“Senescence” refers to the decline in bodily functions with age. What exactly is “aging” in cats? Living with a cat in an environment that meets its needs ensures a happy and comfortable time. Cats are naturally laid-back, so they may cope well when owners are busy or away for extended periods.

 

However, as they enter adulthood, the lack of significant changes in their appearance may lead owners to forget about their cat’s age. Aging is the process in which various physiological functions of the body decline with age, irreversibly progressing.

 

Even though cats may not show significant changes in appearance as they age, subtle differences might indicate signs of aging. Recognizing signs of aging depends on the observation skills of the owner. Start by familiarizing yourself with your cat’s usual condition. Regularly take photos of your cat, compare them with older ones, and check for changes in fur quality, body shape, and more.

 

Cats Start Showing Signs of Aging in Their Senior Years

At what age does a cat’s senior period begin? To be vigilant about aging in cats, it helps to imagine their age in human terms. According to estimates from the Ministry of the Environment, the life stages of cats and humans are as follows: kittenhood lasts from birth to six months, adolescence from seven months to two years, adulthood from three to six years, middle age from seven to ten years, old age from eleven to fourteen years, and late old age begins at fifteen years and older. Translating your cat’s age into human years can help you better understand.

 

Cats live longer than dogs, and those kept in a safe indoor environment can live up to 20 years. For instance, imagine saying, “My cat is now 7, which is around 44 in human years,” or “Mine is 12, making her a 64-year-old lady,” or “15 years old is like having a 76-year-old grandpa.” The genuine senior phase in cats usually begins around 11 years old, and signs of aging become noticeable around that time.

 

Age comparison between humans and cats
cat	human
1y/o	15y/o
2y/o	24y/o
3y/o	28y/o
5y/o	36y/o
7y/o	44y/o
10y/o	56y/o
12y/o	64y/o
15y/o	76y/o

What are the signs of aging that appear in the “appearance”? Some subtle changes in a cat’s appearance might indicate signs of aging. Here’s a checklist of noticeable signs of aging in appearance. Regularly check for these changes:

 

• Yellowing or browning of teeth
• Thinning of thighs or other areas
• Lightening of fur color, with increased white hairs around the face
• Loss of luster in the fur, making it dry and prone to tangling
• Increased nail growth
• Sagging of the belly
• Onset of bad breath
• Increased eye discharge

 

 

Although a cat’s appearance may not change significantly as functional decline sets in, it’s crucial to check their teeth early on. Thinning of thighs might result from a decrease in muscle mass. Changes in fur could be influenced by nutritional status or a reduction in grooming frequency, while changes in nails might stem from a decrease in scratching behavior.

 

Signs like sagging belly, bad breath, and increased eye discharge can be attributed to the effects of physiological decline with age and may also indicate various illnesses. As aging progresses, the risk of various diseases increases. Therefore, when your cat enters its senior years, be conscious of the gradual decline in function and pay attention to changes in your beloved cat.

 

Detecting Diseases Early Due to Owners’ Daily “Awareness” of Aging

What should cat owners be mindful of when their cat enters the senior stage? In addition to the appearance changes mentioned earlier, owners living with independent cats may overlook these changes if not consciously noted. Therefore, cat owners should periodically conduct a “home health check” with awareness. The check involves gently touching the cat, and observing for changes in fur, skin, eye discharge, ear odor, nail length, and changes in mouth odor or the presence of tartar. This check is best combined with overall brushing and tooth brushing.

 

Now, let’s introduce a crucial tool for your cat’s health check

Canine Heartworm Antigen Rapid Test

A vital aspect of your cat’s health check involves monitoring for heartworm disease. Our Canine Heartworm Antigen Rapid Test is an indispensable tool for timely detection. This rapid test helps you quickly determine if your cat carries heartworm antigens, enabling prompt diagnosis and intervention.

 

In the realm of cat health checks, paying special attention to heartworm disease is paramount. The Canine Heartworm Antigen Rapid Test offers a fast and reliable way to detect potential heartworm infections in your feline friends. With timely testing, you can take necessary measures before the condition worsens, ensuring your cats receive optimal care.

 

This user-friendly test provides results in minutes, making it an essential tool for every cat owner. Keep your beloved felines healthy by choosing the Canine Heartworm Antigen Rapid Test, ensuring they remain vibrant and happy.

 

In fact, signs of aging in the teeth may appear early in cats not receiving dental care. Even if a cat seems lively, checking its oral cavity may reveal tartar buildup, yellowing, or browning. If left untreated, this could lead to periodontal disease, affecting various organs.

 

If abnormalities are found, consult a veterinarian first. In the case of periodontal disease, gradually introduce tooth brushing after treatment. This health check not only helps in detecting signs of aging but also aids in the early discovery of potential illnesses.

 

 

About Antigenne

Antigenne, holding the banner of enjoying living together with animals and protecting the health both of animals and humans, is dedicated to building a harmonious society for humans and animals. Insisting on the values of innovation, honesty and integrity, sticking to the principle of “quality is the cornerstone of future existence.” through innovative products and dimensional services, Antigenne is looking forward to cooperating with you and expecting to create a bright future with a win-win result.  Together, we can make a difference. Contact Antigenne now and let’s unlock the future of animal health.