Cats usually live longer than most dogs and it is no longer unusual for them to live until 20 yrs old or beyond.  A cat's lifespan is dependent on many things, including: Appropriate Consistent Veterinary Care, Diet, Genetics, and weather the cat is Indoor, Outdoor, or a combination of both. 

Many cats within the ranges of Mature and Senior do not look "older" and still have plenty of energy, however, underlying factors my be affecting their health.  This is why we stress the proactive approach their veterinary care.   
   

The above chart, produced by the American Association of Feline Practitioners (For More Information on the AAFP Feline Life Stage Guidelines Here), clearly shows the importance of regular annual exams as by the time a cat is 7 months of age, they are already equivalent to a 12 year old child's life stage.  This also is a clear example of why Capital Cat Clinic recommends a physical exam every 6 months for cats over the age of 7.  Many changes can begin to occur in the Mature and Senior life stages for your pet and it is beneficial to establish baselines prior to relying on developing symptoms.  Sometime during your pet's Exam, your Veterinarian may suggest a work-up of comprehensive tests that could include:
    

*Blood Pressure
*Urine Analysis
*Thyroid Function Test
*Fecal Exam for Parasites
*Complete Blood Count
*Blood Profile

With these tests many health problems which are not readily detected can be caught early on. Taking a more proactive approach allows for appropriate steps to be taken to ensure continued well-being and a longer life for your cat.