Aging in cats comes in a mostly predictable way, being so subtle that you may not notice the signs at first until suddenly you notice changes in your pet, such as weight loss or lethargy.
You may start to wonder if these changes are because of some particular health problem that you should be worried about.
Although anything that worries you about your cat should warrant checking with your veterinarian, knowing what is normal for your cat goes a long way toward easing those worries.
You can expect a cat that has been taken well care of over his entire life, and with no series health issues, to live from 15 to 20 years.
An indoor cat has a longer life expectancy than an outdoor cat.
Normal signs of aging are gradual in cats, and sudden problems might be indicators of a serious health problem.
So if your cat changes quickly in appearance or behavior, have him seen by your veterinarian as soon as possible.
As your cat ages, his sense of hearing, smell, and vision may decline, although different cats age in different ways.
Some of these changes may be barely noticeable to you because your cat will adapt to them.
Others may be more noticeable, such as bad breath due to gum disease, which requires more attention with age.
Other changes can be more difficult to notice.
Some people are not aware that their pets are not hearing as well, or are even deaf.
This is not hard to imagine, because cats pay attention only when they want to, and may not react when you call them anyway.
In some older cats, the sense of taste may start to go away, affecting his appetite, and resulting in a problem.
Because your cat is undergoing changes on the inside, you may begin to notice changes on the outside.
Cats lose muscle mass as they age, yo your pet may seem thinner and bonier than when he was young.
Other cats may become obese, eating the same amount of calories despite less activity.
Changes may show up in your cat's coat, where it feels drier and more sparse, and the skin less supple.
Your cat may not be as efficient at grooming himself as he ages.
He becomes more fragile, so therefore is not able to clean himself so diligently, or have the same interest in grooming that he once did.
The temperament of older cats is something to actually anticipate with pleasure.
Your cat may mellow over time, becoming more interested in sitting in your lap than leaping from tall pieces of furniture.
This softening of attitude may be what you notice the most, but other changes in behavior include the fact that your cat is sleeping more, but you need to watch this carefully.
An extreme disinterest in the world around your cat might be a sign of disease, and not just aging.
Be aware of changes in appetite or thirst.
Although your cat needs fewer calories and more fluids as he ages, extreme changes in him need to be checked out.