’senior’ Cat?
We recently adopted our cat and were told she was around 7. We changed the details on her microchip and got the details through from the company today which state she was born in 1998 so she is older than what we thought (but she’s in great health and still acts youthful for her age!). Does this mean she is classed as a senior cat, and if so, is there anything different we need to do such as feed her senior cat food, get 6 monthly as opposed to 12 monthly vet check-ups, etc.?
She’s not old, as cats can live into their late teens or 20’s these days, but she is classed as senior in terms of organ function. By about 8 or 9 a cat’s organs, esp kidneys, have lost some of their function although the cat may show no signs of illness. I’m not personally a fan of senior cat food unless a cat has a condition that warrants it, as it often has lower protein and I think for a healthy cat a good quality protein is more important than low protein. It’s only if a cat actually has kidney failure that a diet low in protein is useful, and many people these days don’t even recommend it then. Senior foods also tend to be low in phosphorus which is again good for cats with poorly functioning kidneys, but not something to worry about unduly in a healthy cat.
What I would do, if you haven’t already, is ask your vet to run a senior blood panel including thryroid test on your cat. This just involves taking a blood sample and checking the function of the liver and kidneys, thyroid gland etc. That way you will know if everything is ok or whether there’s something you need to address. CRF (chronic renal failure) in particular is easiest to manage if it is discovered in the early stages (when it is producing no symptoms in the cat) through dietary changes. By the time a cat shows signs of being in kidney failure, about 80% of the kidney function has been lost. In fact, any condition is better picked up in it’s early stages rather than waiting until the cat is ill. Annual blood tests are recommended for any cat over 10 years of age.
I think a cat reaches a ’senior’ age after 7. My two cats are both 10 and are in great health. I’d stick to your usual routine but keep a closer eye on them for any health worries. I’d also keep an eye out for any weight issues – I noticed boith my cats starting to put on weight as they got older and I make sure I spend at least 30 mintues a day playing with them to keep their weight down and not put any unneccessary stress on their internal organs.
Hiya, I think cats are classed as senior when they reach 7. My cat is 12 and still is very playful! I feed her Whiskas senior cat food, which she enjoys. Not sure if it is any different to normal catfood though! I still take her to the vets every 12 months unless I feel something is up with her.
My cat she is 15 and she eat the same food she was eating 15 years ago.
If she’s doing fine as she is, and it certainly seems so, don’t worry. Our old boy only began to slow down slightly when he was about 14 and is still going (very) strong at 17; we started to give him “senior” foods a year or two ago, though it probably wasn’t necessary, he seemed to be going well on the ordinary stuff. You could always ask your vet if you want.
Don’t worry about it. Just stick to your regular routine until your next vet visit and ask the doc. If you keep your cat fed and happy and indoors she will live a good long life.
senior food starts when cats are about 8 years and over as better for there teeth and health,but my cat wont eat it,mine goes for vet check up still once a year less there is any problems