Introducing Your 18 Year Old Cat
Your 18-year-old cat has lived a long and happy life with you from the start. You likely got them as a kitten when they were just a few months old, full of energy and curiosity about the world. Since then, you’ve shared almost two decades of your life together, creating wonderful memories and a deep bond.
As kittens, they were playful and mischievous, keeping you entertained with their antics. As they grew into adulthood, their personality developed and you learned their unique quirks and routines. Now, as a senior cat, those youthful kitten days may seem long ago, but their sweet personality still shines.
Your aging cat may sleep more and have less energy than before, but they still enjoy snuggling up on your lap or basking in a warm sunbeam when they’re awake. Their slower pace gives you more time to appreciate quiet moments together.
Calculating Your Cat’s Age
Cats age much faster than humans in their first two years of life. This is because cats reach the equivalent of puberty between 9-12 months old and become full adults around 2 years old. After the first two years, each year for a cat is equal to about 4 human years. There are a few ways to estimate your cat’s age in human years:
The most common method is:
- Year 1 = 15 human years
- Year 2 = 24 human years
- Each year after = 4 human years
So for a 18 year old cat, the math would be:
Year 1 = 15 human years
Year 2 = 24 human years
Years 3-18 (16 years) = 16 x 4 = 64 human years
Total = 15 + 24 + 64 = 103 human years
There are also some online cat age calculators that can estimate your cat’s age in human years. But the math above gives a rough idea of how to convert your cat’s age into human years.
Your Cat as a Senior
As cats age, their bodies and behavior often change in noticeable ways. Some of the most common signs that a cat is entering senior status include:
Grooming & Appearance: Older cats often groom themselves less, leading to matted or oily fur. You may also notice graying fur, especially around the face and paws. Their coats can become thinner and duller.
Physical Activity & Abilities: Senior cats tend to be less active and playful. They may have difficulty jumping up to their favorite spots. You may see stiffness, limping, or other mobility issues.
Interactions: An older cat may seem more irritable or sensitive when petted or picked up. They usually become less territorial and vocal as well.
Cognitive Function: Some senior cats experience disorientation or confusion. Their memory and learning abilities tend to decline.
Sleeping & Eating: It’s common for aging cats to sleep more during the day and vocalize more at night. Their appetite often decreases even as their energy requirements go up.
Litter Box Use: Accidents outside the litter box can signal health problems in senior cats. They may have trouble making it to the box in time.
Overall, these changes reflect the natural aging process in cats. Knowing what to expect can help you identify health issues early and make your senior cat comfortable. Pay attention to any significant or sudden changes in their routines or temperament. Consult your veterinarian if you have concerns about your aging cat’s health and wellbeing.
Caring for an Elderly Cat
As cats age, their needs change and they require some adaptations to their care routine and home environment. Keeping your elderly cat comfortable and cared for properly can help extend their quality of life.
Make sure your cat has easy access to their food, water, litter box, scratching posts, beds and toys. Place these essential items in easy-to-reach spots without stairs or obstructions. You may need to move the litter box to each floor of your home. Adding night lights, baby gates and ramps can also help your senior cat get around more easily.
Get scratching posts with a sturdy base and horizontal scratchers since standing on hind legs may be difficult. Try boxes or steps to make beds and furniture easier to hop on. You can also try warming beds to soothe arthritic joints.
Groom your cat more often if they struggle with their own fur care. Trim mats and knots gently. Check for parasites, skin lesions, lumps and other abnormalities.
Visit the vet at least twice yearly and follow any prescribed care instructions. Watch your cat’s eating habits, litter box use, activity levels, sleep patterns and behavior changes. Report concerns promptly since illnesses can worsen rapidly in elderly cats.
With some adaptations to their environment and care, senior cats can continue enjoying daily life in their golden years with their loving human companions.
Common Health Issues
As cats reach their senior years, they become more prone to certain health problems. Some of the most common health issues seen in older cats include:
Chronic kidney disease – This is one of the most common feline diseases in senior cats. It involves gradual deterioration of kidney function over time. Symptoms include increased thirst, weight loss, poor appetite, and vomiting.[1]
Hyperthyroidism – This endocrine disorder involves overproduction of thyroid hormones and is seen in around 10% of senior cats. It can lead to weight loss despite a ravenous appetite, hyperactivity, vomiting, and other symptoms.[2]
Arthritis – Degenerative joint disease causes pain, stiffness, difficulty jumping, and reluctance to move in senior cats. It often affects the elbows, hips, and spine.[3]
Cognitive dysfunction – Similar to dementia in humans, this involves progressive mental decline. Affected cats may seem confused, lost, or fail to recognize family members.
Diabetes – This is caused by insufficient insulin production and leads to symptoms like increased thirst/urination and weight loss despite increased appetite.
Dental disease – Gingivitis, periodontal disease, and tooth resorption often affect senior cats, leading to pain, difficulty eating, and even tooth loss if left untreated.
Nutrition for Senior Cats
As cats age, their nutritional needs change. It’s important to feed your senior cat a diet specially formulated for maturity to support their health. According to the VCA Hospitals, most senior cat foods have appropriate nutrient limits and fewer calories per cup to account for decreased activity levels and metabolism.
Look for a high-quality senior cat food that has increased fiber and reduced fat. Fiber improves digestive health while lower fat helps maintain a healthy weight. Make sure the first ingredient is a quality protein source like chicken, turkey, or fish. As AAHA guidelines state, healthy senior cats still need adequate protein in their diet, around 30-45% dry matter.
Wet food can also help senior cats stay hydrated. Provide fresh, clean water daily. Discuss optimal nutrition for your 18 year old cat with your veterinarian.
Keeping Your Cat Active & Engaged
Regular exercise and mental stimulation are important for senior cats to maintain muscle tone, joint health, and cognitive function. An inactive lifestyle can exacerbate age-related health issues like arthritis and obesity.
There are many engaging toys and activities to keep your elderly cat moving and using their brain. Food puzzles like treat balls or stuffed Kongs encourage natural foraging behavior. Rotate different types of interactive toys to keep things interesting. Laser pointers and teaser wands with feathers or catnip can stimulate their predatory drive. Tall cat trees and window perches provide exercise and environmental enrichment. You can also create play sessions with favorite toys multiple times per day.
It’s ideal to have at least two 15-30 minute play and activity sessions daily. Monitor your cat during play – they may tire more quickly than when younger. Adjust the intensity to their abilities. Any movement and mental stimulation benefits their health and happiness as they age.
According to https://www.zoetispetcare.com/blog/article/keeping-senior-cat-active, “Maintaining an exercise routine for your aging cat will keep their joints supple, their muscles strong, their weight down and their attitude positive.” Consult your veterinarian if you have concerns about appropriate activities for your senior cat.
Working with Your Vet
As cats enter their senior years, annual veterinary exams become even more important for detecting any health issues early. According to the Cornell Feline Health Center, twice-a-year veterinary exams are recommended for senior cats aged 11-14 so that any problems can be caught and treated as soon as possible.
Preventative care is also crucial for senior cats. Your vet may recommend more frequent bloodwork, urinalysis, and dental cleanings to closely monitor your cat’s health. Vaccines, parasite prevention, and medications can help prevent illnesses that would hit senior cats much harder.
Since senior cats often hide their symptoms, your vet can help diagnose issues like kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, cancer, and arthritis through physical exams, bloodwork, and imaging. Close communication with your vet allows you to better understand your cat’s changing needs.
Working closely with your veterinarian provides the best care for your aging feline companion. Annual exams, preventative care, and prompt diagnosis of any issues will help your senior cat live comfortably and happily.
Making Your Cat Comfortable
As cats reach their senior years, it’s important to focus on providing a good quality of life. There are many things you can do to keep your elderly cat comfortable:
Create a calming environment. Older cats are less tolerant of noise and activity. Provide a quiet, soothing place for your cat to relax undisturbed. Soft beds, blankets, and heating pads can help ease sore joints.
Assist with grooming and hygiene. Senior cats often have difficulty grooming themselves. Help keep their coat clean and free of mats by brushing frequently. Clean litter boxes more often.
Adjust their living space. Place litter boxes, food, water, and beds in easily accessible areas. Consider cat stairs or ramps to reach windows or furniture.
Monitor their health. Watch for signs of pain, illness, or discomfort. Schedule more frequent vet checkups. Discuss supplements or medications that could improve your cat’s quality of life.
Give plenty of affection. Spending quality time together provides comfort and reassurance. Gently pet or massage areas your cat enjoys.
Consider their needs. Adjust litter brands if arthritis makes digging difficult. Offer wet food if dental issues cause chewing pain. Accommodate changing needs.
With a little extra care and attention, you can ensure your senior cat continues to live a contented, fulfilling life. The most important thing is focusing on their comfort and quality of life each day.
Cherishing Your Bond
After so many years together, you likely have an incredibly special relationship with your senior cat. Appreciating this bond is important during your cat’s golden years. Set aside time for just you and your cat to relax and cuddle together. Grooming sessions are another great opportunity for one-on-one time and physical affection. Stay attuned to your cat’s needs and comfort levels. As cats age, they may become less tolerant of petting or physical touch. Make sure any interactions remain positive experiences for your senior cat.
Creating individual rituals and routines can strengthen your bond as well. For example, you might brush your cat’s coat every evening or have special playtime with toys you know they enjoy. If your cat seems receptive, try gentle massages to help soothe any aches and pains. Your cat is sure to appreciate any extra attention. As long as your cat seems interested and engaged, spend as much quality time together as possible. This will allow you to continue nurturing a deep, meaningful relationship well into your cat’s senior years.
While caring for an elderly cat can be difficult at times, remembering the years of companionship and joy they’ve brought into your life can help you cherish every moment. Appreciating this special bond will make your cat’s golden years more rewarding for both of you.
