Companion Animal Welfare

Cat Senior Proactive Screening Programs

Proactive health screening for senior cats detects common age-related conditions before they cause suffering, enabling early treatment.

Key Facts

Routine screening from age 7 includes bloodwork, urinalysis, and blood pressure
Early CKD detection before 30% kidney function loss allows phosphorus restriction to slow progression
Hyperthyroid screening by thyroid palpation at annual exams identifies subclinical disease
Dental assessment identifies pain from FORL lesions before significant tooth destruction
Cancer screening using chest radiograph and abdominal ultrasound guides early treatment

Welfare Considerations

Many common feline age-related conditions are progressive but manageable when caught early. Proactive screening programs enable intervention before significant welfare harm occurs, extending quality life for senior cats.

What You Can Do

Begin twice-yearly veterinary examinations from age 7 including bloodwork
Discuss age-appropriate screening protocols with your vet for your senior cat
Report subtle behavioral changes to your vet rather than attributing them to normal aging