Senior Cat Care: Looking After an Ageing Cat
Key takeaways
- Cats are generally considered senior from around 11 years, and 'geriatric' from about 15; many live well into their late teens with good care.
- Weight loss, drinking more, stiffness, changes in grooming, and confusion at night are common signs of ageing that are worth a vet check, not just 'getting old'.
- Several conditions become common with age, including kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, arthritis, and dental disease; many are manageable when caught early.
- More frequent vet checks, easy access to food, water, and litter, warmth, and gentle routine keep an older cat comfortable and happy.
With good care, many cats live well into their late teens, and some beyond. The key to a comfortable old age is noticing the changes of ageing early and treating the conditions behind them, rather than dismissing them as “just getting old”. This is the hub for our Senior Cat Care articles.
When is a cat “senior”?
As a rough guide, cats are mature from around 7, senior from about 11, and geriatric from about 15. From the senior years on, it’s worth seeing your vet more often, typically every six months, because problems develop and progress faster at this stage.
Signs of ageing to watch for
Many of these point to a treatable condition, not just age:
- Weight loss, even with a good appetite
- Drinking and urinating more than usual
- Stiffness, or reluctance to jump or climb
- A scruffier coat, as grooming becomes harder
- Appetite changes, or bad breath and dental discomfort
- Confusion, restlessness, or yowling at night
Any of these is a reason for a vet visit; see our cat health guide for the broader picture.
Common conditions in older cats
Several conditions become common with age and are often manageable when caught early:
- Chronic kidney disease, very common in older cats; diet and treatment can slow it
- Hyperthyroidism, often causing weight loss despite a big appetite
- Arthritis, which is under-recognised in cats and affects mobility and mood
- Dental disease, painful but treatable
- Diabetes and high blood pressure
This is where regular check-ups earn their keep, since blood and urine tests can catch these before they become advanced.
Keeping an older cat comfortable
Small changes make a big difference:
- Easy access: low-sided litter trays, and food, water, and beds that don’t require a jump
- Warmth and soft bedding, since older cats feel the cold and stiffness more
- Gentle routine, predictability is reassuring as senses fade
- Diet suited to age and any condition, see our cat nutrition guide
- More frequent vet checks, usually every six months
The final stage
Caring for a cat near the end of its life is hard, and quality of life is what matters most. Your vet can help you assess comfort honestly and talk through options with compassion when the time comes. You don’t have to make those decisions alone.
This guide is general information. Your vet can tailor advice to your own cat’s age, health, and needs.
References
- Caring for the older cat, International Cat Care.
- Cornell Feline Health Center, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine.
- AAHA/AAFP Feline Life Stage Guidelines, American Association of Feline Practitioners.
Frequently asked questions
At what age is a cat a senior?
Cats are usually considered mature from around 7, senior from about 11, and geriatric from about 15. These are guides rather than hard lines, but from around 11 it's worth more frequent vet checks and a closer eye on weight, drinking, and mobility.
What are the signs a cat is getting old?
Common signs include weight loss, drinking and urinating more, stiffness or reluctance to jump, a less well-kept coat, changes in appetite, more sleeping, and sometimes night-time yowling or confusion. Many of these are signs of treatable conditions rather than simply old age, so they're worth a vet check.
How can I keep my senior cat comfortable?
Make everything easy to reach: low-sided litter trays, accessible food and water, soft warm beds, and ramps or steps to favourite spots. Keep routines gentle and predictable, stay on top of dental and joint care, and see your vet more often, typically every six months, to catch and manage age-related conditions early.
How often should a senior cat see the vet?
From around 11 years, most senior cats benefit from a check-up every six months rather than once a year, because age-related conditions develop and progress faster. These visits often include weight checks and blood, urine, and blood-pressure tests to catch problems like kidney disease early.
Why is my old cat losing weight?
Weight loss in an older cat is common but never simply 'old age': it often points to a treatable condition such as hyperthyroidism, kidney disease, diabetes, or dental pain. Any weight loss in a senior cat, even with a good appetite, is worth a vet check and some simple tests.
Written by Hannah Reeves. Reviewed by Dr Sarah Whitfield, BVSc MRCVS.
Our guides are written from personal experience and reviewed by a qualified veterinarian for accuracy. Read our editorial policy.