Cats aged 7 years and older are considered seniors. At this age, life tends to take a slower pace and you may notice some changes in your cat’s behaviour and daily routines as they move into their golden years. Whilst this is typical of older animals, it can also be symptomatic of a number of health conditions which require medical attention.
Cats need a little extra care and attention in their senior years, and this includes more frequent trips to the vet as older animals are more susceptible to illness and their condition tends to deteriorate faster than in a younger animal. Because of this, we recommend bringing your cat in for a check-up once every six months. On this page, we take a look at some of the most common health conditions affecting senior cats.
Dental disease
Dental disease is common amongst senior cats and it’s something that owners may not pick up on. Cats who have painful teeth and gums often conceal this fact from their owners by learning to eat in a way that doesn’t aggravate their condition or simply bearing the pain.
High blood pressure
Another common condition amongst older cats, high blood pressure has been linked to blindness, kidney disease, and thyroid issues. Regular blood pressure testing helps us monitor any changes in your senior cat’s blood pressure and can play an important role in the diagnosis of serious health conditions which might otherwise go unnoticed.
Kidney and thyroid disease
Annual blood testing for senior cats can screen for two of the ‘silent killer’ diseases, kidney and thyroid disease, which are common in older cats but often go undiagnosed until the disease is advanced and much more challenging to manage.
Arthritis
Just like with older humans, senior cats get aches and pains. Arthritis in cats can be painful and debilitating, but happily the condition can be managed through medication and a few small lifestyle changes. Behavioural changes such as a reluctance to jump up or a decrease in grooming are two common signs that your cat may be suffering from arthritis.
