Theres something nice about an older pet. While they no longer have the energy of youth they still stay sweet. My bully seemed to just know things as she got older. One day I told her to get a specific toy and she actually went looking for it, it was hidden and when I told her where it was she actually understood. She also never wandered far from home, once the gardeners left the gate open and she just wandered to the front steps and laid down there. She just got so mellow and I could trust her so much. She also got grumpy. If she didnt want attention she would just give you a dirty look and walk away a couple inches and resettle. I miss her dearly. We have a 1 year old bully now, and I still miss the serene way my old girl acted in her old age. She had such a personality. Cherish the time you have, it won't last forever. Unfortunately :-(

You sound like I did about 12 yrs or so ago. When my kitty started being considered "senior", I got all depressed and thought about losing her and how sad I'd be, etc. Well, she's still with me! She'll be 21 this summer, but unfortunately she has her issues of late (CRF). I just wish I'd known then what I know now--to stop worrying and ENJOY....there's plenty of time for the real "old age". Haven't you heard? Nine is the new 5 :-)

Did the vet do any blood tests? I would want to rule out thyroid problems, just in case it's not "old age". He sounds like a sweetie.

If you up the diet it may pre long his life, I've read abut cats on Raw diets that are 15 but don't look or act a day over 5. But this is a notable exception. cats on such diets have been known to live 30+! The oldest cat in the world 34-36 died in the 50's before cat food was in existence, meaning she ate, food scraps, milk, salmon and whatever she caught outside. ( again very rare- sorta like the 122 year old woman who stopped smoking the last 10 years of her life because she was afraid she would start fires because of arthritis in her joints- not the norm!.)

I would try (Innova EVO,ziwi peak,Orien, instincts and see)

what weed said.

(raw diet won't cure thyroid probs.)

True "if" its already progressed too far... and its going to be difficult to switch a cat who has been on regular cat food for so long, thats why I mentioned the brands of better cat food.

My cat before Taz, Bobcat, lived to be 18. I don't remember him crossing from youth to middle age - I was in my 20's and 30's when I had him, so I don't think age was as much an issue with me then ;) Bobcat was that 'cat of a lifetime' and as much as I love Taz, there will never be another like Bobcat.

Weed, yes the vet did do blood tests, and said Taz is healthy and in great shape for 9 years old.

Runsnwalken, Taz will only eat one type of cat food (Max Cat orange bag) and what he catches outside - he's quite the hunter! He won't come near any other catfood and, unlike my Naughty Kitten, never begs at the table & won't eat table food. I like the idea of a raw diet but he is so stubborn about the Max Cat!

Thanks everyone for your ideas and suggestions!

Some cats get "hooked" on a curtain brand

Outside prey is probably better then most 70% pet foods. Keep in mind the oldest cat in the world (34-36 at time of death) existed before cat food, in the 50's she died, the 60's was the boom in pet foods. As long as you de worm regularly, and vac, for rabies/ect/ neuter, (you MUST if you have outdoor cats).. its reasonably safe- from a diet standpoint ,feline population control standpoint, But injuries/predation (risk lower in cites) are a risk. If you do this through, only do it in spring/summer( when weather in agreeable and prey animals are breeding)/and keep close watch on his physical shape, if he gets thin, stop right away, its probably good for our predator-weeded cities too. There's just too many sparrows/bunnies and squirrels to have a heathy eco-system.

Personally IMO I'd worry to much about the safety of the cat,but if you wish/ its probably a good way to save money on pet food.

I love "mature" cats. :)

I got my 10yo Siamese about a year and a half ago, and I would happily adopt another middle-aged (or even senior) cat in a heartbeat (the last middle-aged cat I adopted lived to be 21, and my mom's 7yo adoptee made it to 22). There's something nice about a cat that has a little dignity and life experience, you know? My 2yo cat is great in her own ways, but I can't wait until she's mellowed with age! Cats are like wine and cheese...I like mine aged.

Enjoy your boy for another nine (or ten or fifteen) years.

It can be a little sad when you remember the cute little kitten or adolescent cat terrorizing your home and family, but IMO, this is where it starts getting good. :)