Cats are living longer due to improved veterinary care and nutrition. Ensuring senior cats maintain quality of life through appropriate management of age-related conditions is an important welfare priority.
Senior cat welfare requires proactive management of age-related conditions that are underdiagnosed due to cats masking pain and owners attributing behavioral changes to normal aging. Arthritis pain, kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, and cognitive decline all cause suffering that can be treated or managed effectively when identified. Environmental modifications including ramps, low-sided litter boxes, and warm sleeping areas support mobility in arthritic cats. Regular veterinary check-ups every 6 months for cats over 11 enable early detection. End-of-life quality of life assessment is particularly important for cats who may mask severe suffering until very late stages.