Defining senior: Cats are considered senior from 11 years, geriatric from 15 years. With improved veterinary care and nutrition, many cats now live into their late teens and twenties. The welfare challenges of aging deserve specific attention from owners and veterinarians.
Prevalence of Disease in Senior Cats
Disease prevalence increases dramatically with age. Studies suggest that over 90% of cats aged 12 and above show radiographic evidence of degenerative joint disease; chronic kidney disease affects around 30-50% of cats over 15; hyperthyroidism affects approximately 10% of geriatric cats; dental disease and hypertension are also extremely common. Many senior cats carry multiple concurrent conditions.
Common Senior Cat Conditions
Degenerative joint disease (DJD): Often silent and severely underdiagnosed. Causes chronic pain affecting mobility, grooming, litter tray access, and social behaviour. ICAT Pain scale and owner behavioural questionnaires improve recognition.
Hyperthyroidism: Excess thyroid hormone causes weight loss despite increased appetite, vomiting, restlessness, and hypertension. Highly treatable via medication, radioiodine, or dietary management.
Hypertension: Often secondary to CKD or hyperthyroidism. Can cause sudden blindness from retinal detachment, neurological signs, and cardiac disease. Requires prompt treatment and monitoring.
Cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS): Feline dementia — disorientation, vocalisation at night, altered sleep-wake cycles, reduced social interaction. Underdiagnosed and often dismissed as normal aging.
Pain Recognition in Senior Cats
Cats are stoic and mask pain, making recognition difficult. Behavioural changes are the primary indicator: reduced grooming or grooming difficulty, reduced jumping, changes in litter tray use, reduced interaction, increased hiding, altered facial expression (the Feline Grimace Scale is validated). Regular veterinary assessments every 6 months (rather than annually) are recommended for senior cats.
Environmental Adaptations
Supporting senior cat mobility and comfort:
Low-sided litter trays for cats with reduced mobility
Ramps and steps to favourite resting spots
Multiple warm resting places at various heights
Food and water stations accessible without climbing or jumping
Night lights to support cats with cognitive dysfunction or reduced vision
Quality of Life Assessment
Regular assessment using validated tools (the HHHHHMM Quality of Life Scale; the Cat-HealthRelated QoL instrument) helps owners and veterinarians make informed decisions about ongoing care and euthanasia timing. Emphasis should be on good days vs bad days, ability to engage in valued activities, and management of pain and nausea.