Cats are living longer than ever before, and senior cats have distinct welfare needs. Proactive healthcare and environmental adaptation can significantly improve quality of life for aging cats.
The welfare of senior and geriatric cats depends heavily on owner awareness and proactive veterinary engagement. Many conditions that cause significant suffering in old cats — arthritis, hyperthyroidism, dental disease, kidney disease — are treatable or manageable if caught early. However, the stoic nature of cats means that owners frequently do not notice deterioration until disease is advanced. Regular senior wellness checkups, at least twice yearly for geriatric cats, paired with owner education about the subtle signs of aging-related disease, can dramatically reduce the burden of unmanaged chronic illness. Adapting the home environment to reduce the physical demands on arthritic cats is a simple, high-impact welfare intervention.