In recent years, feline ages and life-stages have been redefined, cats are considered to be elderly once they reach 11 years with senior cats defined as those aged between 11-14 years and super-senior cats 15 years and upwards. When caring for older cats it sometimes helps to appreciate their age in human terms.
According to the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) Senior Care Guidelines, older cats are classified as mature or middle-aged at 7 to 10 years old, as senior cats at 11 to 14 years old, and geriatric from 15 to 25 years old.
It happens to all cats eventually. Your cuddly kitten is now officially entering her senior years. That does not mean that she does not have many healthy and happy years left to enjoy with you.
Mature. As your cat grows older, you will start to see behavioral changes. From 7-10 years of age, your cat begins to lose their drive to play and is less active.
Intensive growth 2-4 months
This is the naughty stage of the kitten development chart when your kittens start to show their true colours!
If this sounds familiar, they might be going through the 'Terrible Two's' phase! Cats are juniors until the age of 2, and like human children, may start to show a different temperament between 6 months and 2 years old, even progressing from the (sometimes) defiant 'Terrible Two's' to becoming a stroppy teenager!
According to the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, the average life expectancy of a house cat is 10 to 15 years, while outdoor cats may only live on average 2 to 5 years.
Indoor cats generally live from 12-18 years of age. Many may live to be in their early 20s. The oldest reported cat, Creme Puff lived to be an amazing 38 years old. Outdoor cats generally live shorter lives due to being more likely to be involved in traumas such as motor vehicle accidents or dog attacks.
In a multi-human household, it seems that cats will choose one family member they want to spend more of their time with. According to a study done by the nutrition company, Canadae, they discovered that the person who makes the most effort is the favorite.
Older cats may vocalize excessively for a number of reasons, including disorientation, loss of hearing and pain due to one or more medical conditions.
Give Senior Cats Daily Exercise and Mental Stimulation
All cats need places to climb, places to hide, things to scratch, and ways to hunt and play. All of these things will help your cat stay physically and mentally stimulated as well as healthy.
Signs of Pain – Cats will usually display clear signs if they are feeling pain due to an illness or injury. They may meow constantly or hide away from people; some cats will even stop grooming themselves if they are too uncomfortable or unwell.
Older cats tend to be less playful. They don't hunt as much, spend less time outside, and sleep for longer periods. Senior cats, naturally, aren't going to be as lively or as energetic as their younger counterparts. But we still need to make sure they're getting as much exercise as their body's will allow.
Adult cats tend to have more set sleeping schedules that average out at about 12 - 20 hours of sleep each day. Senior cats will tend to have less energy and reduced mobility which means they will sleep more than younger cats.
While 13 to 17 years is the average life expectancy for an indoor cat, some live much shorter lives while others live well into their 20s. One kitty, Crème Puff, made it to the ripe old age of 38!
Just like when they were kittens, older cats tend to sleep as much as 20 hours a day. If your senior cat's sleep patterns are starting to change, look first to their home environment, before getting concerned. Especially as they age, cats need warm and comfortable places to sleep.
"When cats get older, it's normal for their appetite and eating habits to change with time. Some cats lose interest in the food they once loved, while others want to eat less often than when they were younger. However, older cats not eating, or eating well but losing weight can be worrying.
Cats tend to live around 15 years, on average. As in humans, female cats tend to live for longer than male cats. Neutered cats are also likely to live for longer than intact ones, and pure breed cats are less likely to live as long as crossbreeds.
Because indoor cats don't have to deal with predators and some of the other potential risks that come with living outdoors, they tend to live a bit longer. Indoor cats also tend to have a more complete diet than outdoor cats, which can help them live a long life.
Cats that come in pairs tend to be healthier and live longer than single cats because they often get more exercise, which keeps their hearts healthy and reduces their stress. Additionally, exercise lessens the risk of having an overweight pet, and can add years to their life.
When Do Kittens Become Adults? Most kittens are considered adults around their first birthday. For some larger breed cats, like Maine Coons, it can take up to 18 months to 2 years to reach their full size. Between eight months and two years of age, kittens reach their full size.
Many cats manifest this grumpiness when they aren't feeling well. It is easy to assume our strong and silent friends are not affected by ailments. Just like with other pets (and people) as they age, their body goes through changes. Here are some reasons a cat may be perceived as grumpy.
Older cats tend to be less active and playful, they may sleep more, gain or lose weight, and have trouble reaching their favorite places. Don't chalk up health or behavior changes - often gradual - to old age, however.