Cats are living longer than ever, but longer life is only a welfare benefit if quality of life is maintained. Proactive senior wellness monitoring identifies and addresses problems early.
Senior cat welfare is too often neglected because cats mask deterioration effectively. Owners attribute reduced activity, changes in grooming, and altered social behaviour to normal ageing when these may be signs of pain, organ disease, or cognitive dysfunction. Welfare-centred senior care involves proactive rather than reactive veterinary contact: regular health checks that include blood pressure measurement, thyroid palpation, joint assessment, and pain evaluation. Environmental adaptation for arthritic cats — accessible litter trays, easy food and water access, warm resting spots — can dramatically improve daily comfort without medication.