Cat suddenly affectionate recently

Anyone have this happen - he's estimated to be about 8-10 yrs old.

Short version: I have two, taken in abandoned, I was told that the owner died and the cats were alone for a month - although one adapted just fine almost immediately, but it took the other about a year to come out of hiding, I think he was a squatter and not the old lady's (he got sick in the mean time and I had to nurse him back to health when the vet said he was not likely to even make it with hospitalization and I should euthanize), then it took another year to even start purring (and talking, asking for water, food, saying mom 🙂). We're just over three years now and he has really started talking to me more and EXTREMELY affectionate. Even purrs just laying in bed next to me (this started a few months back) - about 8 months ago he started sleeping at my feet but now spends more time on the other pillow at the head of the bed and in the past month wants to be literally laying against me while sleeping.

Everything tells me he could be sick given his behavior (based largely with what is out on the Internet)... although (I would like to believe) he loves me dearly - probably because I literally saved his life - so in a way that makes sense. He even lets me pet his belly, everyone else will get tore up LOL

I'm just not sure if this is something I should go to the vet for... "Yeah Doc, he's suddenly become very affectionate and purring a lot" THEN she says, ah, he's just finally gotten comfortable 😕 Err on the side of caution is what I always think with the animals but at this point all I see is $ $ $ $ $ (going wooosh).

Anyone have a cat whose personality completely changed when they got older and all was ok?

Just keep an eye on other telltale symptoms, like weight loss or loss of appetite.

I had one that was kinda iffy and we'd had him since he was born. He was okay when he was little, but then got skittish because he's not a fan of change (his sleeping arrangements changed a few times). It took him about a year to warm up to who he is now. More affectionate and friendly with those he's familiar with (before, it was just me he'd be friendly with). He went from skittish and super shy to the biggest lush ever. 8-10 years really isn't THAT old for a cat. They're older, but not THAT old to where death is knocking at the door.:p Mine's 15 and didn't really start to show signs of getting old til about 12-13.