6 Signs Your Cat Could Be Showing Their Years

Cats are often said to have nine lives, a testament to their agility and survival skills. However, like all living beings, cats eventually show signs of age as they enter their senior years. Recognising these signs early is crucial for timely veterinary intervention, helping maintain your feline friend's health and quality of life.

Knowing the Signs to Look Out For

Older cats can exhibit subtle behavioural and physical changes that indicate ageing. Awareness of these signs allows cat owners to seek veterinary advice promptly, potentially catching treatable conditions early. Here are six key signs that your cat might be showing their years.

1. Issues With Their Vision

Vision changes are common in ageing cats and can stem from primary eye conditions or signal deeper health problems. Common eye issues in senior cats include trauma, glaucoma, and cancers.

The eyes can reflect overall cardiovascular health; for instance, hypertension caused by hyperthyroidism or kidney disease may manifest first as eye symptoms. Look out for:

• Excessive blinking or pawing at the eyes
• Pupils dilated in bright light or pupils of unequal size
• Difficulty navigating or bumping into furniture
• Cloudy or bluish eyes (lenticular sclerosis)

If these symptoms are present, arranging a veterinary appointment is vital to diagnose and manage the underlying cause effectively.

2. Kidney Disease

Kidney function declines with age in cats, often leading to kidney disease—a common and serious condition in seniors. Increased thirst and urination are early warning signs due to the kidneys' diminished ability to concentrate urine.

As the disease progresses, cats may lose weight and appetite due to toxin buildup in the blood. While kidney failure is irreversible, early diagnosis and a veterinary-prescribed renal diet can slow disease progression and improve comfort.

Note that absence of urination or difficulty urinating may signal urgent kidney problems or a urinary blockage, requiring immediate veterinary attention.

3. Dental Disease – Feline Tooth Resorption

Dental health often deteriorates with age. While periodontal disease is common, feline tooth resorption is a particularly painful condition where tooth roots dissolve beneath the gums, often unnoticed because external tooth appearance might remain intact.

Regular veterinary dental examinations, including dental X-rays, are essential to identify and manage this condition, ensuring your cat's comfort and preventing secondary infections.

4. The Dreaded Lumps & Bumps

Older cats are at higher risk of cancer. For example, white cats are prone to squamous cell carcinoma on ears and noses due to lack of pigment in these exposed areas.

Soft tissue sarcoma, linked to certain vaccines, can also occur, especially in older cats. Any new lumps or changes in existing bumps should be promptly evaluated by a vet who may recommend a biopsy or other diagnostics.

5. Changes in Your Cat's Weight

Weight loss in elderly cats, even if subtle, is significant as it often represents a considerable portion of their body mass. Sudden or gradual weight loss can signal health issues ranging from hyperthyroidism to diabetes or kidney disease.

Prompt veterinary evaluation ensures early treatment or management of underlying causes and helps maintain your cat's wellbeing.

6. Joint Disease

Osteoarthritis is now recognised as a prevalent, painful joint condition in cats, frequently mistaken as mere ageing signs. Affected cats may hesitate to jump, struggle using the litter tray, lose appetite, show lethargy, or neglect grooming, resulting in poor coat condition.

While treatment options are more limited than in dogs due to different metabolism, effective pain management strategies exist. A veterinarian can diagnose osteoarthritis and tailor a pain relief plan to improve your cat’s quality of life.

Supporting Your Senior Cat

Recognising the signs of ageing in cats requires a vigilant and caring eye. Routine veterinary check-ups help distinguish normal ageing from treatable ailments. Responsible ownership includes timely veterinary care, appropriate diet, dental checks, and monitoring for behavioural changes to ensure your cat enjoys their golden years comfortably.