalent to a 21 year-old human. Each year of a cat's life after the second is equivalent to four human years. For more information about the aging process of cats. Although we often think of cats of one to three years as still being kittens, these cats are actually the equivalent of human adults. Looking at the aging process for cats makes it much more understandable why your 10 year-old cat does not want to play as much; he is the equivalent of a 53 year-old person. Generally, a cat of this age would be considered to be a senior citizen.

Nutrition

Nutrition is a key component of caring for an elderly cat. Many cats have a tendency to gain weight with age because of slowing metabolisms and decreased levels of exercise. Some cats have a tendency to become thin as they age, progressive and substantial weight loss may be the sign of a more serious problem. Since changes in weight can be an early sign of disease, it is important to monitor your cat and seek the help of a veterinarian as soon as you notice the changes. Older cats should be fed a lower calorie and lower fat diet if they begin to show signs of weight gain. Weight gain can aggravate problems such as diabetes and arthritis.

Medical Issues

Cats have a tendency to cope well with and hide disease successfully for years. This means that by the time symptoms of a disease show, that disease may already be in advanced stages. Normal aging does cause many changes, and these changes should not be considered to be symptoms of disease. As cats age, they may have a tendency to slow down, their hearing may change, their vision or eyes may change, and older cats sometimes also experience muscle atrophy. Older cats may tend to bathe less and may develop a smell, their fur may be slightly matted, or they may have patches of fur that are missing. If these symptoms suddenly worsen, you should take your cat to the veterinarian. However, gradual change should be considered a normal part of the aging process and are not cause for concern. Regular checkups for your cat are very important because checkups can help detect disease early.

Some common diseases and conditions that often affect older cats include arthritis, dental problems, hearing loss, vision loss, and senility. Because of the combination of muscle atrophy and arthritis, it is important to be sure that your cat does not have to jump up and down from high places. Placing small pet stairs by the bed is helpful if your cat sleeps with you. It also may be helpful if you use shorter litter boxes or cut down the size of your existing box. The litter and food may have to be moved closer to the cats sleeping area so that your older cat does not have to walk as far. Changes in vision or senility may also affect a cat's ability to get around the house. You can help by trying not to make any major changes to the furniture placement in your home. One of the first signs of disease is often changes in litter box use. If the cat can no longer find or walk to the litter box, he or she may begin to urinate and defecate in inappropriate places. This and increased water consumption may also be indicative of kidney disease. You may want to being feeding your cat softer food and brushing teeth more often to stave off gum and dental problems. If you notice major changes in your cat's normal behavior, notify your vet immediately. Information about diseases that affect cats and how these diseases can be treated. Early detection of disease often leads to the best treatment options and will give your cat more healthy and happy years.

Elder Years

Older cats generally show a decreased amount of physical activity. You may notice that your cat sleeps more than when he or she was younger. It may be time to keep your older cat indoors entirely or reduce outdoor time. If your senior cat will still be spending time outdoors, he or she should be supervised. Keeping your cat indoors can add years to your cat's life because older cats have weaker immune systems and are less able to fend off disease. Joint pain and muscle atrophy can prevent a cat from hunting or from escaping danger in the form of predators, traffic and other animals. Even if your cat is an outdoor cat, do not overlook the importance of exercise. Regular exercise can help prevent muscle atrophy, reduce weight gain and can improve your cat's overall mobility. If your cat does not exercise on his or her own, use toys to gently play on a regular basis.

Just as the habits and health of senior people change, so do the habits and health of senior cats. Preventative care is vital to give your cat more happy and healthy years, so never hesitate to consult a veterinarian if you have questions. This will keep our feline friends around for many years to come.