how old is he in cat years and when is 'older' for cats?

matts mom · Jul 25, 2013

Matt's about 3 1/2 now, and I've noticed something- he sleeps a little more than he did when we got him at age 2.

Our last cat Sassy was this age when we got her, and she used to sleep a fair bit as well, getting up to socialize and play just as Matt does and then going for another nap.

Is this the age when cats begin to slow down? I know they age faster , kind of like dogs do......wouldn't he be about 30 by now?

I've noticed that he still likes to play more than Sassy did, but not as much as when he was 2- he seems to enjoy his naps a little more now, and plays more rowdy instead for shorter times. And he likes a soft bed rather than the middle of the hardwood floor. I'm 30, and I prefer soft beds to hardwood floors too

eb24 · Jul 26, 2013

It isn't easy to calculate an animals age, as so much of the development occurs in the first two years. What I have heard most often from my vet and shelter friends (though there is certainly differing information out there) is that cats age approximately 25 human years in the first two years of their lives. After that, they age at about a rate of 4 human years each year.

Presuming this is accurate, your guy is the human equivalent of a 30 year old (give or take a few years). Now, this by no means makes him a senior citizen, but it's true most cats mellow out as they get older. The first two years are filled with so much growing that they naturally have a lot of curiosity and energy. But, after that, they tend to settle in and, well, do what cats do, which is sleep! Most cats sleep on average 16 hours a day. So, your guy sounds just about normal.

Of course, there are differences in energy level based on breed and general temperament/disposition so this is all just an estimation. If he is otherwise healthy and just napping more I wouldn't really worry about it. If he is acting lethargic (doesn't want to get up, lack of interest in things he used to enjoy, not eating and drinking, ect) then you have cause for concern and need to get him to a vet ASAP.

Above all, don't compare him to anyone else. He has his own disposition and his own likes and dislikes. You can keep him young longer by making sure you are feeding him a high protein, low/no carb diet (preferably one that is raw or wet) and keeping up with his annual wellness exams. And, never forget the importance of regular interactive play sessions. It will keep him both physically and mentally healthy and engaged.

Oh, and outdoor cats have their lifespan cut in half by at least half. So, keep him indoors or use outdoor safety precautions!

eb24 · Jul 26, 2013

I went back to make sure I didn't miss anything and realized I bypassed this little gem. Sounds like you two are pretty much on the same page!

If you really want to make him happy set him up with a flatscreen, some beer (or catnip) and the Sports Network and he will love you forever!

matts mom · Jul 26, 2013

EB24 said:
I went back to make sure I didn't miss anything and realized I bypassed this little gem. Sounds like you two are pretty much on the same page!

If you really want to make him happy set him up with a flatscreen, some beer (or catnip) and the Sports Network and he will love you forever!

LOL! I think what he'd really like is for me to vacate my desk chair more often

It's a good quality leather one I got for my birthday, and I think he likes it even more than I do!

He's not at all lethargic, just more settled, and friendlier than when we got him

simons mom · Jul 26, 2013

my cat Simon is 11 years old and he has slowed down quit a bit since he was younger.He isn't as crazy as he used to be lol

mservant · Jul 26, 2013

Matts mom said:
LOL! I think what he'd really like is for me to vacate my desk chair more often It's a good quality leather one I got for my birthday, and I think he likes it even more than I do!

He's not at all lethargic, just more settled, and friendlier than when we got him

Or he thinks it's his chair and just can't understand why it takes you so long to warm it up for him?

(I know what place I have in my home and servant about sums it up

)

Going by this thread I've got another year and then I can hope for Mouse getting a bit quieter. Yippee. As long as he doesn't get TOO quiet

He's only 2 1/2 just now. The image of the flat screen, beer/catnip and Sports Network about sums him up - he climbs on to the top of the flat screen, tries to chase moving objects down the back of the set, then falls off. Then - he hopefully rediscovers the many catnip mice he's lost at the back of the TV unit...... He's a treasure

lilin · Jul 26, 2013

You know, 2 is still very young. Just because he's fully grown doesn't necessarily mean he was completely an adult cat. About the equivalent to a human in their early 20's. Still very energetic, and maybe a little bit of a "kid" in some ways.

He definitely isn't old. But he is a fully grown adult. 30's not old at all either, but 30-year-olds aren't as crazy as 20-year-olds.

For an indoor cat, I think of "senior" beginning around age 9. That's when you may start to see a more dramatic slow-down, and possibly them beginning to get a little more sensitive to physical conditions and stressors. But a well-cared-for cat can live well into their late teens, so that's still not "old." Just "mature."

eb24 · Jul 26, 2013

MServant said:
Or he thinks it's his chair and just can't understand why it takes you so long to warm it up for him?

(I know what place I have in my home and servant about sums it up

)

Ah yes you learn quickly! It's best not to fight it and just accept your lowly place on the totem pole of life.....

You are right that Mouse will theoretically mellow as he gets older. But, that doesn't take you off the hook about keeping him engaged. Regular play sessions are still a must, though now for different reasons. When they are young its all about redirecting that energy and getting it out. As they age it's about keeping them healthy and engaged. It is hard to get an overweight cat to lose weight. It's much easier to jut keep them from gaining it in the first place!

Matts mom said:
LOL! I think what he'd really like is for me to vacate my desk chair more often It's a good quality leather one I got for my birthday, and I think he likes it even more than I do!

He's not at all lethargic, just more settled, and friendlier than when we got him

- Jeez you sound like the most selfish cat owner ever! Give the man his chair!

I think the settling in is a huge part of it. When we first adopt, there is a lot of uncertainty, especially for those amazing cats who come from shelters or off the streets. Where am I? Is this really going to last? Who are these people?!?!? It takes a long time for them to fully accept that this situation is permanent and that they don't have to be scared or on guard. Also, by now he's had a chance to explore every nook and cranny and so that curiosity has tapered.

Basically, what I'm saying is that it sounds like Matt has fully accepted this as his home enough to be his true, lazy self. He clearly has no fears about his environment or his future. Perhaps it's time to invest in a second desk chair!

mservant · Jul 27, 2013

EB24 said:
Ah yes you learn quickly! It's best not to fight it and just accept your lowly place on the totem pole of life.....

You are right that Mouse will theoretically mellow as he gets older. But, that doesn't take you off the hook about keeping him engaged. Regular play sessions are still a must, though now for different reasons. When they are young its all about redirecting that energy and getting it out. As they age it's about keeping them healthy and engaged. It is hard to get an overweight cat to lose weight. It's much easier to jut keep them from gaining it in the first place!

- Jeez you sound like the most selfish cat owner ever! Give the man his chair!

I think the settling in is a huge part of it. When we first adopt, there is a lot of uncertainty, especially for those amazing cats who come from shelters or off the streets. Where am I? Is this really going to last? Who are these people?!?!? It takes a long time for them to fully accept that this situation is permanent and that they don't have to be scared or on guard. Also, by now he's had a chance to explore every nook and cranny and so that curiosity has tapered.

Basically, what I'm saying is that it sounds like Matt has fully accepted this as his home enough to be his true, lazy self. He clearly has no fears about his environment or his future. Perhaps it's time to invest in a second desk chair!

Yep, you know cats well.

I do know my place.... I had 2 sister tabbies before Mouse and they trained me for nearly 22 years

One of them was leaping and bounding almost to the day she pounced over the rainbow but the other got very frail and arthritic - both became blind so I had loads of interesting times inventing fun games for them.

I knew my house wasn't mine well before Mouse arrived, that all home contents are cat toys/furniture, and I must meet cat commands at all times (as long as not hurting anyone/themselves). Something about Mouse tells me I won't get much down time with him, and little chance of him getting tubby thankfully: on top of his strong play drive and love of hunting he's on a really strict TD biscuit diet with occasional freeze dried fish snack and poultry toothpaste as treats..... and he loves to hunt and chase all food - from a bowl is so passe! Not much chance of sleep for more that short periods either I'm pleased to say, though they are getting slightly longer this year. I'm hoping he doesn't develop that natural cat lazy side TOO much but IF he does I'll still adore him.

I think deep down Matt's mom knew she was going to have to give in and get that chair!!!

matts mom · Jul 27, 2013

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matts mom

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matts mom

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matts mom

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Ok, i'll be the baby you be the mommy.jpg

matts mom

Jul 27, 2013

the youngest made him the baby in her game once......he stayed there purring for almost 20minutes before he got bored and left.

He's a GOOD CAT

mservant · Jul 27, 2013

Matts mom said:
the youngest made him the baby in her game once......he stayed there purring for almost 20minutes before he got bored and left.
He's a GOOD CAT

Oooh boy, you've lost. Big time

Excellent cat. Just as well he's V cute.

eb24 · Jul 28, 2013

OMG. This picture is killing me!

I'm having all these flashbacks to my childhood where I desperately wanted a cat so I could do THIS to them. Of course my parents never caved and I grew up without knowing such wonders....

How amazing that he does so well with your kiddos. Though if they did all that to me I would probably take a page out of the Matt playback and would have to pop them a time or two. Just to let 'em know who's really in charge!

I suppose having to give up TWO chairs is a small price to pay to have such a house full of love and fun. Take a lesson from MServant in how to handle losing your stuff: she clearly has this all figured out (and clearly spoils her boy to death)!

I have loved Matt for a long time because of that adorable face. I love him even more now! Matt updates are always good in my book!

mservant · Jul 28, 2013

No, don't learn from me, I was defeated years ago

. I must admit, Mouse IS spoiled but I can be quite strict as I'm sure he'd tell you if he could.... and he seems to have learned the lesson that when he does nap he should do it somewhere quiet and comfy, not in the middle of what I'm trying to do. I think Matt is really just attention seeking and not snoozing like a middle aged male - I mean, look where he keeps resting up! Right where your kids are going to pester him

. And I have a sneaking suspicion Matt is at least as pampered and pandered to as any cat in my household otherwise you'd have thrown him out when he flattened your kids for the first time. (Best trick I've heard in years by the way). Big Matt fan too

betsygee · Jul 28, 2013

Funny about giving up chairs. We had friends over yesterday afternoon--we were all four sitting in the living room, having a beer. The two guys got up and by the time they came back five minutes later, two of our cats taken taken over the warm spots they left on the couch. We tell people "Around here, you cruise--you lose!" A warm spot doesn't last long around here without a cat finding it.

LOVE the photo of Matt in the doll house! :-)

Anne · Jul 28, 2013

We have an infographic about how old cats are "in human years" -

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Anne
Jul 28, 2013

If you care to share this on Facebook too (please do!), the link to the Facebook picture is:

I *think* you can just click on that and if you're logged into Facebook, you should be able to share the image. You may have to Like our page first, but that's a great thing to do anyhow

mservant · Jul 28, 2013

betsygee said:
Funny about giving up chairs. We had friends over yesterday afternoon--we were all four sitting in the living room, having a beer. The two guys got up and by the time they came back five minutes later, two of our cats taken taken over the warm spots they left on the couch. We tell people "Around here, you cruise--you lose!" A warm spot doesn't last long around here without a cat finding it.

LOVE the photo of Matt in the doll house! :-)

Heh heh heh, going by an earlier post in this thread, your guys did well if the cats hadn't polished off their beer too

I like Anne's age chart: it fits with my thinking my last cat (just over 21 1/2) was around around 104 when we were parted from each other. She was definitely in the older category! I can safely say that by 104 her play was very gentle and not for very long periods. And all activity was at floor level unless I'd lifted her up to my chair or bed (and then down again) Hard floorboards were not good by that age, she needed lots of soft spots to edge her self down on to.

One benefit of a disabled pensioner cat is they're less able to steel all your chairs though.

I don't know about the rest of you but I suspect - and hope - that Matts mom and I have a long wait for this to happen so we'd better keep up our supply of comfy chairs (and dolls' houses).

betsygee · Jul 29, 2013

MServant said:
Heh heh heh, going by an earlier post in this thread, your guys did well if the cats hadn't polished off their beer too

No kidding!

how old is he in cat years and when is 'older' for cats?

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