When Does A Cat Become A Senior?

When Does A Cat Become A Senior?

While your cat will always be your baby, one day they will be considered a senior. The senior year brings aging-related changes and health needs. Even though your cat may not yet be showing any noticeable signs that they’re getting older, they’ll greatly benefit from preventative care as they approach seniorhood.
In honor of Senior Pet Month, learn when your cat will officially become a senior and how you can make lifestyle changes to help extend their happy, healthy years.

How Old Is A Senior Cat?
The aging process looks different for every individual cat, with lifestyle factors like diet, body condition, sun exposure, and exercise all affecting the way they age.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) a cat’s senior years officially begin when they are seven years old.
A seven-year-old cat is biologically similar to a 54-year-old human, so around this time they’ll technically be considered middle-aged. At seven years old, your cat will likely not yet have developed any typical age-related health issues like arthritis, but they will have began to experience natural, subtle effects of aging.

How Cats Age
The aging process looks different for every cat, and some will develop signs of chronic disease sooner than others. Signs of aging that you may or may not notice can include:

• Shrinkage of brain tissue and buildup of proteins between neurons, which can lead to feline cognitive dysfunction (FCD)
• Claws can become thicker and more brittle, and may need trimming
• Coat may become thinner and duller, and may look unkempt in cats that have become less efficient at self-grooming
• Decline of organ function, often leading to conditions like chronic kidney disease (CKD)
• Thinning of joint tissue through daily wear and tear, sometimes leading to osteoarthritis
• Muscle loss as the muscles become less responsive to protein uptake and exercise

It’s normal and expected for cats to slow down and experience some changes as they get older. However, some changes in your cat’s behavior, appearance, and health are indictors of disease, rather than the normal aging process.
For example, it’s common for senior cats to have less of an appetite. This could be due to their changing caloric needs, or a sense of smell that has become less acute. But sudden, severe inappetence can be a sign of a serious condition such as diabetes or kidney disease, and should be considered a medical emergency.

Care for Senior Cats
By the time your cat is seven years old, you can begin preventative care and healthy lifestyle changes to prepare them for a long, healthy seniorhood.

• See the vet every six months for a senior wellness checkup
• Protect kidney health with a high-moisture diet
• Give omega-3 fatty acid supplements to support brain function, joint health, and heart health
• Groom frequently if your cat is no longer maintaining their claws or coat on their own
• Reach or maintain an ideal body condition and feed according to your senior’s caloric needs, or as recommended by your veterinarian

The #1 most important thing you can do when your cat becomes a senior is to enjoy every moment with them. Exercise, mental stimulation, naps, cuddles, and playtime are all critical for mental and physical health, and most of all, enjoying quality time with you during their golden years.