Companion Animals

Senior Cat Welfare: Managing the Aging Process

Cats are living longer due to improved nutrition and veterinary care, making geriatric welfare a growing concern for companion animal owners.

Key Facts

Cats are considered senior from age 11 and geriatric from age 15
Hyperthyroidism affects 10% of cats over 10 years old and is easily treatable
Chronic kidney disease affects over 30% of cats over 12 years
Pain from osteoarthritis is underdiagnosed in senior cats because they hide symptoms

Welfare Considerations

Older cats are masters at concealing pain and illness, meaning deterioration is often advanced before detection. Regular veterinary assessment using validated pain scales improves detection. Environmental modifications including ramps, heated beds, and lower-entry litter trays make significant welfare differences for cats with mobility limitations.

What You Can Do

Schedule twice-yearly veterinary checks for cats over 10 years old
Monitor eating, drinking, litter box use, and play as indicators of health change
Provide heating pads, low-entry litter trays, and ramps for cats with mobility issues
Learn to use the Feline Grimace Scale to assess pain at home