Companion Animals

Senior Cat Welfare: Chronic Disease and Comfort

Senior cats commonly experience chronic kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, dental disease and arthritis, often simultaneously, requiring proactive monitoring and management to maintain quality of life.

Key Facts

Over 30% of cats aged over 12 have chronic kidney disease
Hyperthyroidism affects approximately 10% of cats over 10 years old
Feline arthritis is severely under-diagnosed due to cats hiding pain and adapting behaviour
Regular geriatric screening panels detect subclinical disease before clinical signs appear

Welfare Considerations

Senior cat welfare requires vigilance for subtle signs of decline that cats are adept at concealing. Multiple concurrent conditions are common in cats over 15 and require integrated management. Owners who learn to recognise early signs of common feline geriatric conditions, supported by regular veterinary monitoring, provide significantly better welfare outcomes than reactive treatment.

What You Can Do

Schedule bi-annual blood and urine screening for cats from age 10 onwards
Monitor for subtle behaviour changes including reduced jumping height and altered grooming patterns
Ensure easy access to key resources including litter trays, food, water and favourite resting spots
Work with a vet to develop an integrated management plan if multiple concurrent conditions are identified