🐾 Vet Wellness 2025: Common Health Issues in Senior Cats—What to Watch For 🐱⏳

By Dr Duncan Houston BVSc

Just like people, cats undergo both physical and mental changes as they age. Some changes are natural and expected, while others may signal serious health concerns. By staying alert to early signs, we can improve quality of life and even extend the lifespan of our feline companions. 🐾

📅 When Is a Cat Considered Senior?

• 🧓 7–10 years = Mature
• 👵 11–14 years = Senior
• 🪙 15+ years = Geriatric

Even if your senior cat “just seems a little slower,” that change may be worth discussing with your vet. Cats hide illness well, so even subtle changes should be taken seriously. 🚨

📋 When to See the Vet

Bring your cat in for a check-up if you notice:

• 🚫 Poor grooming or greasy fur
• 🧼 Bald spots or flaky skin
• 🍽️ Changes in appetite or thirst
• ⚖️ Weight loss or unexplained gain
• 🩸 Blood in the urine or constipation
• 🚽 Litter box accidents or difficulty urinating/defecating
• 😮‍💨 Coughing or labored breathing
• 🦠 Any new lump or bump

Don’t assume “it’s just old age.” Many of these issues are treatable if caught early. 🩺

🔬 Age-Related Health Changes

👀 Vision & Hearing

Gradual vision loss is usually not disabling, but if your cat is also deaf, they may struggle. Test hearing by snapping behind their head. Wax buildup and infections can mimic deafness, so get ears checked. 👂

👃 Smell & Taste

Decline in smell and taste can reduce appetite. Try warming wet food slightly to boost aroma. 🍲

🧠 Behavior & Cognitive Function

Senior cats tend to become more sedentary, but major changes in personality—especially aggression, restlessness, or confusion—may indicate feline cognitive dysfunction (cat senility). Signs include:

• 😾 Increased irritability or anxiety
• 😿 Vocalizing at night
• 🚶 Pacing or aimless wandering
• 🧼 Decreased grooming
• 📉 Loss of litter box habits

⚠️ Common Medical Conditions in Older Cats

🦴 Arthritis

Stiff joints can make jumping, grooming, and using the litter box painful. Consider ramps, orthopedic bedding, and low-sided litter boxes. 💊 Pain medications may help.

🦠 Hyperthyroidism

Common in cats over 10. Signs include:

• 🍽️ Increased appetite
• ⚖️ Weight loss despite eating more
• 💨 Restlessness or increased activity

Treatment options: medication, diet, radioactive iodine therapy, or surgery. 🧬

💧 Kidney Disease

Kidneys gradually lose function with age. Look for:

• 💧 Increased thirst
• 💦 Frequent urination
• ⚖️ Weight loss or dehydration

Managed with fluids, prescription diets, and medication. Early detection is key. 🩺

🧪 Liver Disease

Signs may include vomiting, jaundice, or appetite loss. Causes include fatty liver, infection, cancer, or inflammation. 🟡

🩸 Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

Often secondary to kidney or thyroid disease. Untreated, it can cause blindness or brain damage. 🧠👁️

🦷 Dental Disease

Gum disease, loose teeth, and oral tumors can lead to pain and difficulty eating. Signs include:

• 🦷 Bad breath
• 🍽️ Dropping food or chewing oddly
• 🧼 Pawing at the mouth

Dental checkups and cleanings are vital. 🪥

🍽️ Nutrition and Weight Management

Older cats require fewer calories. Obesity worsens arthritis and reduces lifespan, while sudden weight loss may indicate disease. 🎯

Talk to your vet before making dietary changes. Avoid rapid weight loss—especially in overweight cats—as it can trigger fatty liver disease. 🧪

🛏️ Comfort & Environment

• 🪵 Add ramps or footstools to favorite places
• 🛏️ Provide cozy beds with orthopedic support
• 🚽 Move litter boxes to more accessible locations

Encourage light play to maintain muscle tone and joint mobility. 🧸

📆 How Often Should Senior Cats See the Vet?

• 📅 Annual exams up to age 7
• 🩺 Semi-annual exams after age 7–10

Routine exams include bloodwork, urinalysis, fecal testing, and dental assessments. Early detection = better outcomes. ✅

📍 Final Thoughts

Your cat’s golden years can be just that—golden. With proactive care, a comfortable environment, and regular veterinary visits, you can help your senior cat live a long, healthy, and happy life. 🐾❤️

Need a senior wellness plan tailored to your cat? Visit AskAVet.com or download the Ask A Vet app to consult directly with Dr Duncan Houston and other feline-focused experts. 🐱📱