What Are The Main Priorities In Feeding A Young Adult Cat
The primary nutritional goals for the young adult cat are to maximize health, longevity, and quality of life. The nutritional requirements for this life stage are quite broad because a healthy young adult cat can tolerate and compensate for fairly wide fluctuations in her nutrient profile. An appropriate nutrient profile for the young adult cat should consider the common health issues that may be influenced by nutrition, including dental disease, obesity, feline idiopathic cystitis , cancer, and osteoarthritis .
Your veterinarian and veterinary healthcare team make excellent partners in choosing a nutrient profile that best suits your individual cat. Relevant factors to consider include age, gender, lifestyle , hunting behavior, and the presence of other pets in the household . An important first step is a good, thorough physical examination to determine if the cat is underweight, overweight, or at an ideal body condition. Body condition score is more important than the actual weight number.
“It is better that we recognize the need to control portions, caloric density, and caloric intake to prevent unwanted weight gain.”
Ways To Spoil Your Senior Cat September 13 2017 10 Comments
Did you know that a 12-year-old cat is the equivalent of a 64-year-old human? And like humans in their senior years, many cats will start to “slow down.” And, hey, they deserve it! Their golden years should be enjoyed with as much verve and unequivocal sass as The Golden Girls themselves.
And much like the Golden Girls spoiling themselves with a slice of cheesecake every few episodes, our senior cats deserve to be spoiled.
How Your Vet Will Find The Problem
When someone brings one of these cats to my vet clinic, I start with a thorough physical:
- I check the cats eyesight, senses, oral cavity, body weight, cardiac, etc.
If I find hyperthyroidism or hypertension, we treat these conditions medically and see if we make an improvement. This is the fairly easy part of the diagnostic plan.
Dental or Arthritis Pain
Pain assessment is more difficult.
- Often, we find severe dental disease in the physical exam.
- Arthritis may or may not be obvious.
Are these conditions causing the yowling? Trial pain medication may be prescribed to see if arthritic or neurologic pain improves. A dental procedure may be recommended if the cat is in a stable state for anesthesia.
Other Sources of Pain
Other sources of pain or chronic inflammation may not be as obvious.
Cats living with subacute pain for a long time may be very stoic. Weight loss in an older cat is a tipoff that there is a problem. The workup may reveal pain caused by GI disease, , and so on, but the level of pain itself is still subjective.
Give Senior Cats Daily Exercise And Mental Stimulation
Environmental enrichment is an essential part of your cats quality of life.
All cats need places to climb, places to hide, things to scratch, and ways to hunt and play. All of these things will help your cat stay physically and mentally stimulated as well as healthy.
However, as your cat ages, providing these things may require some extra thought. Your cats mobility may become more limited, so you will need to make your home more accessible so that its easier on their older joints.
For example, a carpeted cat ramp can act as a scratching post as well as a climbing aid for cats with arthritis. A covered cat bed can give aging cats a cozy, warm place to hide that also helps to soothe sore joints and muscles. You can move their food and water bowls to more accessible locations on the ground instead of on tables or counters.
Why Does My 17 Year Old Cat Keep Meowing
Hypertension: Yes, cats get high blood pressure, too. Kidney disease and thyroid disease are the most common causes of this issue. Your veterinarian can take a blood pressure reading to rule this out. Cognitive dysfunction syndrome: Incessant meowing is also possible because of cognitive dysfunction .
Why Is Understanding My Cats Age Important
Now that you know how to properly calculate your cats age into human years, you might be wondering: How long do cats live? What is the life expectancy of my cat?
Generally, cats are known to live longer than dogs they can live anywhere from 20 to 25 years. In fact, according to the Guinness Book of World Records, the oldest cat ever lived to be 38 years and 3 days old, which is 168 in human years!
Like dogs, however, once cats reach seven to 10 years old, they start to transition into their mature years. Knowing that theyve entered this life stage is important, so you can know how best to care for them. During this time from seven to 10 years old youll want to keep a closer eye on your cat for signs of aging, especially since older cats are more likely to develop diseases like cancer, arthritis, and heart, kidney, and liver disease.
How Old Is My Cat In Human Years
Although theres no reliable scientific way to calculate the relationship between human and cat years, its generally agreed that the first two years of a cats life are roughly equal to the first 25 of a humans. After this, each additional year is around four cat years. This means if your cat is six years old, their equivalent cat age in human years will be around 41.
What To Expect With Elderly Cats
When a cat ages, a greater burden is placed upon its internal organs. Old age is not so much the killer as are the complications that arise during your cat’s last years. When your cat is aging, you may find:
- Your veterinary visits will increase dramatically.
- The treatment of any underlying diseases or conditions will become more complex and offer less satisfying results.
- Your cat may develop complications from these treatments.
- Your cat will become more susceptible to secondary infections.
- Your cat may also become resistant or sensitive to medications.
There are many common age-related diseases of cats:
- Hormonal disorders
What Are Symptoms Of A Dying Cat
Signs Your Cat Is Dying
- Lack of Interest In Eating and Drinking. Its common for cats to lose their appetite toward the end of their lives.
- Extreme Weakness. You will notice your cat becoming more lethargic and refusing to move.
- Lower Body Temperature.
- Changes in Appearance and Smell.
- Seeking Solitude.
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How Old Is Your Cat In Human Years
Adrienne Kruzer, BS, RVT, LVT, has worked with a variety of animals for over 15 years, including birds of prey, reptiles, and small mammals.
Editorial ProcessEmily EstepEditorial Process
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Historically, people often think every year of a cat’s life is equivalent to seven years of a human’s life, but cats actually age must faster than that. And with age, we know that diseases often follow, but cats also act differently at certain life stages. Because of these things, it’s not only helpful, but also important to be able to understand what your cat is going through at each stage of its life.
Is 8 Considered Old For A Cat
Interesting – the cat in my avatar is a RagaMuffin and 8 years old as well. Is this a RagaMuffin from a breeder or just a cat you think is one?No – 8 is rather “middle aged” for a cat. I have a 17 year old cat who’s still perfectly healthy.
Depending on the breed, cats can live from 15 to 20+ years old.The more extreme breeds like persians tend to have shorter lifespans than your common domestic shorthair cats.I’ve got a male domestic shorthair who’s going on 16 years now, and he’s pretty healthy apart from some bad teeth.
It depends on the cat…Some cats can live to be close to 20 years of age. Do you know what kind of cat it is? The cat is an older adult at the age of 8. Although, I do not consider said cat to be old.
Middle age. I consider a cat old after 13 yrs old.
No its not old for a cat. There are a lot of cats that have lived longer that. Closer to thirty years old. So I consider that middle age for a cat.I agree with Ocimom, â«âªâ«â«âª and really agrees with Mircat.
No, cats average lifespan is 12-14 years, some have lived to be into their late teens, early 20s.
Middle aged, I had a Calico kitty that lived to be 28 years old she passed a few years ago! I’m not even kidding, possibly old enough to become a world record LOL
Two Ways To Look At Age
Though the common perspective on cat years and human years is trying to figure out how old our cats are in human years, that conversion can be applied both ways.
That is to say, if you consider the maximum age of a human to be 100 years, then, based on the Cat Calculator, the maximum age of a cat is 20.8 years. On the other side of the coin, if you consider that, as The Cat Bible suggests, 16 human years is comparable to 84 cat years, then a 100-year-old human could be said to be the equivalent of 525 cat years.
Though this is a generally less practical way to consider the relative aging rate, it does serve as an important reminder The way we experience time, the length of our human years, and the meaning we assign to certain-numbered years , is a matter of perspective. Some other oft-quoted ideas come to mind: Its not the years in your life, but the life in your years and Youre only as old as you feel.
How old is your cat according to this formula? Or perhaps I should ask, how old are YOU in cat years?
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How Long Do Cats Live On Average
What are the facts on cats longevity? The ideal cat can or may live to 20 years and older. On average, wild, homeless, and feral cats live dramatically shorter lives than domestic cats. Outdoor cat lifespan ranges widely, anywhere from three to 10 years. Indoor cats live nearly three times as long as outdoor cats. The numbers varied widely ranging from 14 to 20 years.
According to the site icatcare.org, there are 6 life stages for cats:
- Kitten the young cat is growing rapidly and is usually not quite sexually mature
- Junior the cat reaches full size and learns about life and how to survive it
- Prime the cat is mature physically and behaviourally, and is still usually healthy and active, looking sleek and shiny and making the best of life
- Mature the cat is what we call ‘Mature’, equivalent to humans in their mid-40s to mid-50s
- Senior
How Do I Know If My Cat Is Suffering
Behaviour signs of a cat in painReduced appetite.Lethargy.Decreased interest in positive things like playing, social interaction and exploring outside.Being withdrawn and hiding away.Appearing lame and experiencing increased sensitivity to touch in specific areas of their body.Reduction in movement and activity.More items
How Should A 15 Year Old Cat Act
Cats are often loners, but you may notice your cat keeps to himself more often now. Also, many older cats begin to vocalize more, and they become increasingly anxious about the unknown, whether it is people or noises. At this stage, you wont be able to train this problem out of him.
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How Much And How Often Should I Feed My Cat
Because cat obesity is such an important health issue, it is best to choose a daily portion that is at the low end of the recommended feeding range. Meal feeding 2 or 3 times per day using a measured portion provides optimal control over intake and allows for easy modification if your cat’s weight fluctuates. At least several times each year, it is appropriate for your veterinarian or veterinary healthcare team to assess your cat’s body weight and body condition. Home assessment should be done more frequently – every 2 to 4 weeks – and if change is perceived or suspected, your cat should be weighed at the veterinarian’s office.
Indications A Cat Is Dying Of Old Age
It is not so much old age, but more typically the complications associated with failing organ systems, that kill a cat. These types of diseases are more common during the feline geriatric years. The symptoms of aging and death are similar. However, it will be the frequency and severity of these conditions that determine your cat’s overall state.
Lifespans Of Popular Breeds
Are you thinking about adding a cat to your family? Here are the average lifespans of some of the most popular breeds:
- Siamese: 12 to 20 years
- Calico: 12 to 15 years
- Bengal: 14 to 16 years
- Burmese: 16 to 18 years
- Savannah: 12 to 20 years
- Ragdoll: 15 to 18 years
- Russian Blue: 15 to 20 years
- American Shorthair: 15 to 20 years
- Sphynx: 10 to 15 years
- Manx: 8 to 14 years
- Persian: 10 to 17 years
- Maine Coon: 10 to 13 years
- Munchkin: 12 to 15 years
The Vet on 4th helps pet owners in the Longview, TX area take great care of their pets by providing exceptional medical care and expert advice about all manner of proper pet care. If youre in the Longview area, make an appointment to meet our vets and see our facility. Wed love to become your partners in your pets healthcare!
Three Weeks Old Kitten
If you are bottle feeding, youll notice the kittens are drinking much more at each feeding, but at fewer feedings, probably four to five times a day. At this age you can start introducing solid fooduse wet food at first, and try mixing it with kitten formula. By the end of the week, their weight will have increased to close to 15 ounces. They are walking steadily, without too much wobbling.
Tweed is three weeks old!
What Cats Do Before They Die
Signs Your Cat Is Dying
- Lack of Interest In Eating and Drinking. It’s common for cats to lose their appetite toward the end of their lives. …
- Extreme Weakness. You will notice your cat becoming more lethargic and refusing to move. …
- Lower Body Temperature. …
- Changes in Appearance and Smell. …
- Seeking Solitude.
Arthritis In Older Cats
My pet is a bit stiff in the mornings. Surely that is to be expected at his age?
Joint function certainly deteriorates with age and arthritis is very common, but a visit to the vet is worthwhile. The vet will assess your pet and advise on weight control if necessary. Long-term treatment for arthritis in cats is more challenging than in dogs, as there are fewer drugs available, although more are now coming onto the market. Some drug treatments suit some individuals better than others, so your vet may need to experiment a little to see what is best for your cat. Regular veterinary monitoring is advisable. Tell your vet immediately if the medication causes excessive thirst, puts your cat off food, or causes diarrhoea or vomiting. Some of the nutraceutical diet supplements may be helpful, or acupuncture may be an option. Discuss the choices with your vet. Once the arthritis has settled down, medication may only be needed on bad days. Consult your vet for advice. Never give your cat any of your own arthritis medicines or painkillers.
My old cat is drinking loads. That means his kidneys have gone, doesn’t it? There’s no point in taking him to the vet!
For further information, see our advice on ealth issues with older cat.
My 13-year-old cat seems to have perpetual diarrhoea. He is still eating but has lost a lot of weight. Sometimes he makes a mess on the carpet. My friends say he should be put down?
Go to the vet if your cat:
Is It Better To Let A Cat Die Naturally
Gladstein says, If your animal is in pain, then it becomes much more of an immediate issue, and letting them die naturally is really cruel and unusual punishment. She says that if you determine that their pain cant be mitigated by any mild pain relievers, then the decision should be made to let the animal go.
Make Them Feel Comfortable When You See The Signs Your Cat Is Dying
Its tough as a cat parent to watch them as they near the end of their life. Saying goodbye to your pet cat is a sad reality. Help them feel as comfortable as possible during this period by:
- Providing them with a soft, warm, cozy bed.
- Keeping their bedding clean, especially since they experience incontinence.
- Carrying them to the litter box if they are too weak to get up.
- Consulting your vet for proper end-of-life care.
Towards the end of their life, give them more understanding and provide them with love and affection to show that you are with them until you finally say goodbye.
Give them a beautiful send-off that they truly deserve.Contact us to find out more about our services.
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How Do I Calculate My Cats Age In Human Years
So, if youre asking How old is my cat in human years? the calculation is fairly simple. Compared to dogs, which have greater variation based on size and breed, the method to calculate a cats age is pretty standard.
According to the American Animal Hospital Association , these age guidelines have been created and agreed upon by the AAHA, the Feline Advisory Bureau , and the American Association of Feline Practitioners :
- The first year of a cats life is equal to approximately 15 human years.
- The second year of a cats life is equal to an additional nine years.
- After the second year of a cats life, each additional year is equal to about four human years.
So, how old is your cat in human years? You can use our cat age to human years chart below to find out!
How To Calculate Cat Years To Human Years
- First two years of the Cat = 25 years of a human
- Then every year of human is equal to 4 Cat Years. However, this depends on how active your Cat is, and use our cat years calculator to convert their age. This calculator will give you a rough estimate of cats age to human years.
That old chestnut about one cat year being the equivalent of seven human years is just plain wrong. For example, a six-month-old human is a babe in arms, whilst a six-month-old cat can look after themselves and have kittens of their own. Converting cat years to human years is complex because our feline friends age rapidly in their first couple of years and then slow up.
But more important is knowing your cats life stage. This matters because the organs work differently as the body ages. When you adjust their diet to put a minimum strain on their kidneys, this helps extend the average lifespan of a cat.
Better Lives For Senior Cats: The Result Of A Cooperative Effort
Both you and your veterinarian contribute to your cat’s quality of life as he or she gets older. You provide a home environment that is non-stressful yet fulfilling to your cat, and your veterinarian diagnoses your cat’s physical condition, attends to his or her medical needs, and offers advice on wellness and preventive measures. Of course, you bring your cat in for regular veterinary check-ups and consult with your veterinarian when you notice unusual or unexplained changes in your cat’s appearance or behavior.
Caring For A Dying Cat
Palliative care is a multifaceted approach to caring for cats with a life-limiting illness. The goal is to provide a good quality of life by making your pet as comfortable as possible during the last days, weeks or months of life. At this time, treatment focuses on providing comfort, relieving pain, and controlling clinical signs, but not curing the disease.
Make an appointment with your veterinarian to discuss an end-of-life plan. At this appointment, you can discuss how to control your cats symptoms, such as pain and hydration. Cats with advanced kidney disease are chronically dehydrated, and it can be a great help if the caregiver can administer subcutaneous fluids to help.
Consult with a vet for pain relief medication
End-of-life diseases can be painful, but your cats veterinarian can prescribe pain relief. Subtle signs of pain include hiding, loss of appetite, drooling, neglect of grooming, sitting huddled together, restlessness, and loss of interest in their surroundings.
Only administer pain medication prescribed by a veterinarian as cats cannot metabolise many common pain medications used to treat pain in people.
Make adaptations to their environment
Offer food by hand
In late-stage disease, cats will lose their appetite. At this stage, hand-feeding will often be necessary. BBQ chicken slightly warmed up, baby food, or some canned tuna may tempt the cat to eat, but at the very end, even this will often be refused as the body shuts down.
Maintain a familiar routine
Give Them All The Comfy Places
Although cats aren’t nearly as large as humans, they still suffer from the same aging process, and thus they often suffer from the same ailments that we do. Osteoarthritis is common in older cats and can lead to decreased mobility and make lying on tile or hard surfaces uncomfortable, even painful. Providing your cat with plenty of soft, comfortable orthopedic beds can help ease joint pain and lead to more restful and comfortable sleep.
What Are The Signs Of A Senior Cat
With this in mind, there are some physical indicators that can help you get a sense of your own cats age, particularly as your adult cat reaches the senior life stage.
- Teeth: Yellow stains and tartar build-up, missing teeth
- Coat: Graying fur, as well as thicker, coarser fur in comparison to young cats
- Eyes: Cloudiness, tearing, and discharge
- Activity level: Less activity, weight or muscle loss , arthritis is also more common
- Behavioral changes: More meowing, more wandering around, increased level of anxiety, confusion or disorientation
If youre unsure how old your cat is, you can always turn to your veterinarian for more information. Your vet will be able to use physical and behavioral markers to help make the best estimate of your cats age.
Four Weeks Old Kitten
Its been one whole month! Its amazing how quickly these helpless kittens have grown up over a four-week period. Darling, Denby, Corduroy, Tweed, and Wembley are thriving babies, starting to explore the world around them and play frequently with friends and toys.
At four weeks old, Corduroy is ready to explore!
Cat Years Calculator Principles
It’s a common misconception that one year in the life of a cat is equivalent to seven human years. In reality, the cat years calculation is a bit more complicated. Kittens grow fast while they’re still young, but the older they are, the slower the aging process becomes. It means that after one year, your cat is as old as a seven-year-old human child, but for older cats, each year is equivalent to only four human years.
Naturally, not all cats age alike. A cat that lives outdoors will generally have a shorter life than an indoor cat. Additionally, while typical felines live about 10-15 years, certain breeds age slower or faster. Still, this cat age calculator should give you a good idea of the seniority of your cat.
Would you like to find out even more about cats? Try one of our handy tools!