Senior Cat Care Guide: Keeping Your Aging Cat Healthy & Comfortable

Quick answer: Cats are considered senior starting around age 11. Senior cats need biannual vet visits with comprehensive blood work, diet adjustments based on their specific health needs, environmental modifications for comfort (lower litter box sides, easier access to favorite spots), and close monitoring for common age-related conditions like kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, arthritis, and cognitive decline. Early detection through regular screening is the single most important thing you can do for your aging cat.

Reviewed by Dr. James Chen, DVM — Board Certified in Feline Practice

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If your cat is approaching double digits in age, you might have noticed some changes. Maybe they’re not leaping onto the kitchen counter anymore. Perhaps they’ve gotten pickier about food, or they’re sleeping in spots they never used to favor. These shifts can be so gradual that they barely register — until one day you realize your energetic young cat has quietly become a senior.

Cats are living longer than ever before. With advances in veterinary medicine, improved nutrition, and the trend toward keeping cats indoors, it’s common for well-cared-for cats to reach 15, 18, even 20 years old. But longevity creates its own challenges. Senior cats develop health conditions that younger cats rarely face, and their needs shift in ways that require thoughtful adjustments from their owners.

The good news is that “senior” doesn’t mean “decline.” With proactive veterinary care, appropriate nutrition, and a few modifications to your home, your senior cat can enjoy a comfortable, engaged, and high-quality life well into their golden years. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know.

When Is a Cat Considered “Senior”?

Understanding feline aging is the first step to providing appropriate care. Cats don’t age on a 1:1 ratio with human years — the old “multiply by 7” rule is a myth that dramatically oversimplifies the process.

According to the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP), feline life stages break down as follows:

A cat’s first year equals roughly 15 human years, the second year adds about 9 more, and each year after that adds approximately 4 human years. So a 12-year-old cat is roughly equivalent to a 64-year-old person — old enough for age-related screening to be essential, but often still active and enjoying life.

The “mature” stage (7-10 years) is when veterinarians recommend beginning age-related health screening, even though your cat may still seem young and healthy. Many conditions that become problematic in the senior years — kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, diabetes — begin developing silently during this period.

Common Age-Related Health Changes

As cats age, their bodies undergo changes that mirror many aspects of human aging. Being aware of these changes helps you distinguish normal aging from conditions that need veterinary attention.

Kidney Disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is the most common health problem in senior cats, affecting approximately 30-40% of cats over age 10. The kidneys gradually lose their ability to filter waste from the blood and concentrate urine. Early signs include increased thirst, increased urination, weight loss, and decreased appetite.

The challenge with CKD is that cats don’t show obvious symptoms until roughly 75% of kidney function is lost. This is precisely why biannual blood work is so important for senior cats — it can detect rising kidney values (BUN and creatinine) and decreasing urine concentration well before your cat shows outward signs. When caught early, dietary management and supportive care can slow progression significantly. Read more in our guide to common cat health problems.

Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism — an overactive thyroid gland — is the most common hormonal disease in senior cats, typically appearing after age 10. The thyroid produces excess hormones that accelerate metabolism, causing weight loss despite an increased appetite, hyperactivity, vomiting, diarrhea, increased thirst, and sometimes a palpable lump on the neck.

Left untreated, hyperthyroidism can cause heart damage and dangerously high blood pressure. Treatment options include daily medication (methimazole), radioactive iodine therapy (curative), surgery, or a prescription iodine-restricted diet. Early detection through routine blood work makes treatment straightforward and highly effective.

Arthritis and Mobility Changes

Degenerative joint disease (arthritis) affects an estimated 60-90% of cats over age 12, yet it remains dramatically underdiagnosed. Cats rarely limp or cry out in pain the way dogs do. Instead, they quietly modify their behavior — jumping to lower heights, avoiding stairs, being less playful, or grooming less in hard-to-reach areas.

Signs of arthritis in senior cats include hesitating before jumping, jumping in stages (floor to chair to counter instead of a single leap), stiffness after rest, difficulty using the litter box, reluctance to be picked up or handled, and decreased grooming on the hind end and back.

Dental Disease

Dental problems often worsen with age. Years of plaque and tartar accumulation, combined with a higher prevalence of feline tooth resorption in older cats, mean that many senior cats have painful mouths. Watch for changes in eating behavior, food preferences, and weight. Regular dental care — both at home and professional — becomes even more critical in the senior years. See our cat dental care guide for a complete overview.

Diabetes

Diabetes mellitus, while not exclusive to senior cats, becomes more common with age, particularly in overweight or obese cats. Symptoms include increased thirst, increased urination, weight loss despite good appetite, and lethargy. Early diagnosis allows for management with insulin therapy and dietary changes, and some cats achieve remission with prompt treatment.

Veterinary Visit Frequency and What to Expect

The AAFP recommends that senior cats (age 11+) visit the veterinarian every six months rather than annually. This increased frequency is critical because:

• Cats age approximately 4 human years per calendar year, so six months between visits is equivalent to about two human years.
• Many senior diseases progress quickly, and early intervention makes a significant difference in outcomes.
• Cats hide illness, so physical exam findings and lab work often catch problems before you notice symptoms at home.

What a Senior Wellness Exam Should Include

A comprehensive senior wellness visit goes beyond a basic physical exam. Ask your veterinarian about:

• Complete blood count (CBC) — Detects anemia, infection, and certain cancers.
• Blood chemistry panel — Evaluates kidney function, liver function, blood glucose, electrolytes, and thyroid hormone levels.
• Urinalysis — Assesses kidney function, detects urinary tract infections, and screens for diabetes.
• Blood pressure measurement — Hypertension is common in senior cats, often secondary to kidney disease or hyperthyroidism, and can cause blindness if undetected.
• Body condition and weight tracking — Even small weight changes (a few ounces) can be significant in cats. Your vet should record and trend your cat’s weight at every visit.
• Dental assessment — Evaluation of teeth, gums, and oral cavity.
• Pain assessment — Using standardized feline pain scales and palpation of joints.

Keep a notebook of any changes you’ve observed at home — even minor ones. Your observations are invaluable clinical information that helps your veterinarian interpret exam and lab findings.

Diet Adjustments for Senior Cats

Nutrition needs change as cats age, but the right dietary approach depends entirely on your individual cat’s health status. There is no universal “senior cat food” that’s appropriate for every aging cat — and some foods marketed as “senior” formulations may actually be counterproductive for cats with specific conditions.

Protein Requirements

Contrary to the outdated belief that senior cats need less protein, current research shows that healthy senior cats actually need more protein than younger adults to maintain muscle mass. Age-related muscle wasting (sarcopenia) is common in older cats, and adequate high-quality protein is essential to slow its progression.

However, cats with advanced kidney disease may need controlled (not necessarily low) protein levels. The key distinction is protein quality and phosphorus content rather than simply reducing protein across the board. Work with your veterinarian to determine the right balance.

For more information on choosing the best food for your cat at any life stage, see our guide to choosing cat food.

Hydration

Senior cats are more prone to dehydration, partly because kidney disease impairs their ability to concentrate urine and partly because older cats may drink less. Encourage hydration by:

• Offering wet food, which provides 70-80% moisture compared to dry food’s 10%
• Placing multiple water bowls in easily accessible locations
• Using a pet water fountain — many cats prefer moving water
• Adding water or low-sodium broth to meals

Caloric Needs

Caloric needs vary based on activity level and health status. Overweight senior cats need calorie-controlled diets to reduce strain on joints and lower diabetes risk. Underweight senior cats — particularly those with hyperthyroidism, CKD, or cancer — may need calorie-dense food to prevent further weight loss. Monitor weight monthly and adjust portions accordingly.

Supplements to Discuss With Your Vet

Several supplements may benefit senior cats when recommended by a veterinarian:

• Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA) — Anti-inflammatory properties that may support joint health, kidney function, and cognitive function.
• Glucosamine and chondroitin — May support joint health in cats with arthritis, though evidence in cats is less robust than in dogs.
• Probiotics — Can support digestive health, which may decline with age.
• Antioxidants (vitamin E, SAMe) — May support cognitive function and cellular health.

Never start supplements without veterinary guidance, as some can interact with medications or worsen certain conditions.

Making Your Home Senior-Cat Friendly

Small environmental modifications can dramatically improve your senior cat’s daily comfort. Think of it as “senior-proofing” your home — removing obstacles and making essential resources easier to access.

Litter Box Modifications

• Lower the entry. Standard litter boxes with high sides can be painful for arthritic cats to step over. Switch to a low-entry box (ideally with sides no higher than 3-4 inches) or cut down one side of the existing box.
• Add more boxes. Place litter boxes on every level of your home. A senior cat with joint pain should never have to navigate stairs to reach the litter box.
• Avoid covered boxes. The crouching required to enter covered boxes can be uncomfortable for arthritic cats.
• Keep boxes close to resting areas. As mobility decreases, reduce the distance your cat needs to travel to reach essential resources.

Sleeping and Resting Spots

Senior cats spend even more time sleeping than younger adults — up to 18-20 hours per day. Make their rest comfortable:

• Provide orthopedic or memory foam beds in their favorite locations. The Best Friends by Sheri calming bed is an excellent option with supportive bolstered sides.
• Place beds in warm, draft-free areas — senior cats are more sensitive to cold.
• Add heated beds or self-warming pads for cats with arthritis — warmth soothes stiff joints.
• Provide ramps or pet stairs to reach favorite elevated spots like beds, couches, and window perches.

Accessibility

• Place food and water bowls on elevated stands (3-4 inches high) so your cat doesn’t have to bend their neck down to eat — this is more comfortable for cats with neck or spinal arthritis.
• Ensure food, water, litter, and resting areas are all on the same floor for cats with limited mobility.
• Use nightlights in hallways and near litter boxes — senior cats may develop vision changes that make navigating in the dark difficult.

Recognizing and Managing Cognitive Decline

Feline cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS) is the cat equivalent of dementia. The Cornell Feline Health Center notes that cognitive changes affect a significant percentage of senior cats, with prevalence increasing sharply after age 15.

Signs of Cognitive Dysfunction

Veterinarians use the acronym DISHA to categorize symptoms:

• Disorientation — Getting lost in familiar environments, staring at walls or into space, getting stuck in corners, seeming confused about the location of food or litter.
• Interaction changes — Becoming more clingy or more withdrawn, failing to recognize familiar people, decreased interest in petting or play.
• Sleep-wake cycle alterations — Sleeping more during the day and being restless or vocalize at night (nighttime yowling is a hallmark symptom).
• House soiling — Forgetting litter box training, urinating or defecating outside the box without a medical cause.
• Activity changes — Aimless wandering, repetitive behaviors, decreased grooming, decreased interest in food.

Management Strategies

While CDS cannot be cured, several approaches can slow progression and manage symptoms:

• Environmental enrichment — Maintain mental stimulation with gentle play, puzzle feeders, and sensory experiences. Don’t stop engaging your senior cat mentally.
• Routine stability — Cognitive-impaired cats do best with predictable routines. Keep feeding times, litter box locations, and furniture arrangement consistent.
• Nutritional support — Diets enriched with antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) have shown some benefit for cognitive function in aging cats.
• Nighttime comfort — For cats that vocalize at night, a nightlight near their bed, a warm sleeping spot, and a pheromone diffuser can help reduce anxiety.
• Veterinary support — Your vet may recommend medications or supplements to help manage CDS symptoms.

Emotional Needs of Senior Cats

Senior cats may need more emotional support than their younger counterparts, even as they become less physically active. Aging can bring increased anxiety, especially in cats experiencing sensory decline (vision or hearing loss) or cognitive changes.

• Maintain gentle interaction. Even if your cat isn’t as playful as they once were, gentle petting, brushing, and lap time matter. Physical contact reassures aging cats.
• Respect their pace. Don’t force play or interaction. Let your senior cat set the tempo.
• Provide security. Cozy, enclosed beds in quiet areas give senior cats a sense of safety. Avoid major environmental changes (moving furniture, renovating) when possible.
• Watch for depression. Cats who lose a bonded companion — feline or human — can grieve deeply. Signs include withdrawal, loss of appetite, and excessive vocalization. Give them extra attention and consult your vet if symptoms persist.

Key Takeaways

• Cats are considered senior at age 11 and “super senior” at 15+. Age-related health screening should begin at age 7-10.
• Biannual vet visits with comprehensive blood work are essential for senior cats. Early detection of kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, and diabetes dramatically improves outcomes.
• Weight changes matter. Both weight loss and weight gain in senior cats are clinically significant and warrant veterinary evaluation.
• Arthritis affects 60-90% of senior cats but is dramatically underdiagnosed. Watch for subtle mobility changes rather than obvious limping.
• Diet should be tailored to individual health needs, not based on a generic “senior” label. Higher protein, adequate hydration, and appropriate calorie levels matter most.
• Environmental modifications — lower litter boxes, ramps, elevated food bowls, orthopedic beds — can significantly improve your senior cat’s daily comfort.
• Cognitive decline (CDS) is real and common. Watch for disorientation, nighttime vocalization, and house soiling. Environmental enrichment and dietary support can help.
• Senior doesn’t mean “giving up.” With proactive care, many cats enjoy excellent quality of life well into their upper teens and beyond.

Frequently Asked Questions

At what age is a cat considered senior?

Most veterinary organizations, including the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP), classify cats as senior starting at age 11, with the “super senior” or geriatric stage beginning around age 15. However, some veterinarians consider cats to be “mature” or “middle-aged” from ages 7-10, when age-related screening should begin. The transition isn’t sudden — aging is gradual, and individual cats age at different rates depending on genetics, breed, diet, activity level, and overall health history.

How often should a senior cat see the vet?

Senior cats (age 11+) should see the veterinarian every six months rather than annually. Because age-related diseases like kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, and diabetes can develop and progress quickly, biannual exams with blood work and urinalysis allow your vet to catch changes early when treatment is most effective. Cats between ages 7-10 should still see the vet annually but with more comprehensive screening than younger cats receive.

Why is my senior cat losing weight?

Weight loss in senior cats is common but should never be dismissed as “just aging.” The most frequent causes include hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), chronic kidney disease, diabetes mellitus, dental disease making eating painful, cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, and decreased nutrient absorption. Even a loss of half a pound in a 10-pound cat represents a 5% body weight change, which is clinically significant. Any unexplained weight loss in a senior cat warrants a veterinary visit with blood work.

Should I switch to senior cat food?

It depends on your individual cat’s health status. There’s no single “senior cat food” formulation that’s right for every aging cat. Cats with kidney disease benefit from phosphorus-restricted diets. Overweight seniors need calorie-controlled food. Underweight seniors with muscle wasting may need higher-protein, calorie-dense food. Cats with dental issues may need softer textures. Work with your veterinarian to determine the best diet based on your cat’s specific health picture rather than simply switching to any food labeled “senior.”

How can I tell if my senior cat is in pain?

Senior cats are especially skilled at hiding pain. Watch for: reluctance to jump or climb (or jumping to lower heights than before), stiffness when getting up from rest, decreased grooming or matted fur, avoiding the litter box (difficulty stepping over high sides), increased sleeping, decreased appetite, personality changes (more withdrawn or irritable), and hiding. The Feline Grimace Scale identifies facial cues of pain: squinted eyes, flattened ears, a tense muzzle, and whiskers pulled forward. Any change from your cat’s normal behavior pattern deserves attention.

Is it normal for older cats to sleep more?

Yes, it’s normal for senior cats to sleep somewhat more — up to 18-20 hours per day compared to the 12-16 hours typical of adult cats. However, a significant increase in sleeping, especially combined with decreased interest in play, food, or social interaction, could indicate pain, illness, or cognitive decline. Note the difference between restful sleep and lethargy. A cat that sleeps more but is alert and engaged when awake is different from a cat that seems dull, disoriented, or unresponsive during waking hours.

Can senior cats develop dementia?

Yes. Feline cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS) is similar to dementia or Alzheimer’s disease in humans and affects an estimated 28% of cats aged 11-14 and over 50% of cats over age 15. Symptoms include disorientation (getting lost in familiar spaces, staring at walls), changes in social interaction, altered sleep-wake cycles (yowling at night), house soiling, increased anxiety, and decreased activity. While there’s no cure, environmental enrichment, dietary supplements (omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants), and medications can help manage symptoms.

Sources

1. Cornell Feline Health Center - Special Needs of the Senior Cat
2. AAFP Senior Care Guidelines
3. AVMA - Senior Pet Care