Older cats are wonderful "companions" and, moreover, true friends for people.
If only because “retirement age” cats are calmer compared to their younger relatives.
However, the elderly whiskered and tailed meowing animals no longer have the same needs as they did during their stormy youth.
Therefore, it is important to know when a cat is considered elderly in order to have an idea of its condition and overall health, which will allow you to take more effective care of it.
Elderly and senior cats
Veterinarians say that a cat becomes elderly when it reaches approximately 7-10 years of age.
But if a cat is over 10-12 years old, then veterinarians call it not just elderly, but senile.
In the latter case, as with people, the fluffy one requires special care and constant attention.
It's a little easier if the cat is "just old" - you just take a little more care of it than usual.
But how do you know if a cat has gotten old? Yes, it's not easy, because it hides weaknesses and health problems that are typical for this age period.
This is explained by the instinctive behavior of an animal that is a natural predator in the wild. And if it shows weakness, it will become prey itself.
Signs of old age
Nevertheless, there are signs that will allow you to “diagnose” your cat’s old age:
– weight loss or, conversely, weight gain;
- much less activity with a longer duration of sleep;
– indifference to jumping and any active games (but this may also indicate joint pain);
– loss of appetite, increased water consumption, frequent urination;
– decreased visual and hearing acuity;
– changes in coat: loss of shine, oiliness, dandruff or severe shedding;
– changes in “voice” and in behavior in general, for example, greater aggression or anxiety.
Earlier we told you how you can stop a cat from biting using three steps .
