Senior Cat Care 2025: Help Your Aging Cat Stay Comfortable & Healthy 🐱✨

By Dr. Duncan Houston BVSc

Cats are living longer than ever—many now reach 18, 20, or even 22 years old. But aging gracefully doesn’t happen on its own. Senior cats need a little extra care, attention, and veterinary support to stay comfortable and pain-free.

I’m Dr. Duncan Houston, veterinarian and founder of Ask A Vet. Whether your cat is 10 or 20, here’s how to care for them like a pro as they enter their golden years.

📅 When Is a Cat Considered Senior?

• 10–12 years: Senior
• 15+ years: Geriatric

Signs of aging can start as early as 7–9 years old, depending on genetics, environment, and past medical history.

🔍 Common Changes in Senior Cats

• Reduced activity or sleeping more
• Weight loss or muscle wasting
• Changes in appetite or thirst
• Dental disease or bad breath
• Litter box accidents or constipation
• Increased vocalization, especially at night

🩺 Vet Care for Senior Cats

• Checkups every 6–12 months
• Annual bloodwork to monitor kidneys, liver, and thyroid
• Blood pressure and dental checks
• X-rays for arthritis or mass detection if needed

🍽️ Nutrition Tips

• Feed high-protein, senior-formulated food
• Use elevated bowls to help cats with arthritis
• Add omega-3s for joint and kidney support
• Consider appetite stimulants if they’re picky or losing weight

🦷 Dental Health

• Older cats often develop painful dental disease
• Regular vet dental cleanings can improve appetite, mood, and lifespan

🐾 Mobility & Arthritis Care

• Use soft, warm beds and place them in accessible areas
• Add ramps or steps for access to couches or beds
• Joint supplements like glucosamine and omega-3s may help
• Talk to your vet about pain relief options

🧠 Cognitive Dysfunction (Feline Dementia)

• Wandering, meowing at night, staring at walls
• Disorientation or changes in litter box habits
• Supplements (Senilife, SAMe) and environmental enrichment can help

🛠️ Home Adjustments for Senior Cats

• Place litter boxes on every level of the house
• Switch to low-sided litter boxes for easier access
• Use non-slip rugs or mats on hard floors
• Brush daily to help with grooming

🔗 Products That Help from & Ask A Vet

• Felt Cat Caves – Soft, warm hideouts for comfort and stress reduction
• Grooming Tools – Help aging cats who can’t groom themselves
• Ask A Vet – Track changes, upload photos, and ask your vet questions about aging support

📋 Summary Excerpt

Senior cats need more than just love. A vet shares what changes to expect, how to support aging cats at home, and when to check in with your vet for extra care.

❓ FAQs

• Q: How often should my senior cat see the vet?
  A: At least every 6–12 months, even if they seem healthy. Silent conditions like kidney disease are common in older cats.
• Q: Is it normal for my older cat to lose weight?
  A: No—weight loss can signal thyroid disease, kidney issues, or cancer. Always investigate unexpected changes.
• Q: What’s the best food for senior cats?
  A: High-protein, low-phosphorus diets are ideal. Ask your vet for guidance based on bloodwork results.