Cats over 12 years face increasing rates of chronic disease, cognitive decline, and pain. Active geriatric management improves quality of life and extends healthy lifespan significantly.
Senior cats deserve active welfare management rather than passive acceptance of decline as "just old age." Many conditions of ageing are treatable or manageable, and early intervention substantially improves quality and duration of healthy life. Chronic kidney disease — affecting over 30% of cats over 15 — can be managed for years with appropriate diet, hydration, and treatment. Hyperthyroidism is curable. Arthritis pain is manageable with targeted therapy. Cognitive dysfunction, while not reversible, can be slowed and managed to reduce disorientation and distress. Regular biannual veterinary assessment for senior cats enables early detection and intervention before conditions become severe. Quality of life monitoring using validated tools provides an objective framework for treatment decisions including when end-of-life care becomes the most welfare-positive choice.