Cats are living longer than ever before, and the welfare needs of senior and geriatric cats deserve specific attention. Proactive management can significantly improve quality of life in older cats.
Senior cats frequently suffer from multiple concurrent health conditions that individually may be subtle but together significantly compromise quality of life. Chronic pain from osteoarthritis is particularly underdiagnosed, as cats typically reduce activity and change behaviour rather than vocalising pain. Environmental modifications including ramps, lower-sided litter trays, raised food bowls, and heated beds support cats with mobility limitations. Chronic kidney disease management requires dietary adjustment and in some cases fluid therapy. Hyperthyroidism is very manageable with medication, radioactive iodine, or dietary treatment. The welfare goal for senior cats is maintaining engagement with life through ongoing enrichment, social interaction, comfortable environments, and proactive management of age-related conditions. Regular veterinary screening is the most important single action for improving senior cat welfare outcomes.