Cats are living longer than ever due to advances in veterinary care, and senior cat welfare requires attention to the specific health and behavioural needs of ageing animals.
Senior cats with unrecognised and untreated health conditions suffer chronic pain and discomfort that significantly reduces quality of life. The challenge is that cats are stoic and the subtle signs of ageing conditions such as arthritis and cognitive decline are often attributed to normal ageing. Proactive veterinary assessment, environmental adaptation, and prompt treatment of identified conditions maintain quality of life in the final years.