Subtle Signs Your Cat Is Getting Older: What to Watch For

Cats are masters at hiding discomfort, a trait from their wild ancestry, making signs of aging in cats subtle and easy to miss. Recognizing these changes is crucial for timely veterinary care as your feline enters their senior years. This complements our guide on cat life stages. Use our Cat Age Calculator to estimate your cat’s age and tailor their care.

Subtle Behavioral Changes

Aging cats show nuanced behavioral shifts:

• Sleep Patterns: Increased sleeping, restlessness at night, or choosing unusual sleeping spots.
• Social Interactions: Becoming more clingy, withdrawn, vocal, or irritable.
• Reduced Activity: Less interest in play, hesitation before jumping, or reduced exploration.
• Litter Box Habits:
• Urinating/defecating outside the box may indicate arthritis, kidney disease, or cognitive issues.
• Increased urination frequency/volume can signal kidney disease or diabetes.
• Straining or crying in the litter box requires urgent veterinary attention.
• Appetite/Thirst Changes:
• Increased appetite with weight loss may point to hyperthyroidism or diabetes.
• Decreased appetite could indicate dental pain or nausea.
• Increased thirst often signals kidney disease or diabetes.
• Grooming Habits: Matted fur, especially on the back, due to arthritis or dental pain. Over-grooming may indicate stress or pain.
• Cognitive Changes: Blank staring, getting stuck in corners, or nighttime vocalization suggest Feline Cognitive Dysfunction (FCD).

Explore more in our feline aging process guide.

Subtle Physical Changes

Physical signs of aging can be subtle but significant:

• Weight Changes: Gradual weight loss despite good appetite or unexplained weight gain.
• Coat Changes: Dull, thin fur, increased dander, or greying around the muzzle.
• Dental Issues: Bad breath, red gums, tartar, or reluctance to eat hard food.
• Eye Changes: Cloudiness (cataracts or lenticular sclerosis), discharge, or pupil size changes.
• Mobility Issues: Stiffness after rest or reluctance to jump high.
• Nail Changes: Thicker, brittle nails needing frequent trimming.
• Lumps and Bumps: New skin growths found during petting sessions.

Veterinary Care and Resources

Don’t dismiss these signs as “just old age.” Early detection of common health issues in senior cats can improve quality of life. Schedule regular veterinary check-ups to address these changes. The AAFP’s CatFriendly.com offers expert resources on feline health.

Spotting signs of aging in cats early allows for proactive care, enhancing your feline’s comfort and longevity. Regular vet visits and tailored support are key to managing age-related conditions. Use our Cat Age Calculator to track your cat’s aging and explore our senior pet care guide for holistic tips.