What Are The Signs of Aging In Cats?

There are number of signs to look out for. The first set are obvious outward physical signs:

Infirm cats also show their age in their movement (or lack of it):

Movement is less graceful and slower.
Older cats often spend a great deal of time dozing in warm, quiet, hideaway places.
They may move as though they are arthritic or suffering from rheumatism; occasionally a cat may have developed one or other of those conditions in a particular leg joint.

Cats may also show their age in their eating habits:

Aging cats often eat less than when they were younger - as their overall activity reduces, they are less in need of replenishment for energy.
Conversely, some elderly cats take to ‘comfort eating’ - a greedy cat may put on weight with the combination of less activity and the same quantities of food on offer.

Age also shows itself in the cat’s behaviour patterns:

Older cats may remain in the home more and wander outdoors less, especially in the colder seasons.
Play behaviour reduces.
They need to rub up against, scratch and mark objects and people abates as the elderly cat leaves such youthful activities behind.

All this puts older cats on a par with most aging owners.

Tags: Cats: Infirmity