Understanding cat behaviour by age

Just as with humans, our pets go through various stages of ageing. The ageing process is a natural but individual experience, and different cats will show signs of ageing at different times. Understanding the ageing process and your cat’s behaviour by age will enable you to give them the support they need throughout their golden years.

What are the stages of ageing for your cat?

In general, your cat’s body will begin to undergo the first signs of ageing at a cellular level at 7 years old – but you won’t generally see any external symptoms until your cat is about 10. From this point on, the cells in their body are slowing down and their bodily functions need more support, including their heart and immune system.

• At 7 to 10 years, your cat is mature
• At 11 to 14 years, they’re considered senior
• From 15 years upwards, they’re classified as super senior

To understand these stages in terms of human years, a 10-year-old cat would be the equivalent of a 56-year-old human. It’s not uncommon for cats to live up to 20 years – that’s the same as a 96-year-old human.

Ageing cat behaviour to watch out for

1. Litter-tray use

Your cat’s litter-tray habits can be a mine of information when it comes to their health. If your cat is using the litter tray more than normal or not using it at all (and peeing somewhere else), it could be a sign of a variety of senior cat health problems. Illnesses such as diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and hyperthyroidism can make your cat thirstier and result in more trips to the litter tray, or simply not making it there in time. Book an appointment with your veterinarian to get to the bottom of it.

Equally, if your cat is having problems getting in and out of the litter tray, this could be a sign of mobility issues. Make sure your litter trays have shallow sides, with several placed around the house so your cat isn’t caught short in the wrong location.

2. Mobility

Is your cat still comfortable jumping up and down from furniture, or are they being more cautious with their leaps and bounds? From the age of 11, your cat’s joint health and mobility need extra support, and from this age, arthritis in cats is not uncommon. Make it easier for your cat to navigate your home by making changes such as adding ramps and steps.

Meanwhile, book in a checkup with your veterinarian so you can both understand the root cause of any pain and take appropriate action. And make sure to discuss dietary support – nutrition enriched in omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA can help maintain mobility. Try ROYAL CANIN® Ageing 11+.

3. Activity level

When a cat starts to play and exercise less, you could be forgiven for thinking that this is normal ageing cat behaviour and a sign that your beloved companion is simply slowing down. While this may be the case, it’s still important to get your veterinarian to confirm that your cat’s lethargy isn’t a sign of something more serious, such as kidney disease or diabetes.

4. Grooming habits and coat condition

If your cat’s hair starts to get matted in some places or overgroomed in others, it could be that they’re having trouble – or are even in pain – when they groom themselves. Arthritis in cats and other conditions can make grooming for older cats problematic.

Also, watch out for changes in your cat’s skin and coat. If they become duller, it could be that their sebaceous glands, which generate nourishing oils for the skin, aren’t as productive as they once were. Consult with your veterinarian to pinpoint the problem, rule out any other senior cat health issues, and discuss treatment or nutrition options that could help your cat with their self-care.

5. Changes in appetite

You know your cat’s weight and appetite better than anyone, so if they start to eat a lot less, or more, than usual, you should always investigate further with your veterinarian.

An increased appetite can be a senior cat symptom of health issues such as diabetes, hyperthyroidism, or parasites. Decreased appetites can be due to common illnesses such as kidney disease or heart disease, and result in weight loss in ageing cats. Appetite decrease is common for older cats as their sense of taste and smell reduce, and poor dental health in ageing cats can make eating difficult.