How do you know when your Ragdoll cat is elderly? Your Ragdoll may not look different and may still be active and playful; however, age will affect their diet, sleeping habits, and energy levels.
Middle age in cats occurs around the ages of 8-12 years. As your Ragdoll ages their dietary requirements change. Elderly cats require fewer calories and therefore need less food and fewer treats. If you do not monitor your cat’s diet and body fat composition you could easily over feed. Over feeding your cat increases risk factors for many diseases. As your Ragdoll cat ages consult your veterinarian about the changing dietary needs.
Some experts state your Ragdoll cat will be “elderly” when they reach age 12 to 15 years. At these ages you may notice changes in your cat’s behavior. These changes include appetite, sleep habits, and playfulness. It is common for an elderly cat to sleep as much as 18 hours per day.
When your Ragdoll cat ages there may be problems with joints and stiffness; this could make it difficult for your cat to move around. It is important to keep regular checkups with your veterinarian to ensure there are no underlying conditions contributing to these problems.
If your Ragdoll’s appetite has diminished avoid using table scraps to tempt your cat to eat. The best thing you can do for your elderly cat is follow your veterinarian’s advice when it comes to feeding.
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