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Common Aging Changes in Senior Cats

Normal Aging & Expected Changes in Older (Senior, Geriatric) Cats

Updated On August 21st, 2000

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Reviewed By Lauren Jones VMD

Older cats can experience many changes in the functions of their bodies. Some cats may have more pronounced changes than others, and in some cats, the changes may start to occur at a younger age. We can help older animals adapt to these changes in a variety of ways: diagnosing problems early, using appropriate medications and supplements, modifying the cat's environment, and changing the way in which we interact with our older friends.

Change in Nutritional Needs

As dogs age, their metabolism changes and their need for calories decreases. The same is *not* true for cats. Their energy requirements basically stay the same throughout adulthood. Obesity is one of the main health problems of middle-aged cats, but older cats tend to lose some of that excess fat. Some studies have shown that senior cats do not digest and absorb fat as well as younger cats. This means that older cats may need to consume either more fat or fat that is more digestible to get the same amount of energy. You'll need to monitor the weight and body condition of your cat and adjust their diet accordingly.

Hair Coat, Nail and Foot Pad Changes

As with people, some older cats may start to show gray hair, especially black cats. The hair coat may become thinner and duller, however, this can also be a sign of disease or nutritional deficiency. [Fatty acid supplements](https://www.petcoach.co/article/omega-fatty-acids-sources-effects-therapeutic-uses-in-cats/) may help restore some of the luster to the coat. If the hair coat of an older cat changes significantly, the cat should be examined by a veterinarian.

Older cats may need to be groomed more often, with special attention given to the anal area. As cats age, arthritis can develop, making it more difficult for cats to effectively move and groom themselves. Grooming is a great way for you to spend some enjoyable time with your older cat. While grooming, check for any lumps, bumps or non-healing sores, and contact your veterinarian if any are found.

Foot pads may thicken and nails may become more brittle as cats age. Care must be taken in clipping the nails of older cats. Nails may need to be clipped more frequently since older cats typically use scratching posts less often than younger cats.

Decreased Mobility and Arthritis

[Arthritis](https://www.petcoach.co/cat/condition/arthritis/) can occur in older cats, but the severity can vary. For some cats, it may only cause a slight stiffness, but for others, can become debilitating. Cats may have difficulty jumping onto favorite perches, or going up and down stairs. Ramps, low-sided litter boxes and low cat beds may help a cat who has decreased mobility or pain on movement. Be sure that the litter box and bowls are on the level of the house where your cat spends most of their time.

[Glucosamine and chondroitin](https://www.petcoach.co/article/glucosamine-chondroitin-for-arthritis-in-cats/) can be beneficial to support healthy joints. Cats have a distinct sensitivity to many anti-inflammatory medications, and over the counter medications, such as aspirin and acetaminophen are highly toxic to cats. Do NOT give your cat an anti-inflammatory or pain relief medication unless prescribed by your veterinarian; if prescribed, follow dosage instructions very carefully.

Like people, many older cats tend to lose muscle mass and tone because if you don’t use them, you lose them. This may make it more difficult for them to move, so they move less and a vicious cycle starts. Exercise for an older cat is important for the health of the muscles, as well as the heart, digestive system and attitude. Older cats still have considerable curiosity, so empty boxes and paper bags turned on their sides, 'cat videos,' and more slow moving toys may entice them to keep moving.

Dental Disease

[Dental disease](https://www.petcoach.co/cat/condition/dental-disease-1/) is one of the most common diseases seen in older cats. Studies show that 70 percent of older cats exhibit signs of gum disease. Routine dental care, including toothbrushing, can help keep dental disease to a minimum. Cats who have not received proper dental care can develop significant dental disease as they age and may develop painful, life-threatening complications. A dental care program should consist of toothbrushing, regular dental checkups and professional cleaning by a veterinarian as needed.

Changes in the Immune System

As a cat ages, the [immune system](https://www.petcoach.co/article/anatomy-and-function-of-the-immune-system-in-cats/) does not function as effectively. As a result, older cats are more prone to developing infectious diseases. Infections in an older cat are usually more severe than a similar infections in a younger cat. It is important to keep your older cat current on vaccinations.

Decreased Heart and Lung Function

As a cat's heart ages, it loses some efficiency and cannot pump as much blood in a given amount of time. Cats can develop a disease of the heart muscle called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Diagnostic tests such as radiographs (x-rays), an electrocardiogram (ECG) and an echocardiogram (echo) can be used to diagnose heart disease. Various medications are available depending upon the type and severity of [heart disease](https://www.petcoach.co/cat/condition/cardiac-disease-1/) present.

Lungs also lose their elasticity during the aging process, so the ability of the lungs to oxygenate the blood may be decreased. Older cats with asthma may develop more severe signs of disease. Older cats may be more prone to respiratory infections and may tire more easily.

Decreased Kidney Function

As animals age, the risk of kidney disease increases. This may be due to changes in the kidney itself or result from the dysfunction of other organs. For example, if the heart is not functioning properly, blood flow to the kidneys will decrease. Kidney function can be measured through [chemistry tests](https://www.petcoach.co/article/chemistry-panels-tests-for-pets/) on the blood and a [urinalysis](https://www.petcoach.co/article/urinalysis-testing-a-urine-sample/). These tests can often identify a chronic kidney problem before there are any clinical signs of disease. However, changesm to the kidney values (BUN and creatinine) on the chemistry panel do not occur until two-thirds of the kidney function is lost. The most frequent sign of kidney disease noted by an owner is usually an increase in water consumption and urination.

If the kidneys are not functioning normally, a cat’s diet and the doses of various medications may need to be changed to assist the body in getting rid of the breakdown products. Despite an increase in water consumption, fluids may need to be given periodically to prevent dehydration since the kidneys are not utilizing the consumed water appropriately. Pre-anesthetic blood tests are recommended to identify any potential kidney problems before anesthesia is administered.

Diminished Liver Function

Although the liver has an incredible and unique way of regenerating itself when injured, the liver does age like all of the other organs in the body. Its ability to detoxify the blood, and produce numerous enzymes and proteins gradually decreases with age. Sometimes, the liver enzymes measured in a chemistry panel may be abnormally elevated in an apparently normal animal. On the other hand, some animals with liver disease have normal levels of liver enzymes circulating in their blood. This makes the interpretation of these tests very difficult.

Since the liver metabolizes many medications and anesthetics, the dose of these drugs must be decreased if the liver is not functioning as it should. Pre-anesthetic blood tests are also recommended to identify any potential liver problems before anesthesia is administered.

Endocrine Dysfunction

Some glands tend to produce less hormones as they age, whereas other glands may produce more. Hormonal problems, especially [hyperthyroidism](https://www.petcoach.co/cat/condition/hyperthyroidism/), are common disorders in many older cats. Many older cats also develop [diabetes mellitus](https://www.petcoach.co/cat/condition/feline-diabetes/). Blood tests help to diagnose these diseases, many of which are treatable with medications or other therapies.

Behavior and Activity Level Changes

Senior cats may show a decreased activity level. This may be due to normal aging or the first sign of a disease condition, such as arthritis or senility. Regular veterinary exams every six months and monitoring your cat for other [signs of disease](https://www.petcoach.co/article/monitoring-your-senior-cat-for-signs-of-disease/) helps to distinguish normal aging from disease.

As cats age, they have a decreased ability to cope with stress, and this can result in [behavior changes in older cats](https://www.petcoach.co/article/senior-cats-common-behavior-changes/). Aggression, noise phobias, inappropriate elimination (urination or defecation outside of the litter box) and increased vocalization can develop or worsen in older cats. Once medical causes of these behavioral problems have been ruled out, various medications combined with behavior modification techniques can help to solve some of these changes. 

Hearing and Vision Loss

Many cats experience hearing loss as they age. Minor hearing loss is difficult to evaluate in cats. Often hearing loss is severe before an owner becomes aware of the problem. In many cases, the first sign of hearing loss may resemble aggression. In reality, the cat may have been unaware of a person's approach, became startled when touched and instinctively reacted. Hearing loss cannot be reversed, but some changes in interactions with a cat can help to minimize the effects on a cat’s quality of life. Turning a light on and off rapidly can be used as a signal to a cat that you are entering the room. Cats with hearing loss can still sense vibration, so clapping your hands or stomping on the floor may alert the cat to your presence.

It is common for cats to experience some degree of vision loss as they age. You may notice that your cat has difficulty finding their food dish, no longer follows a toy with their eyes as you move it across the floor, or may bump into furniture that has been moved out of its usual place. Any sudden changes in vision or appearance of the eyes should prompt a visit to the veterinarian as soon as possible. Ophthalmic exams should be part of the regular physical exam in older cats.

Monitor your older cat more closely at home. Remember that age is not a disease, so do not disregard a change in your cat's activity or behavior as 'just being old age.' Many of the changes can also be signs of a more serious disease process. When in doubt, consult with your veterinarian and be sure to discuss with them any concerns that you have about your older cat during their regular physical exam.

Veterinary & Aquatic Services Department, Drs. Foster & Smith contributed to this article.

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