You might notice your cat sleeping more, slowing down, or changing their habits in subtle ways. These little shifts are part of aging, and with the right care, senior cats can thrive well into their golden years.
When your cat begins to age, their needs change significantly. As a pet owner, it’s your responsibility to ensure that your cat’s golden years remain comfortable and healthy.
This guide covers all you need to know when it comes to caring for your elderly cat. From the average life expectancy to identifying potential health concerns, you can ensure that your older cat has the comfort and necessary treatment they need.
What Is Considered a Senior Cat?
Cats age differently than dogs, but veterinarians generally use these ranges:
- Mature: 7–10 years
- Senior: 11–14 years
- Geriatric: 15 years and older
Signs of aging can include changes in grooming habits, weight, sleep patterns, or activity. Even if your cat still acts spry, once they reach these ages it’s time to pay closer attention to their health.
Learn more: AAFP/AAHA Senior Care Guidelines
Common Health Problems in Senior Cats
Just like humans, elderly cats are more prone to certain health conditions; however, they don’t always show obvious signs. Cats are experts at hiding discomfort, which makes regular wellness exams especially important.
The most common health issues in senior cats include:
- Kidney disease: One of the most frequent conditions in older cats. Signs include drinking or urinating more than usual, weight loss, or poor appetite. Bloodwork and urinalysis can detect kidney issues early.
- Hyperthyroidism: An overactive thyroid gland often affects cats over 10 years. You might notice weight loss despite a strong appetite, increased activity, or louder vocalizations.
- Arthritis and joint pain: Cats may be less willing to jump, climb, or groom.
- Dental disease: Gum disease and tooth resorption are painful and common in older cats.
- Cancer: Watch for lumps, sores that don’t heal, unexplained weight loss, or appetite changes.
- Vision and hearing loss: Cloudy eyes, confusion in dim light, or less response to sound may be signs.
Weight Management in Senior Cats
When cats get older, what they eat matters even more.
You must regularly monitor your cat’s weight and consult your veterinarian to tailor their diet. Extra pounds put strain on joints and increase their risk of diabetes and heart disease, while sudden weight loss may signal thyroid disease, kidney issues, or even cancer.
Tips for managing weight in senior cats:
- Choose a senior cat food designed to provide proper nutrients without excessive calories.
- Measure meals instead of free-feeding.
- Encourage hydration with a pet fountain or more water bowls.
- Ask your vet if prescription diets are needed for conditions like kidney disease or hyperthyroidism.
It’s always best to consult your veterinarian about weight management and food choices for your senior cat. They can tell you what’s best for your cat’s age and health.
Behavior and Cognitive Changes in Senior Cats
Similar to dementia in people, feline cognitive dysfunction (FCD), also known as cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS), is more common in elderly cats.
Common behavior changes in senior cats with cognitive dysfunction include:
- Increased vocalizing or meowing
- Acting disoriented or confused in familiar places
- Restlessness or pacing at night
- House-soiling or litter box accidents
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Decreased response to voice commands
- Decreased interest in toys, play, or family interaction
If you notice these changes, talk to your veterinarian. Certain diets, medications, supplements, or enrichment activities may help slow progression and improve quality of life. A trusted veterinarian can recommend which ones might be right for your cat.
Read more from the AVMA
Preventive Care and Vet Visits
Regular veterinary visits are crucial for early detection in age-related issues like periodontal disease, Hyperthyroidism, or kidney disease. As with pets at every stage of life, we recommend that senior cats be seen by a veterinarian every six months.
At these visits, your veterinarian should perform a comprehensive nose-to-tail examination, potentially including bloodwork and urinalysis to check organ function. They should also look for other conditions that occur with senior cats by reviewing their diet, mobility, weight concerns, dental hygiene, behavioral changes, vaccine schedules, and other health condition with you.
Dental Care for Older Cats
Older cats are more likely to contract dental disease since their dental health declines with age.
Dental disease can progress quickly and cause a lot of pain and discomfort for your pet. It also can lead to issues like gum disease and tooth loss, and neglected dental problems can lead to infections, chronic health conditions and complications. For senior cats especially, at-home or professional dental cleanings are integral to their overall health and wellbeing.
Read More: What You Need to Know About Dental Cleanings
Recommended Products for at-home oral care.
The Hard Goodbye: Knowing When It’s Time
Sometimes, you just “know” the right time. But often, pet parents struggle to find the middle ground between giving up early and waiting too long.
As a guide to this decision, we recommend scheduling a Quality of Life Assessment with one of our vets. We’ll meet your cat and objectively help you with decision-making guidance. We treat these appointments with extra compassion because we understand this is not an intuitive decision for most pet parents.
At ReadiVet, we walk with families through this stage with:
- Quality of Life Assessments to guide decision-making
- Hospice (“pawspice”) and pain management plans for care and comfort at home
- At-home euthanasia, so your dog can pass surrounded by familiarity and love
- Private and communal cremation services coordinated respectfully on your behalf
Read More: When Is The Right Time For At-Home Pet Euthanasia?
Helping Senior Cats Live Their Best Years
As veterinarians often say, “Old age isn’t a disease.” There are many things that can be done to manage medical conditions, eliminate or reduce pain, and help senior cats enjoy their golden years to the fullest.
At ReadiVet, we’re honored to walk alongside you through every stage of your cat’s life, whether that means their first vet visit, preventive care, pain management, or compassionate end-of-life support. And because we come to you, your cat always receives care where they feel safest: at home.
Questions about your senior cat’s health or concerns about a potential medical problem? Schedule a senior wellness visit with ReadiVet today in Dallas or Nashville.
