Companion Animal Welfare

Senior Cat Welfare: Supporting Healthy Aging

Cats aged 11 and over have specific welfare needs related to changing physiology, cognitive function, and pain management that require adapted care.

Key Facts

Cats are considered senior at 11 years and geriatric at 15 years
Hyperthyroidism affects approximately 10% of older cats and is highly treatable
Kidney disease is the leading cause of death in older cats and requires dietary management
Cognitive dysfunction syndrome in elderly cats is analogous to dementia in humans
Regular veterinary checks every 6 months for senior cats enable early disease detection

Welfare Considerations

Senior cat welfare requires recognizing that the care needs of an 11-year-old cat differ substantially from those of a young adult. Common age-related conditions including hyperthyroidism, kidney disease, hypertension, and cognitive dysfunction all affect welfare significantly if undetected and untreated. Six-monthly veterinary checks for senior cats enable detection of treatable conditions before they cause significant welfare harm.

What You Can Do

Schedule six-monthly veterinary checks for cats aged 11 and over
Ask your vet specifically about hyperthyroid and kidney disease screening for older cats
Monitor senior cats for signs of cognitive dysfunction including confusion and changed sleep patterns
Provide warm, easily accessible resting areas for senior cats with reduced mobility