Cats age slowly but experience age-related cognitive and physical changes from around 11 years, with cognitive dysfunction syndrome, sensory loss, and pain from chronic disease significantly affecting their welfare in later life.
Senior cat welfare requires proactive rather than reactive management because cats conceal vulnerability exceptionally effectively. A cat experiencing cognitive decline, chronic pain from arthritis, or sensory loss from reduced hearing or vision may show few obvious signs until welfare compromise is already significant. The welfare harm of undetected and untreated pain in senior cats — particularly from dental disease and osteoarthritis — is substantial and widespread: studies show that a majority of cats over 12 years have radiographic evidence of arthritis, yet pain management is rarely initiated. Regular veterinary check-ups for senior cats — at least every six months — combined with owner education about subtle signs of cognitive and physical decline are the foundation of good welfare management in aging cats.