Companion Animals

Cat Senior Wellness Screening Welfare

Annual health screening for senior cats detects subclinical conditions including CKD, hyperthyroidism and hypertension early, enabling treatment before welfare deterioration.

Key Facts

Cats are considered senior from 7 years and geriatric from 11 years
CKD affects an estimated 30-40% of cats over 12 years but is often asymptomatic until advanced
Blood pressure measurement, blood biochemistry and urinalysis form the core senior screening panel
Early detection of hyperthyroidism enables medical management that prevents secondary organ damage
Structured senior wellness programmes significantly improve quality of life and survival in older cats

Welfare Considerations

Senior cat wellness screening transforms late-life welfare outcomes by identifying and treating conditions before they cause significant suffering. Regular monitoring enables proactive rather than reactive care.

What You Can Do

Schedule annual senior wellness screens for any cat over 7 years of age
Ask your vet to include blood pressure measurement and urinalysis in senior checks
Discuss your cat's quality of life annually and plan for end-of-life care proactively