Why your senior cat’s vet check-ups are essential

While they may hide it well, cats begin ageing earlier than we think – so every year matters when it comes to their health. By being aware of the senior cat problems to expect and proactively scheduling your cat’s vet check-ups, you can help them continue to thrive as they grow older.

Recognising old age in cats

Ageing in cats is as variable as it is in humans, so recognising it can be challenging. It may seem natural to assume it begins when you can see external signs, but internal changes can come before that happens. That’s why the partnership between you and your veterinarian is so important as they have the skills to spot these signs.

Ageing cat problems can start to affect cats from around 7 years of age, when mature cats begin to be more prone to some issues. It is key at this stage to provide care such as tailored health nutrition and regular veterinary visits to help support your pet’s health as they grow older.

Evolving habits in your cat’s routine can also show you they need extra care, especially from the age of 11. Your cat may go out to hunt and explore less often, preferring to spend time indoors with you. The hours they spend grooming may decrease, and they may do less racing around the house, leaping for feather toys and chasing balls. Sleep time will get longer and they may be more vocal when awake.

Super-senior cats need help to enjoy their meals and stay at a healthy weight, while teeth and gums become more sensitive and the senses (sight, smell, taste, and hearing) are less acute. Immunity and skin and coat condition reduce, so make sure their diet offers nutrients that help maintain them.

As a result of these changes, you might need to adapt your cat’s care and make changes at home to support them through their golden years.

Why do ageing cats need extra care?

Not sure what extra care your cat might need? Every cat is unique, so it’s a good idea to seek tailored advice from your vet. The American Association of Feline Practitioners recommends scheduling your senior cat’s vet check-ups every six months, or more frequently if they have a chronic condition ^1.

This gives your veterinarian the chance to check for subtle signs of disease as well as advising you how you can best look after your cat. Proactively caring for senior cats with regular check-ups can help them get the best out of life for as long as possible.

Senior cat health issues

As with humans, regular check-ups are especially important for ageing cats as they become prone to a range of health issues. Early diagnosis can allow these to be treated effectively, minimising their effect on your cat. In the case of chronic conditions such as kidney disease, which affects more than 30% of senior cats2, early treatment can delay progression and prevent secondary problems from developing.

You can also help your vet to detect health issues as soon as possible by keeping a careful eye on any changes your cat may be experiencing. Signs to watch out for include:

• Increased thirst
• Increased urination
• Hair loss in elderly cats
• Weight loss
• Spending more time sleeping
• Stiffness or hesitation when jumping
• Changes in appetite
• Vomiting and/or diarrhea
• Restlessness or irritability

If you notice these changes, it’s worth booking an extra check-up sooner rather than later.

Changes in your cat’s behaviour

Any shift in your cat’s behaviour should prompt a vet visit, as it could indicate an underlying physical health problem. Not using the litter tray, for example, may be linked to arthritis and urinary issues, while restlessness and irritability could be caused by chronic pain or hyperthyroidism.

The importance of regular check-ups for ageing cats

You know your cat better than anyone and can keep a close eye on them for visible changes, so why are your cat’s vet check-ups so important?

Veterinarian Dr. Primrose Moss MRCVS offers her thoughts: “Many of the health issues that so commonly affect older cats come on slowly over time, and it’s incredibly easy to miss the signs.”

By physically examining your cat, your vet can also detect many changes that aren’t externally noticeable.

What can you expect from your senior cat’s vet check-up?

In addition to taking a thorough history, your veterinarian will want to carry out a physical examination to make sure your cat is in the best of health and potential problems are caught and treated early.

• This will include checking your cat’s mouth and teeth for dental disease, listening to their heart and lungs, feeling their abdomen, checking their coat, weighing them, and assessing their body-condition score.
• Your veterinarian may also examine the back of their eyes to check for any changes, including those linked to high blood pressure, and assess their joints for signs of arthritis.
• This physical check-up can help to identify a range of senior cat health issues that might not be noticeable at home, including dental disease, kidney changes, and abnormal heart rhythms or murmurs caused by conditions such as hyperthyroidism and heart disease.
• Your veterinarian will be able to offer personalised advice on your cat’s weight, nutrition, dental care, and behaviour, in addition to discussing any health issues they might have.