Cats are living longer than ever, creating growing populations of senior cats with complex welfare needs. Proactive management of age-related conditions significantly improves quality of late life.
Senior cat welfare represents one of the most significant opportunities for welfare improvement in companion animal medicine. Age-related conditions including chronic kidney disease, hyperthyroidism and arthritis cause significant ongoing suffering when undiagnosed or inadequately managed. Many owners attribute the signs of these conditions to normal ageing, missing opportunities for treatment that would dramatically improve quality of life. Twice-yearly health screening in cats over 11 enables detection of early-stage disease when intervention is most effective. Chronic kidney disease management through diet, hydration and sometimes medication can extend comfortable life by years. Arthritis management through pain medication and environmental modification reduces the chronic pain that limits mobility and social behaviour in many senior cats.