Caring for a senior cat

When does a cat count as senior?

There is no single cut-off, but cats are commonly described as mature from around seven years, senior from around eleven and super-senior from around fifteen. Each cat ages differently. Some stay lively and agile well into old age, while others slow down earlier, especially if they have health conditions.

What matters most is noticing how your own cat is changing over time, rather than the number of candles on the cake.

Regular check-ups

Many vets suggest check-ups at least every six months for older cats, rather than once a year. A cat's year is a much bigger share of their life than ours, and conditions such as kidney disease, an overactive thyroid, diabetes and high blood pressure become more common with age. Some of these can be managed well if found early.

At a senior check, your vet may weigh your cat, examine the mouth, joints and heart, and may suggest blood tests, a urine test or a blood pressure check. It helps to bring notes on anything you have noticed at home.

Weight changes

Weight loss is often the first sign that something is wrong in an older cat, and it can happen so gradually that you do not notice it by eye. A cat is a small animal, so even a few hundred grams can be significant.

• Weigh your cat regularly, for example once a month, using a baby or pet scale, or by weighing yourself holding the cat and subtracting your own weight
• Run your hands along the spine and ribs; if they feel more prominent than before, mention it to your vet
• Some older cats gain weight as they become less active, which can put extra strain on joints

Our pet calculators can help you think about a sensible weight and daily food amount, but your vet is the best judge of your cat's ideal body condition.

Drinking and appetite

Drinking more than usual is an important sign in older cats. It can be linked to kidney disease, diabetes or an overactive thyroid. You might notice your cat at the water bowl more often, drinking from taps or glasses, or larger clumps in the litter tray.

Changes in appetite matter too. A cat who is suddenly very hungry but losing weight, or one who is eating less, picky or slow to finish meals, should be checked. A cat that stops eating altogether needs to see a vet promptly.

Easier access around the home

As cats age, jumping and climbing can become harder. You can help by:

• Providing a litter tray with a low entrance, or cutting down the side of an existing one
• Placing trays on each floor of the home, so your cat does not have to travel far or use the stairs
• Adding steps, a ramp or a sturdy box to help them reach favourite windowsills, beds or sofas
• Moving food, water and beds to quiet, warm spots that are easy to get to
• Using softer, padded beds, and keeping one in a sunny or warm place

Older cats may also find grooming harder, especially along the back. Gentle, regular brushing can help keep the coat in good condition and gives you a chance to check for lumps.

Joint stiffness is often hidden

Arthritis is very common in older cats, but they rarely limp. Instead, the signs are usually subtle changes in behaviour:

• Hesitating before jumping, or no longer jumping onto high places
• Using the stairs more slowly
• Sleeping more, or in different, lower places
• A scruffy or matted coat, particularly over the back and hips
• Toileting outside the tray, especially if the sides are high
• Being grumpy when handled or stroked over the back

Mention any of these to your vet. Joint pain can often be eased, and many cats become noticeably brighter once it is managed. Never give your cat human painkillers, which can be very dangerous for them.

Teeth and mouth

Dental disease is common in older cats and can make eating painful. Watch for dropping food, chewing on one side, drooling, bad breath or a reluctance to eat dry food. Ask your vet to check your cat's mouth at each visit.

Cognitive changes

Some older cats show signs of changes in memory and awareness, similar to dementia in people. These can include:

• Seeming confused or disorientated in familiar places
• Crying loudly, especially at night
• Changes in sleep patterns
• Forgetting where the litter tray is
• Becoming more clingy, or more withdrawn

Other conditions, such as high blood pressure, hearing or sight loss and pain, can cause similar signs, so it is worth having your cat checked rather than putting it down to age. A predictable routine, night lights and keeping furniture in the same places can help.

Why tracking helps

With older cats, the changes that matter often build slowly. Noting weight, how much your cat drinks and eats, and any changes in behaviour makes patterns much easier to spot, and gives your vet useful information. Keeping these notes in your dashboard means you can look back over weeks and months rather than relying on memory.

When to call your vet

Book an appointment if your cat is losing weight, drinking or urinating more, eating more or less than usual, vomiting more often, toileting outside the tray, or seems stiff, withdrawn or confused. Call promptly if your cat stops eating, cannot pass urine, has difficulty breathing, has sudden weakness in the back legs, or collapses.