It probably doesn’t come as a surprise to anyone that a senior cat has needs that are different than those of a young cat. But how do you know when your cat is a senior?
Generally, cats over 7-10 years of age should be considered seniors. With increasing age, changes in the body occur as well. For instance, in one study, roughly 90% of cats over the age of 12 years were noted to have radiographic evidence of arthritis. Needless to say, with arthritis comes pain and mobility issues.
Likewise, without the proper care, dental disease can pose a problem, particularly for older pets. You may be surprised to learn that veterinarians find evidence of dental disease in many pets as early as 2-3 years of age.
What can you do to help your senior cat? Here are some tips:
Schedule regular visits with your veterinarian. Your cat needs to be examined at least yearly if it appears healthy, as many diseases are hidden and not apparent. Remember it is much cheaper to prevent disease than it is to treat it!
Besides looking for early signs of disease, your veterinarian should also perform a body condition evaluation for your cat during each visit. Ask your veterinarian to show you how to evaluate your cat’s body condition as well. Body condition is used to determine whether your cat is overweight, underweight or at an ideal body weight.
Feed your senior cat a food with adequate protein levels. Avoid vegan or vegetarian foods. Cats are obligate carnivores. They require nutrients such as taurine and arachidonic acid that are only found in animal sources. They also require a higher protein level than dogs, comparatively. Learn to read a pet food label and feed a food that is appropriate for your cat’s age and lifestyle
For the complete article on caring for your senior cat, visit petMD!
Erin Ollila believes in the power of words and how a message can inform—and even transform—its intended audience. Her writing can be found all over the internet and in print, and includes interviews, ghostwriting, blog posts, and creative nonfiction. Erin is a geek for SEO and all things social media. She graduated from Fairfield University with an M.F.A. in Creative Writing. Reach out to her on Twitter @ReinventingErin or learn more about her at http://erinollila.com.
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome for cats age 7+
Supports the health of the whole urinary system with optimal levels of magnesium
Highly digestible food that is gentle on the stomach. Nourishes skin & promotes lustrous fur.
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of minced salmon to help build immunity and a healthy digestive system
Healthy digestion for easy litter box clean-up
Natural fiber comfortably reduces hairballs
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Delectable chunks with tender ocean fish smothered in a rich gravy
Supports energy level and beautiful fur in mature cats
Delicious taste of gourmet chicken in precisely balanced nutrition. Provide a synergistic ingredient blend to help support energy & activity level.
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous fur
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of savory minced chicken to help fuel the energy needs of cats during the prime of their life
Natural fiber comfortably reduces hairballs
Natural fiber comfortably reduces hairballs
Supports lean muscle and beautiful fur for adult cats
Precisely balanced nutrition to help avoid the formation of hairballs with the delicious taste of savory minced ocean fish
Delectable chunks with tender tuna smothered in a rich gravy
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Delicious tender chicken and rice in a mouthwatering sauce with precisely balanced nutrition to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Could your cat's wheezing & breathing issues be an asthma attack, or is it just a hairball? Learn to recognize signs of asthma and what you should do.
Learn about when the best time to spay or neuter your cat is, and the health benefits that accompany the surgery.
Learn all you need to know about daycare for cats, from how to choose a facility to tips for helping your cat feel comfortable at their daytime home.
To provide your kitten with the best possible care, it is important to understand her. Learn more about what your kitten thinks and does.
Obesity is a health condition that affects many cats these days. Use these easy to follow methods to help your cat lose weight and keep it off.
Learn what catnip is, and whether or not it is safe to give to your cat and any side effects associated with catnip.
Inquiring cat parents want to know: Why do cats attack feet? Why do cats like feet so much? Find out why your furry friend is nipping at your toes.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in Cats: Signs & Prevention
Learn reasons why some cats are excessively clingy, how you can help curtail this behavior, and considerations when potentially adopting a Velcro kitty.
Cats and toilet paper are a mischief-making combo. Learn why your cat is so fascinated with unrolling toilet paper (and how you can help them stop).
Learn tips for talking & communicating with your cat, including suggested gestures like blinking, as well as how to tell if they are actually listening.
If you have or think you have a pregnant cat, click to learn more about how to properly care for her needs including preparation and delivery tips.
Cats can often mask their pain or discomfort depending on the ailment. It is important to spot the signs early and consult your vet. Learn more here.
Do cats get lonely? What can you do to help? Learn some common signs to tell if your cat is lonely and steps you can take to try and cheer them up.
Wondering how to get your cat to take a pill? This guide provides you with tactics for how to give a cat a pill!
While coccidia in cats is a common infection, it's good to know the common symptoms, how it's treated and what you can do to prevent it. Learn more.
If you've seen your cat limping or having trouble walking, learn important info about common causes, symptoms and treatment options for a broken leg.
Learn what your cat really means when she blinks slowly at you and why it's a gesture you can give her in return.
Discover fun, interactive cat toys that will entertain your kitty, including puzzles and other cat toys that dispense food!
Learn from a veterinarian: How to spot the serious signs of feline pancreatitis, emergency care, and what kind of diet to feed her while she's recovering.
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
©2025 Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc. As used herein, denotes registered trademark status in the U.S. only; registration status in other geographies may be different. Your use of this site is subject to the terms of our Legal Statement. About our Ads. Cookie Consent Tool