Many changes can occur in aging cats, including:

• Many aging cats are affected by osteoarthritis (OA), which contributes to decreased activity. The lack of activity then contributes to the stiffening of the joints and worsens the symptoms of OA.

• Reduction in exercise may result in reduced muscle tone, which further reduces the cat's ability to jump, climb, or exercise.

• Periodontal (dental) disease is common in senior cats and left untreated may cause lack of appetite, problems with intestinal function and organ function

• Degenerative changes in the liver, kidneys, and endocrine system (hormone system) will decrease the efficiency of digestion and other processes in the body.

• Thirst is often decreased, causing an increased risk of dehydration

• Inappetence or lack of desire to eat may develop in some senior cats since the senses of smell and taste become dull with age.

• As cat age, they can often suffer a decline in cognitive function which can present as litter box issues, confusion or getting lost in familiar locations, decreased appetite, either less or more dependent, restless or agitated, vocalizing and grooming less.
  
  If your cat shows any of these symptoms, your first step is to take it to the veterinarian to determine whether there is a specific medical cause for the behaviour.

You can help your cat in their golden years in a variety of ways:

• Make litter boxes accessible and nearby, and make sure they have low sides. Many older cats have trouble or experience pain when attempting to get to/from or in/out of their litter box, making it less likely for them to use it.

• Feed them small, frequent meals to aid in their digestion. Be sure to talk to your veterinarian to ensure your cat is keeping an optimum weight.

• Increase your senior cat’s water intake by providing canned food and more options for drinking water.

• Try to keep their daily routine and environment as consistent as possible. It may be best to confine to them to one floor of your house or, in advanced cases, one room. Doing this will make it easy for your cat to find everything it needs.

• Keep a careful eye out for the subtle signs of pain such as a decrease in grooming and self-care, sensitive to touch in certain locations, laying down to eat/drink, obsessive licking (often causing bald spots), laying in unusual spots or hiding. Consult with your veterinarian immediately if you suspect a problem.