Senior cat care (10+ years)
The big three chronic diseases of senior cats: CKD, hyperthyroidism and arthritis — all manageable if caught early. Early detection depends entirely on owner observation. Counting breaths and weighing regularly are the two most useful home skills.
Four home monitoring habits
①Sleeping breath count (over 40/min warns of heart failure) ②Weight (monthly, 5% loss is a signal) ③Water intake (sudden increase suggests kidney/diabetes/thyroid) ④Litter clump size (bigger = polyuria warning).
Biannual exams
CBC + chemistry + T4 + blood pressure + urinalysis — this panel screens for all three chronic diseases at once. Add heart echo (from mid-life) for completeness.
Environment adaptation
Low-entry litter boxes on every floor, steps/ramps to favorite spots, warm beds (thermoregulation declines), food and water within easy reach (no forcing stairs).
The hidden arthritis
Feline arthritis doesn't limp — it shows as «no longer jumping to the windowsill», «matted fur (can't bend to groom)», «grumpier than usual». Dog joint painkillers are toxic to cats — feline pain management must be vet-designed.
💡 Key takeaways
- ✓Senior dental pain is easy to miss — bad breath + refusing kibble = dental check
- ✓Muscle wasting starts along the spine — feel both sides
- ✓Multi-cat homes: monitor individually (microchip feeder or separate feeding)
- ✓Senior cats need MORE wet food than young ones (kidney protection + easier chewing)
FAQ
Senior cat losing weight but eating well?
Hyperthyroidism is the first consideration (ravenous + losing + yowling); also screen diabetes and CKD. T4 + chemistry + SDMA covers all three in one panel.
Does a senior cat still need vaccines?
Determined by titer testing and lifestyle. Indoor-only seniors may not need annual boosters — discuss an individual plan with your vet.