Health Issues Common to Older Cats: Key Signs & Care Tips

Cats typically enter their mature years around seven to eight and reach senior status by ten. As cats age, they become more susceptible to various health conditions and natural physical decline that reflects the later stages of their lives.

With cats living 15 to 20 years or more, understanding the health challenges of older cats is vital for responsible owners aiming to provide the best care and extend quality of life.

This guide explores the common health issues seen in senior cats, practical signs to watch for, and ways to support your elderly feline’s wellbeing.

1. Changes in Weight: Obesity and Weight Loss

Older cats often experience weight fluctuations. Sedentary cats with good appetites may gain excess weight or fat due to reduced activity, increasing the risk of obesity-related problems such as diabetes and joint stress.

Conversely, loss of muscle mass, decreased activity, or reduced appetite may lead to unhealthy weight loss and frailty.

Feeding a diet specially formulated for senior cats and regularly monitoring their weight with your vet’s advice helps maintain a healthy balance and prevents complications.

2. Joint Stiffness and Arthritis in Senior Cats

Age commonly brings joint stiffness and reduced bone strength, causing creaky movement and discomfort. Arthritis, a common painful joint inflammation, can lead to reluctance in activity and hidden pain, as cats often mask their discomfort.

Early veterinary diagnosis and treatment—including pain management and gentle exercise—can greatly improve mobility and quality of life.

3. Decreased Appetite and Sensory Decline

Loss of appetite in older cats may stem from lessened activity or deteriorating senses like smell, which heavily influence their interest in food. Since cats rely more on smell than taste, diminished olfactory senses can cause previously loved foods to lose appeal.

To stimulate eating, offer highly aromatic, palatable foods, and be prepared to try various options to meet your cat’s nutritional needs effectively.

4. Dental Health Issues

Dental problems affect many cats, becoming more serious with age. Older cats can suffer from plaque buildup, gum inflammation, tooth loss, and painful abscesses, impacting their ability to eat comfortably.

Signs include bad breath, selective eating habits, or dropping food. Regular dental checkups and professional cleanings by your vet are essential to manage pain and prevent further decline.

5. Vision and Hearing Loss

Similar to humans, senior cats often experience diminished eyesight and hearing. Conditions such as cataracts can impair vision, while hearing loss may alter their environmental awareness.

These declines can increase risks in outdoor settings and cause disorientation indoors, especially with changes like furniture rearrangement or moving house.

Minimise sudden changes, maintain a consistent environment, and monitor your cat’s safety carefully to help them navigate comfortably.

6. Kidney Disease: A Silent Threat

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is one of the most common and serious conditions affecting older cats. CKD develops gradually, with symptoms like increased thirst and urination, weight loss, and lethargy.

Early detection through regular veterinary blood tests is crucial. Management includes prescription diets, medications, and supportive care to slow progression and maintain quality of life.

7. Hyperthyroidism and Other Hormonal Issues

Hyperthyroidism, caused by benign thyroid gland tumours, is common in mature cats, resulting in symptoms like weight loss despite increased appetite, vomiting, and restlessness.

Effective treatments range from medication and diet adjustments to radioactive iodine therapy, guided by your vet for the best outcome.

8. Cognitive Dysfunction and Behavioural Changes

Similar to dementia in humans, cognitive dysfunction syndrome may affect senior cats, causing disorientation, altered sleep patterns, increased vocalisation, and social withdrawal.

Veterinary diagnosis and management strategies, including environmental enrichment and sometimes medications, can enhance their comfort and behaviour.

Health Care and Monitoring for Older Cats

Regular veterinary visits become even more important in senior cats. While annual check-ups suffice for younger cats, older cats often benefit from six-monthly examinations to catch and manage health issues early.

Ask your vet about a senior cat health assessment to tailor the best care plan, including vaccination updates, dental checks, and screening for common age-related diseases.

Throughout your cat’s later years, attentive observation of behaviour, appetite, mobility, and grooming habits combined with professional support ensures you provide a loving and responsible home environment.

Additional Tips for Supporting Older Cats

• Maintain a comfortable, accessible living environment with warm resting places and easy access to litter trays and food.
• Encourage gentle exercise and play to support joint health and mental stimulation.
• Provide fresh water frequently, and consider fountains which encourage drinking to support kidney health.
• Maintain a balanced diet suited for senior cats to meet changing nutritional requirements.
• Monitor for subtle signs of pain or illness, as cats often hide discomfort.

When to Seek Veterinary Advice

If you observe sudden changes such as difficulty moving, significant weight loss, reduced appetite, bad breath, or behavioural shifts, consult your vet promptly. Early diagnosis leads to better management and comfort.

Remember, while aging is inevitable, proper care and attention can greatly enhance your older cat’s happiness and wellbeing for years to come.

Related Query: How long do cats live?

Quick Answer: Domestic cats typically live between 12 and 16 years, with many reaching 18 to 20 years or more with good care.

Feline lifespan varies widely based on factors such as breed, genetics, health, and living conditions. Indoor cats often live longer than those allowed outside due to reduced risks of accidents and infectious diseases. Proper nutrition, veterinary care, and a safe environment contribute greatly to a cat’s longevity.

Understanding typical age-related health issues helps owners prepare and provide the best possible care for their cats as they age.

Maintaining regular vet check-ups and monitoring health changes early on can help maximise your senior cat’s quality of life.

By recognising the needs of older cats, you’re supporting them to enjoy a comfortable and dignified later life.

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