On average, cats have a longer lifespan than dogs. With good medical care, an active lifestyle, cooperative genes and a pinch of luck, a cat can live for twenty years or more.

However, you cannot ignore that your cat's body will change as the years go by. Important bodily functions, normally taken for granted, may start to slow down or malfunction. Just like humans, the senses eventually start to deteriorate, leading to impaired vision, hearing, taste and smell. Appetite may decrease and very old cats often get thinner, the shoulders and spine becoming more prominent. Check with your vet if you are worried about either.

Older cats inevitably become more susceptible to disease as well. Kidney disease,  often signalled by an increase in thirst, is a common condition amongst senior cats, as well as hyperthyroidism, an over-secretion of the thyroid hormone.

You may also find that your cat's behaviour changes slightly. Loss of memory, disorientation, and going to the toilet outside the litter box are all signs of age. You may find your pet jumps off your lap rather than be petted, or paces around the house yowling loudly for no apparent reason. Make sure you always give your pet lots of extra reassurance, but if you are worried talk to your vet.

But with the proper degree of love and attention, you can help your cat to grow old in a serene and dignified manner.
Proper medical care - regular checkups are a must for older cats. In addition to annual vaccinations and examinations, talk to your vet about special geriatric screenings for blood chemistry (for kidney and thyroid function), urine and the heart, as well as monitoring body weight and condition. Don't let vaccinations lapse, as your older cat's immune system will be less resistant. Also, try to keep a record of any warning signs and report them to your vet.

Stay active - because obesity and arthritis are two of the most common problems experienced by older cats, encouraging regular exercise remains important.

Daily routine - a consistent daily routine is important to your older cat's physical, mental and emotional health, providing comfort and a reassuring framework.

Healthy skin and coat - as part of your regular routine, you may want to schedule additional grooming session each week. Your cat may be less flexible - plus grooming can stimulate and massage stiff joints.

Healthy teeth and gums - routine dental care from your vet is very important, since older cats are more prone to gum disease and tartar build up. In addition to regular visits to a professional, it's always a good idea for you to check your cat's teeth and gums regularly at home.

Senior nutrition - aside from ensuring regular veterinary care, understanding the changing nutritional needs of your senior cat is hugely important. In general, cats of seven years and older start taking life a bit easier and, as a result, their nutritional needs start to change. Senior cats are less active and have a slower metabolism; so fewer calories are required. But high quality, easy to digest protein becomes more important than ever, to help maintain overall body condition.

A good senior diet provides concentrated, high quality, low fat, protein and easy to digest carbohydrates for energy. Key minerals support ageing joints, and vitamins, along with protein, help fight infections that the body may become vulnerable to as the immune system declines.

Manufactured senior cat foods are formulated to reflect these changes in nutritional requirement and feeding habits. So your cat can continue to enjoy mealtimes to the full without compromising on the essentials.

Always provide plenty of fresh drinking water, as older cats may need to drink more.

Toilet arrangements - as they age cats can sometimes start to relieve themselves outside the litter box. If this happens, first act to rule out any specific medical problems with your vet, just to be on the safe side. Refresh your cat's litter more frequently, and provide more, larger boxes that are not too deep for your cat to climb into. Alter the location of the boxes and change any linings or covers used on the tray. If your older cat is used to going outdoors but now has less control. If your older cat has been used to going outdoors, but now has less control, consider introducing a tray.

Home comforts - Supply extra warmth, such as a hot water bottle in a soft cover or a pressure-activated heat pad. Provide a warm bed that is easily accessible for stiff limbs, or a safe ramp leading to the current bed. Try and avoid change or noisy distractions, giving older cats a room to themselves if you are having a party, for example. Consider burning aromatherapy oils in a special burner to enhance your cat's environment. Basil can help a depressed or nervous cat; chamomile and lavender encourage tranquillity; cinnamon and peppermint help perk up lethargic cats.

All in all, rather than a sudden decline, most cats glide gracefully from middle age into old age and simply slow down their pace of life. As your cat spends less time hunting or playing, you may they become more vocal and interested in your activities. So accept you have a vintage, if more talkative cat, and enjoy the companionship.