Fluffy senior cat with a gray and white coat lying on the floor
Image

Wellness Care for Aging Cats

Cats are generally considered senior around 10 to 11 years of age, though some age-related changes can begin earlier. This is because cats are so skilled at hiding discomfort and illness, senior wellness care becomes even more important as they age, giving our veterinarians the chance to catch subtle changes that owners may not notice at home.

Family Pet Clinic has supported Feasterville cat owners through the senior years for over 25 years, with a team trained specifically in feline-friendly, low stress handling.

Common Health Changes in Senior Cats

Chronic kidney disease is one of the most common conditions we manage in senior cats, and early signs like increased thirst and urination are easy to miss or mistake for normal aging. Hyperthyroidism is another condition seen frequently in older cats, often causing weight loss despite a normal or increased appetite, along with restlessness or increased vocalization. Arthritis is also common in senior cats, though it presents differently than in dogs, often showing up as reduced jumping, reluctance to use stairs, or changes in grooming habits rather than obvious limping.

What to Expect at a Senior Cat Wellness Visit

A senior cat exam includes a thorough physical exam with close attention to weight changes, muscle condition, joint mobility, and oral health, along with a conversation about litter box habits, appetite, water intake, and behavior at home. We generally recommend senior bloodwork, thyroid testing, and urinalysis at least once a year, and often twice a year for cats with existing health conditions, since these tests frequently catch problems well before a cat shows outward symptoms.

Supporting Comfort and Quality of Life

For senior cats with arthritis, we may recommend joint supplements, environmental adjustments like low-sided litter boxes and easy access to favorite resting spots, and laser therapy to help manage discomfort. For cats managing chronic conditions like kidney disease, we work with you on diet changes and monitoring schedules designed to support your cat's quality of life for as long as possible.

Schedule a Senior Wellness Visit for Your Cat

Frequently Asked Questions

Emergency Appointments and New Furry Faces Are Welcome!