The elderly cat goes through several changes when it reaches this stage. Aging is a process of physical wear and tear and it will need more attention and care from the guardians. Some physical changes are more noticeable, such as the appearance of white hair and slightly drooping countenance. But in this period, silent conditions can arise and knowing how old the cat gets will help toprevent and treat any health problems at an early stage. This transition is also marked by the change of diet to an elderly cat food.

After all, at what age does your pet become a senior cat?

A cat does not live seven lives, but a safe and loving home contributes to increasing its longevity. On average, cats live from ten to 15 years and it is from the age of seven that they enter old age. However, this is not a rule and each cat will have a different development from the other. That is, feline aging depends on the breed and some genetic factors.

The old age of the Siamese cat, for example, begins at ten, as this is a breed that usually lives up to 20 years of age. A cat without a defined breed, on the other hand, does not have a certain time to reach old age, as its development depends on its predisposition to diseases, health care and quality of life. While a street mongrel lives less than three years, an SRD cat with indoor breeding willlive longer.

Excessive sleep and less energy are signs of an elderly cat

The old cat shows several behavioral changes. This means that physical conditions do not define the age of the feline, despite the predisposition to diseases in the elderly phase. However, the old cat will have some different attitudes than usual. These are typical behaviors of an elderly cat:

• Less willingness to play
• Lack of appetite
• Less energy in everyday life
• Excessive need
• Dementia

Now, one of the vets' secrets to finding out a cat's age is to look at the feline's dental arch: yellowed teeth and the presence of tartar are more common in young cats, i.e. those between one and seven years old, while the elderly cat shows wear and loss of teeth. But comparing human age, a two-year-old cat is equivalent to a young 20-something - and that's whythat is why at the age of seven a cat is considered elderly.

Senior cat food: proper diet is essential in feline old age

The elderly cat has less appetite and needs food suitable for this age. One of the reasons for using food for elderly cats is that, at this stage, they need a diet rich in vitamins and minerals to strengthen their body, in addition to helping immunity during treatment against possible diseases that may arise. In old age, the physical health of the elderly cat also becomes fragileand a kitten or adult cat food does not have enough nutrients to meet the demands of an older pet.

Another reason to change the food is that the grains are smaller and softer to facilitate chewing, as the teeth are more fragile. That is why there are options on the market for every feline moment, from kitten to neutered and also the food for elderly cats. And if possible, invest in premium or super premium food, which are more nutritious and made with higher quality ingredients.

Vitamins for elderly cats are a way of supplementing the diet to strengthen the feline organism, but they must be prescribed by a veterinarian. Vitamins for cats will regulate immunity and make up for possible deficits. In other words, check with a professional about the use of a suitable vitamin to make your elderly cat's life more comfortable.

The elderly cat does not have to live with limitations

It is possible for a cat to be old and healthy at the same time! Feline old age does not mean an apathetic and dependent animal. It can play and even become closer to the family.

The tip is to invest in accessories for elderly cats, such as a feeding stand, which will help make their life more comfortable and adapted to their age. Also increase the number of visits to the vet and keep an eye on any changes in your cat's behavior to notice any silent physical conditions that may arise - but that when treated early will not bring risks. therefore,some medications and vitamins may be needed, so it is good to know how to give tablet to cats .