A 10-year-old cat is equivalent to a 56-year-old human, and from then on each cat year equals four human years. The average cat’s life span is around 15 to 20 years. That’s the longest it’s ever been in their evolutionary history, because we shelter our pets from many potential risk like disease, fights, and predators. Indoor cats live longer.
Older cats are prone to common health problems, including deteriorating eyesight and hearing, reduced strength and agility, constipation, tooth decay and stiffness. More serious illnesses can include cancer, heart disease, kidney disease, and diabetes. Prevention is the key for all of these, and many of these illnesses are treatable. Regular veterinarian visits are always important, but are more critical in older pets.