Senior cat care (10+ years)

Cats hide illness extraordinarily well. That's why early detection in seniors is key: what you see on the surface is usually just the tip of the iceberg. This guide covers everything about caring for a cat aged 10+.

When is my cat a senior?

Feline classification:

• Mature: 7-10 years · more frequent check-ups already begin
• Senior: 10-14 years · check-ups every 6 months
• Geriatric: 15+ years · special needs

Physical and behavioural changes

Normal with age:

• Less energy and play
• More sleep (16-20h/day)
• A duller coat
• Slight weight loss (not >5%)
• Reluctance to jump onto high spots
• Reduced sight and hearing

Changes that are NOT normal:

• Weight loss >10% in a few months
• Drinking MUCH more water
• Repeated vomiting
• Persistent diarrhoea
• New lumps
• Sudden changes in temperament
• Night-time yowling for no reason

An adapted diet

The senior cat needs:

• MODERATE high-quality protein (kidney function may be compromised)
• More moisture: wet food is ESSENTIAL in seniors. Hydration is critical.
• Joint supplements: glucosamine, chondroitin, omega-3
• Antioxidants: vitamin E, extra taurine
• Adjusted calories: less activity → smaller amount
• Smaller / softer kibble if they have dental issues

Senior brands: Hill's Mature Adult / k/d (renal), Royal Canin Ageing, Acana Senior Cat, Purina Pro Plan Senior. If it has a specific kidney problem, the vet will prescribe a therapeutic diet.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD)

1 in 3 cats over 10 develops CKD. It is the leading cause of death in older cats.

Symptoms (they appear late, when 75% of the kidney is already damaged):

• Polydipsia (excessive thirst) + polyuria (excessive urination)
• Progressive weight loss
• Apathy, less play
• Occasional vomiting
• Halitosis (bad breath from urea)
• Poor coat

Early detection: ANNUAL blood + urine tests from 7 years of age. The SDMA marker detects CKD when 25% of the kidney is damaged (vs creatinine, which needs 75% damage).

Management: a specific renal diet (moderate protein, low phosphorus), subcutaneous fluid therapy at home (families learn to do it), medication according to severity. With the right management, cats can live for years after diagnosis.

Hyperthyroidism

Overactive thyroid, very common in cats over 10. Paradoxical symptoms:

• Eats A LOT but loses weight
• Unusual hyperactivity for its age
• Excessive thirst + copious urine
• Night-time yowling, restlessness
• Occasional vomiting
• Unkempt coat
• High heart rate

Diagnosis: a total T4 blood test. It's very straightforward to detect.

Treatments: daily thiamazole (methimazole) tablets (manageable), a special diet Hill's y/d (with no supplemented iodine), radioactive iodine (curative but requires specialist hospitalisation), thyroidectomy surgery (rare).

Feline arthritis

Underdiagnosed in cats. Cats hide pain — they don't limp like dogs. Signs:

• Stops jumping onto favourite high spots
• Difficulty going up/down stairs
• Stiff movements on waking
• Neglected grooming in areas like the lower back
• Irritability when certain areas are touched
• Behaviour change (less sociable, hides away)

Modern treatments:

• Solensia (frunevetmab): a revolutionary monthly injection, a monoclonal antibody for pain with no effects on the kidneys
• Cat-specific anti-inflammatories (meloxicam), used with caution
• Joint supplements (glucosamine, omega-3)
• Home adaptations: low-sided litter tray, steps to the sofa, an orthopaedic bed

Dental health

85% of cats over 5 have dental disease. In seniors it worsens quickly. Veterinary dental cleaning under anaesthetic every 1-2 years. Daily brushing with cat toothpaste (never human toothpaste).

Cognitive decline

Feline dementia (CDS) does exist. Symptoms in cats over 15:

• Prolonged night-time yowling
• Disorientation at home (staring at walls)
• Accidents outside the litter tray with no medical cause
• Change in sleep-wake pattern
• Loss of interest in interaction

Treatments: environmental enrichment, stable routines, supplements (omega-3, SAMe), specific medication if the vet considers it necessary.

Veterinary check-ups

For senior cats, ideally every 6 months:

• Full physical examination
• Exact weighing (changes >5% = alarm)
• Full annual blood + urine tests (with renal SDMA)
• Blood pressure (hypertension is common in seniors)
• Dental cleaning when the vet recommends it

Adapting the home

• Litter trays with low sides (arthritis) · more trays spread around (fewer long trips)
• Beds that are low, orthopaedic, soft, in quiet, warm spots
• Raised feeders 10-15 cm off the floor (better for cats with neck arthritis)
• Steps / ramps to favourite high spots (sofa, bed)
• Fresh water in several places · a water fountain improves hydration
• Temperature: they feel the cold more, keep it at 22-25°C

In short: your senior cat needs check-ups every 6 months, an adapted diet with more moisture, attention to CKD + hyperthyroidism + arthritis, and home adaptations for reduced mobility. Early detection of chronic diseases means more years of good quality of life.