Are There Any Older Cat Experts?

[Treacle71]

My very soon to be, and portly boy cat, will be turning 15 years. However, roughly over the past 6-9 months, he hasn't wanted to go out much. He loved the outdoors and always climbed trees/fences. I miss seeing him do that and only goes out now out for a maximum of around two minutes. He used to shoot straight out the back if I went out to cut the grass, tidy the garden and stay out for long periods. Now when I go out, he'll stay out for about two minutes with me and then will go inside again even if I'm still out in the garden and will sometimes will run back in. I don't know what's wrong with him 🤷?

TIA.

[naomi24]

He's old.  Let him do as he pleases.

[Hazlinny]

My cat lived to 21 years of age and, like yours, enjoyed the great outdoors ....  probably about age 19, she preferred to be indoors  ..  I would take her out in my arms and she'd lie down on the grass for a little while then make for the door to get back in.  There was nothing wrong with her just old age.  I did think she might have thyroid trouble but Vet said this was not so.

[furrypusscat]

Like us, animals grow old, in cat years your cat will be equivalent to 90 human years.  Just feeling age and wants to do his own thing. It doesn't mean there is anything physically wrong with him although he may have arthritis which will slow him down.  15 is a good age and he is entitled to slow down a bit. I wouldn't worry unless he stops eating and drinking and stops grooming himself.

[haras2]

I agree with all your other posters' comments. I would add that if he is really obese, losing some weight might speed him up a bit, perhaps ask your vet. Try not to worry, hard I know !

[Treacle71]

Thank you people so far 🙂

[Patsy33]

My cat was like that. He was almost 16 when we lost him. The last year or so he slowed down a lot and didn't go far. He slept a lot. Loved his food, he was a big boy! As long as he I'd eating and moving around, I'd say he is quite content. It's just old age catching up with them. To put your mind at rest, get an appointment with Vet for check over.

[calmck]

Normal elderly cat behaviour. Maybe reduce his food if he is portly. Try something for senior cats. Just let him do as he wants. My eldest barely goes out now but likes sunny spots in the house

[calmck]

Just a heads up to cat owners. Portugal is having an eptdemic of a parvo like virus in cats. Very contagious, mostly fatal for young and elderly cats. Dont know if it is in the UK

[Treacle71]

Thank you all for your lovely stories 😥

[DDIL]

Bolly is 18, she sleeps, cry's and eats in that order and that's it.

She sometimes likes to sit on the windowsill catching the sun.

You may find that once it warms up your cat will want to go outside again.

[seekeerz]

I think, just like us, as they grow older all animals slow down and take life easy ....as long as your boy is doing all the usual things, he'll be fine, but if anything changes dramatically then a trip to the Vet is in order. He sounds like a very lucky boy 🐈‍⬛

[Treacle71]

Thank you guys....awwww xx  My boy sounds very much how you describe yours.  He still has his fierce appetite, toilet area is fine and he follows the sun around in the sitting room and lies in that!  I'll just have to appreciate he is in his twilight years.  Bless him.  He brought up a long thinnish fur ball this morning too on my bed! 🤢