Senior Cat Care: Special Considerations

When is a cat considered senior?

Cats older than 10 years of age are considered senior, though exact timing varies by breed and size. Cats over 15 years of age are considered geriatric. As cats enter their senior years, aging affects every organ system, so a few extra health, lifestyle, and veterinary care considerations become important.

What health problems are common in senior cats?

Senior cats are more likely than younger cats to have several health conditions at once, making diagnosis and treatment more complicated. The major health problems seen in older cats include:

• Obesity
• Dental disease
• Hormonal disorders, such as hyperthyroidism and diabetes mellitus
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Heart disease
• Cancer
• Infections, such as feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)
• Osteoarthritis
• Cognitive dysfunction

What other changes are common in older cats?

Many changes can occur in aging cats, including:

• Different calorie requirements leading to obesity or weight loss. Although some cats have reduced energy requirements as they age, some develop increased energy requirements once they become seniors. Keeping them at a healthy weight can reduce signs of osteoarthritis and improve longevity.
• Decreased appetite. Some senior cats may lose the desire to eat (inappetence) because their senses of smell and taste become dull with age.
• Decreased intestinal function. Intestinal function, including the intestines’ ability to absorb nutrients, is reduced in many older animals.
• Decreased thirst. Aging cats may not feel as much thirst, creating an increased risk of dehydration, especially when combined with concurrent renal insufficiency, a type of kidney disease common in older cats.
• Decreased muscle tone. Reduction in exercise may result in reduced muscle tone, which further reduces the cat's ability to jump, climb, or exercise.

How can I support my senior cat?

Keep your cat at a healthy weight. Weigh your cat (on the same scale) at least every two months. Weight changes can be an early indicator of disease

Take care of your cat’s oral health. Periodontal disease is common in senior cats and can cause organ dysfunction from chronic bacterial-induced inflammation. Work with your veterinarian to determine the best routine for your cat. This may include brushing, water additives and dental cleaning with full oral assessment under anesthesia.

Brush your cat frequently to prevent mats. Mats can contribute to skin infections and may hide skin tumors.

Clip toenails as needed to prevent overgrowth. Long toenails can get stuck in furniture, rugs and blankets which can be painful for your cat. Long nails can also grow into your cat’s paw pads, causing pain and infection.

Provide plenty of fresh water and track consumption. Increased water consumption or urination is associated with diabetes and kidney and liver disease. Ensure there are water bowls on every floor of your home. 

Feed your older cat high-quality, easily digestible food. Your veterinarian can help you choose the best options for your cat. Ensure other pets aren’t preventing your senior cat from accessing their food or water bowls.

Provide a comfortable bed. Older cats should have easy access to a warm and comfortable bed to sleep safely without fear of disturbance. If they prefer the couch or your bed, provide a ramp or stairs to help them get there.

Provide easy access to litter boxes. Place multiple litter boxes on each floor of the house, near favorite sleeping and eating areas. As cats age, some will experience a reduced ability to control urination and defecation. Having multiple litter boxes helps reduce the risk of accidents.

Maintain a close relationship with your cat’s veterinary team. Discuss what wellness testing is best for your cat, including physical examinations, blood and urine testing, as well as imaging of the chest and abdomen. Although not possible for every condition, early detection of chronic diseases such as kidney disease, thyroid disease, diabetes, and cancer can be the key to successful treatment and quality of life.

Discuss vaccinations with your cat’s veterinarian to determine what is best.  As cats age, their ability to fight infection decreases, so keeping up-to-date with necessary vaccinations is important to maintaining good health.

When should I take my senior cat to the veterinarian?

Health changes can be very subtle in cats, so having your cat examined by a veterinarian at least twice a year is recommended. As well as annual checkups, don’t wait to have your cat examined if you notice any of the following signs:

• Sustained, increased water consumption (normal daily water intake should be significantly less than 100 mL per kg or 45 mL per lb)
• Continual increase in urination
• Weight loss
• Muscle loss (feeling their spine or their hips)
• Significant increase or decrease in appetite
• Repeated vomiting
• Diarrhea that lasts over three days
• Difficulty passing stool or urine
• Incontinence
• Limping that lasts more than one to two days; complete, non-weight bearing lameness that lasts more than a few hours; or lameness in more than one leg
• Noticeable decrease in vision
• Masses, ulcerations (open sores), or scabs on the skin that last longer than one week
• Foul breath or drooling 
• Increased size of the abdomen
• Decreased activity or sleeping more than usual
• Hair loss, especially if accompanied by scratching or if the loss is in a specific area
• Persistent coughing or gagging
• Rapid breathing or increased effort with breathing
• Excessive panting
• Sudden collapse or bouts of weakness
• Inability to chew dry food
• Seizures

While it is true that old age is not a disease, older cats do need special attention so you can recognize signs of disease early and get treatment as soon as possible. With regular veterinary care and at-home attention, you can maintain your senior cat’s quality of life for as long as possible.