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Did you know cats are usually considered senior by the age of 11 and geriatric by the age of 15?

As our feline friends enter their golden years, there are new health considerations, even if they still act playful and energetic. Early detection is key, and your veterinarian is here to help you navigate every life stage.

Remember, age itself is not a disease. It just means more tailored care!

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We all know cats are experts at hiding themselves, but they are also good at hiding any signs of underlying disease, especially as they age. That's why routine wellness exams are more important than ever for senior cats.

Regular checkups help your veterinarian detect early signs of disease before they become apparent, which allows for earlier intervention and treatment options.

Most vets recommend annual wellness visits every 6-12 months for cats 7 years and older. Talk to your vet about the best schedule for your senior feline's needs.

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Like many signs of injury or illness, pain in cats can be subtle. Changes in behavior or movement may be signs that your cat is uncomfortable or in pain.

Watch for signs like:

• Reluctance to jump on furniture or go up and down stairs
• Reduced grooming
• Hiding more often
• Irritability or withdrawn behavior

In senior cats, common causes of pain include osteoarthritis, dental disease, or internal conditions. If you’ve noticed any of these changes in your cat, contact our clinic at [INSERT CLINIC PHONE NUMBER] to schedule an exam.

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Unintended weight loss or a lack of appetite in senior cats is often a red flag that should be addressed with your veterinarian. It could be a sign of an underlying illness, such as chronic kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, or dental pain.

If your senior feline is eating less and/or looking thinner, don't wait to schedule an exam. Contact our clinic at [INSERT CLINIC PHONE NUMBER].

Age isn't a disease, but changes in appetite can signal one.

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Chronic kidney disease, or CKD, is among the most common diseases affecting senior cats. CKD occurs when the cat’s kidneys lose their ability to function properly over time, leading to the buildup of toxins in the bloodstream and various other health issues.

Signs of CKD can be very subtle, or sometimes, even absent in the earliest stages. However, as the condition progresses, you may notice various changes in your cat, including:

• Weight loss
• Lethargy
• Appetite changes
• Vomiting
• Weakness
• Increased thirst and urination
• Decreased or difficulty with defecation
• Mouth odor

If your cat displays any of these signs, contact our clinic at [INSERT CLINIC PHONE NUMBER] to schedule an examination.

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Is your senior cat eating more but losing weight? Hyperthyroidism may be the culprit.

Feline hyperthyroidism is a common condition in senior cats and occurs due to overactive thyroid glands that produce excess thyroid hormones, leading to various health issues. The thyroid glands are often enlarged because of a benign tumor.

While the cause of the disease is unknown, environmental and food-related factors have been implicated in its development.

Common signs of feline hyperthyroidism include:

• Increased appetite
• Weight loss
• Increased drinking and urination
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting

Cats may also have increased blood pressure, heart arrhythmia, and behavioral changes such as hyperactivity and increased vocalization.

Feline hyperthyroidism is manageable, and early diagnosis is key! If you’ve noticed any of these signs in your cat, call our clinic at [INSERT CLINIC PHONE NUMBER] to schedule an exam.

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Dental disease affects most cats over the age of 3, but it can be concerning for seniors.

Signs of oral or dental problems can include:

• Bad breath
• Difficulty chewing
• Dropping food or eating less
• Hiding or behavior changes

Also, dental disease doesn’t just affect the mouth. It can have systemic consequences and impact the health of the heart and kidneys. If you think your cat may need a dental exam, contact us at [INSERT CLINIC PHONE NUMBER].

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Feline diabetes is another common condition diagnosed in older cats. While insulin-dependent (Type 1) diabetes more commonly occurs in dogs, cats are more likely to be affected by non-insulin-dependent (Type 2) diabetes. Type 2 diabetes results from insulin resistance, which occurs when the cells’ insulin receptors don’t recognize insulin and cannot transport glucose into the cells.

If your cat has untreated diabetes mellitus, they may exhibit the following signs:

• Unexplained weight loss
• Persistent or recurring urinary tract infections
• Weakness and muscle wasting
• Peripheral neuropathies (examples include hindlimb weakness, wobbly gait, and difficulty jumping on furniture)
• Excessive thirst
• Frequent urination

Early diagnosis and treatment can manage your cat’s diabetes, so contact us at [INSERT CLINIC PHONE NUMBER] if you’ve noticed any of these signs or have any concerns about your feline family member.

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Is your cat enjoying their golden years? In addition to keeping current on routine veterinary care, there are several easy changes to make around the house to give your senior cat a little extra comfort.

Try:

• Soft, supportive bedding
• Easy-access litter boxes
• Raising food and water dishes
• Ramps or stairs to their favorite spots
• Interactive play (even older cats need exercise!)

These simple adjustments can help support your cat’s aging joints and live a happy, healthy life.

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“Just getting old” is never a reason to ignore changes in your cat’s health.

Cats may “slow down” a little with age, but signs like:

• Hiding
• Appetite changes
• Changes in grooming or litter box habits

…could be a sign of an underlying health concern and should be discussed with your veterinarian.

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“Not sure what’s normal for a senior cat? Give your veterinarian a call if you notice:

• Unexpected weight loss or gain
• Changes in appetite or thirst
• Trouble walking or jumping
• Any new lumps or bumps
• Difficulty chewing, bad breath, or drooling
• Behavioral changes

When in doubt, contact our clinic at [INSERT CLINIC PHONE NUMBER]. We’re here to help keep your cat happy and healthy.