Pet advice
Caring for your senior cat
Cats are masters at hiding illness. From around ten years of age, regular check-ups become even more important.
Helping older cats thrive
Cats are considered senior from around 10 years of age. Many cats live well into their late teens, and good preventative care helps them stay comfortable and happy for as long as possible.
Common conditions in older cats
- Kidney disease
- Hyperthyroidism
- Dental disease
- Arthritis, which is very common but often missed in cats
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
Signs to watch for
- Weight loss, even with a good appetite
- Drinking or urinating more
- Vomiting, or changes in appetite
- Less grooming or a messy coat
- No longer jumping up to favourite spots
- Toileting outside the litter tray
- Crying at night or seeming confused
How you can help at home
- Book a health check every six months
- Provide steps or ramps to favourite resting places
- Use a litter tray with a low entry
- Offer water in several places, or a pet water fountain
- Keep a close eye on their weight
If your cat has been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, radioactive iodine treatment may offer a cure. Learn more about radioactive iodine.
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