smelly cat, smelly cat, what are they feeding you?

after watching Animal Planet for about 2 hours, I decided to ditch the old ambition and be a zookeeper instead.
I thought I might have to practise first before becoming one so I tried training my cat to fetch paper balls.
I threw one at him, but he just stared at me and turned his head away.
so I threw another one.
he took a sniff and had this completely dignified look on his hairy face.


then I decided this was probably one of those hints that tell me he's getting old too soon.
my cat's turning 7 this June, but I didn't think he would show these signs until my brother gets married or something. [meaning when I'm around...40?]
but he's no longer frisky and playful like he used to be.
maybe his personality now reflects that of the owner *raises eyebrow* but I don't see how it should be related at all.

just because I'm lazy and stubborn doesn't mean he has to be.

basically I'm very worried and maybe you could tell me I'm worrying for nothing, because according to Cat Years he's only at his prime or something.
I don't want to lose him just yet.
I know he's fat and weird-looking and normal people won't appreciate cats like this one but he's mine and I love him. =]