Cat Senior Wellness and Preventive Care

Senior cats require proactive preventive care to detect and manage the multiple conditions that become increasingly common after age 10.

Key Facts

Cats are considered senior from age 10-11 and geriatric from age 15+
Osteoarthritis affects over 90% of cats over 12 years old based on radiographic studies
Hypertension is extremely common in senior cats, often secondary to CKD or hyperthyroidism
Cognitive dysfunction syndrome (feline dementia) affects approximately 28% of cats aged 11-14
Bi-annual veterinary examinations are recommended for cats over 7 years old

Welfare Considerations

Senior cat welfare requires proactive rather than reactive veterinary care. The multiple conditions that cluster in older cats — CKD, hyperthyroidism, hypertension, osteoarthritis, dental disease, cognitive dysfunction — often develop silently and are only detected by the time significant welfare compromise has occurred. Bi-annual blood and urine tests from age 7 provide a baseline and catch emerging disease early. Blood pressure measurement should be routine from age 10. Osteoarthritis is systematically undertreated in cats — most affected cats never receive analgesia despite living with chronic joint pain. Home assessment using quality-of-life scales and behavior monitoring allows owners to detect changes earlier. Environmental adaptations for arthritic cats (low-sided litter boxes, ramps, heated beds) significantly improve comfort.

What You Can Do

Schedule bi-annual health checks for cats over 7 years old, including blood, urine, and blood pressure
Ask your vet specifically about pain management if your senior cat is slower, less active, or jumping less
Adapt your home for arthritic cats: low-sided litter boxes, heated beds, ramps to favorite resting spots
Monitor behavioral changes as the earliest indicators of health problems in senior cats
Discuss all disease management holistically with your vet — multiple concurrent conditions require integrated management