Cats age differently than humans do and can live a relatively long time. The average life expectancy for a domestic cat is around 15 years, although some cats have been known to live into their 20s or 30s.
Cats reach full maturity at around age 5. After that, they age more quickly, with their senior years beginning at around age 11.
Signs of aging in cats can be subtle, so it’s important to pay close attention to your cat’s health and behavior. Changes in energy levels, appetite, and sleeping patterns are common in older cats. They may also lose muscle tone and experience a decline in their ability to groom themselves. Arthritis, kidney disease, dental problems and cancer are also common in older cats.
Signs of aging in cats can vary, but some common ones include drinking and urinating more often, sleeping more, and having accidents outside the litter box. As cats age, their sense of smell may diminish. This can make it difficult for them to find food and water. Their vision and hearing may also deteriorate.
Some age-related changes are more subtle. Older cats may become less tolerant of changes in their environment and may be more vocal than they were in their youth. They may be more easily startled and may hide more often.
If you notice any changes in your cat’s health or behavior, be sure to take them to the veterinarian for a check- up. This will help ensure that any health problems are caught early and treated appropriately.
There are a few things you can do to help your aging cat live a happy and healthy life.
Make sure they are getting enough exercise. Even if they are sleeping more, they still need to be active. Try playing with them for a few minutes each day, or invest in some toys that they can use to stay active.
Keep an eye on their diet. As cats age, they may need more or less food than they did when they were younger. Talk to your vet about how much food your cat should be eating and what kind of food is best for them.
Providing them with a good diet and plenty of exercise will help them maintain their muscle mass and keep their joints healthy.
You can also make some changes to your home to make it more senior-friendly for your cat. For example, adding ramps or steps can help them get to their favorite spots. Providing them with plenty of soft, comfortable bedding will give them a place to rest and relax.
In conclusion, it's important to pay attention to any changes in your cat's health and behavior as they age. While some changes are to be expected, others may be signs of underlying health problems. As mentioned: If you notice anything out of the ordinary, be sure to take your cat to the vet for a check-up.
| Cat age | In human years |
| 1 month | 1 year |
| 2 months | 2 years |
| 3 months | 3 years |
| 4 months | 6 years |
| 5 months | 8 years |
| 6 months | 10 years |
| 7 months | 12 years |
| 12 months | 18 years |
| 18 months | 21 years |
| 2 years | 24 years |
| 3 years | 28 years |
| 4 years | 32 years |
| 5 years | 36 years |
| 6 years | 40 years |
| 7 years | 44 years |
| 8 years | 48 years |
| 9 years | 52 years |
| 10 years | 56 years |
| 11 years | 60 years |
| 12 years | 64 years |
| 13 years | 68 years |
| 14 years | 72 years |
| 15 years | 76 years |
| 16 years | 80 years |
| 17 years | 84 years |
| 18 years | 88 years |
| 19 years | 92 years |
| 20 years | 96 years |
| 21 years | 100 years |
| 22 years | 104 years |
| 23 years | 108 years |
| 24 years | 112 years |
| 25 years | 116 years |
