Senior Cats
We love to see senior cats!
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.
The Vets on Balwyn team is here to support healthy ageing for a longer, happier life for your pet
As pets grow older, subtle changes can occur long before any symptoms become noticeable. Our Healthy Ageing Assessment is designed to uncover these changes early, allowing us to take proactive steps to support your pet’s health and wellbeing.
Why is senior wellness screening important?
Many pets show very subtle signs when something isn’t quite right. Changes such as reduced activity, increased sleeping, or a change in appetite can be easy to overlook, but they may indicate underlying health conditions, including:
- Arthritis and joint disease
- Kidney or liver disease
- Endocrine (hormonal) conditions
- Dental disease
- Cognitive decline
Detecting these changes early allows us to provide more effective treatment and support your pet’s long-term wellbeing.
What does the assessment include?
Our Healthy Ageing Assessment is designed specifically for pets entering their senior years. It provides a more detailed picture of your pet’s health than a routine consultation, helping us identify subtle changes before they become more significant concerns.
- Comprehensive physical examination
- Weight, body condition and muscle condition scoring
- Mobility and joint health assessment
- Discussion of appetite, behaviour and lifestyle changes
- Personalised health recommendations
Your assessment also includes:
- Comprehensive blood testing
- Urine analysis
- Blood pressure measurement
Together, these tests help us detect underlying health changes early, often before obvious symptoms develop.
If the assessment uncovers any changes that warrant further attention, we’ll provide clear guidance on what they may mean for your pet and discuss any recommended follow-up testing or treatment. Any additional diagnostics are entirely optional and will be discussed and quoted beforehand.
When should my pet have a Healthy Ageing Assessment?
As a guide:
- Dogs: From 7 years of age (5 years for giant breeds over 40kg)
- Cats: From 8 years of age
The Healthy Ageing Assessment bundle is available once every 12 months for eligible pets.
Growing older together
Your pet is an important member of the family, and we’re committed to helping them enjoy every stage of life. The Vets on Balwyn team combines compassionate care with practical advice to help you feel supported and informed throughout your pet’s ageing journey.
Supporting your pet through healthy ageing
If your pet is getting older, now is the perfect time to take a proactive approach to their health. We’re here to help every step of the way.
$349 (valued at over $490)
INCLUDES:
- Comprehensive Wellness Examination
- Blood and Urine Testing
- Blood Pressure Measurement
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
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.
Need an appointment?
When your pet’s unwell, or it’s time for a general check-up or vaccination, your furry friend is in good hands. Book online to see our expert Vets on Balwyn!
Contact Details
Opening Hours
Monday – Friday: 8am – 7pm
Saturday: 9am – 2pm
Sunday: Closed
