The Senior Cat
Whilst many of the factors involved in how long your cat lives are beyond our control (due to breed
and genetics), we can make a difference through home care, and veterinary care, preventative
medicines and surgical remedies. These have been designed to not only improve quantity of life, but
also quality of life. Daily management at home is completely in your hands.
As Cats age their bodies fail, and with this time there comes an obligation on our part as pet owners
and veterinarians to meet their changing needs.
So how old is your cat?
First Year your cat is
Second year your cat is
At 7 years old your cat is
At 10, your cat is
15
24
44
56
A Senior Cat Defined;
A senior cat is defined as a cat over the age of seven. By contrast “geriatric” cannot be defined by a
number of years but rather is conditionally related to disorders and diseases associated with ageing.
There are 3 types of senior cat
1-The healthy senior cat; These cats are still active , happy and healthy. Some will still be prowling
the streets and defending their territory!
2-The subclinical senior cat; These cats are doing ok. They may have slowed down a bit but generally
from all appearances are doing well. However in this class, cats have health issues as yet undefined,
such as arthritis, kidney disease, diabetes and, overactive thyroid glands. Many of these conditions
can be well managed and we see a good response to therapy when its required.
3-The clinical senior cat. These cats are often considered geriatric and have diseases or conditions
that are seriously affecting their health and well being. They will need a lot of home maintenance
and care.
So what can you do?:
1-Home Care; Remember your cat is no longer a kitten. They might look great on the outside but
often need a little more TLC. Watch their dietary intake; obesity in seniors can be debilitating. Make
sure you use a good quality cat food designed specifically for senior cats (7+). Your 7 year old cat is
44 so discourage contact sports! Make sure you use your preventative medicines for worms and
fleas and keep up the warmth, good bedding and give lots of social interaction!
2- Schedule regular Veterinary checks; It is advised that senior cats are checked at six monthly
intervals, so an interim check between annual vaccinations. This gives the vet a chance to fully
examine your cat and ask any questions that may shed light on subclinical (undiagnosed) conditions.
3-Preventative dentistry; Your cats teeth will be examined at both the annual vaccination and
interim seniors check, and the vet will advise you of your cats oral health. It is important that if
issues arise they are sorted promptly before other conditions arise that compromise your cats health
under anaesthetic.
4-Investigate lameness or slowing down; Most cats will develop some form of degenerative joint
disease as they age. In cats signs are subtle and may include sleeping more, and not jumping up as
high as they used to. Make sure you get an arthritis management plan early on in the piece to delay
the onset of severe arthritis.
5-Watch out for other problems! Key signs of problems include an increase in appetite without
putting on weight (associated with thyroid/diabetes), a decrease in appetite and weight
(kidney/cancers/hormonal disease/dental disease), weight loss of any sort, drinking more then they
used to (kidneys/diabetes/liver/thyroid), bad breath (dental disease, kidney disease), hair loss
(allergies/hormonal disease/parasites), lumps and other cancers, and slowing down.
Summary;
Cats are living far longer then ever before due to better care. The decisions we make for our cats
have both short and long term implications. However with a little careful monitoring, preventative
Veterinary care and some good old fashioned TLC, we can increase the chance of your cat making it
to a ripe old age. Regardless of age, the aim should be to let them age as you would want to –
gracefully.