The American population is living longer, and their cats are, too. In fact, the percentage of cats over six years of age has nearly doubled in just over a decade. And as nutrition and medicine continue to advance, it stands to reason our mature cat population will only grow.

No two cats are exactly alike, and they experience aging at different times. Many cats, however, begin to show physical signs of aging between 7 and 10 years of age, and most do so by the time they are 12.

Just like in humans, old age is a separate stage in a cat’s life. Aging is a natural, unavoidable phenomenon that appears in a number of ways:

• Decreased energy.
• A tendency toward lethargy.
• Difficulty walking.
• Lack of appetite.
• A greater frequency of various illnesses, including cardiac problems (ventricular hypertrophy), respiratory difficulties, susceptibility to infection due to a weakened immune system, frequent kidney disease, tumors and endocrine problems such as hyperthyroidism and diabetes.

The majority of overweight cats are between 6 and 10 years old, with older cats tending instead to be thin. Obesity is a risk factor in a large number of diseases, such as diabetes and skin problems, but thinness is not a better solution. A cat who does not consume enough calories will lose weight, but if the cat does not consume enough protein, it will lose muscle, and its immune system will become weaker.

There are several reasons your aging cat’s appetite may decrease with age. One is frequent mouth problems such as gingivitis, ulcers and tumors that make it difficult or painful for your cat to eat. Plus, older cats have a poorer sense of smell and taste. Another reason is a decline in digestive capacities. Elderly cats also tend to drink less and can quickly become dehydrated, so keep a close eye on the amount of water in their diet and their water consumption.

It’s very important to put your aging feline on a high-quality mature diet starting at age 10. Even if you’re not seeing physical changes in your cat, there could be metabolic changes that could be helped by mature-based nutrition.

Close observation will help keep your older cat healthy. Make sure you gently check teeth and gums every week, while also checking for abnormal lumps and bumps on your cat’s body.

Elderly cats should be monitored by a veterinarian so any illness can be treated as soon as possible. One veterinary examination per year is recommended throughout a cat's life, with one every six months strongly advised for cats over 12 years old.