Senior cats
When is a cat a senior?
Around 10, and geriatric somewhere between 12 and 16 by breed. Cats age more evenly than dogs: breed matters less, and an indoor cat often reaches its late teens.
Mature from
6–8
years, by breed
Senior from
9–11
years, by breed
Geriatric from
12–16
years, by breed
Life expectancy
12–18
years indoors, some past 20
Signs of aging. Tick what you see.
Cats hide discomfort well. Small, steady changes are the ones to notice.
0 of 8
Common health issues in older cats
Chronic kidney disease
Very common. Drinking and urinating more, weight loss, less appetite.
Hyperthyroidism
Losing weight while eating more, restlessness, a racing heart.
Diabetes
More common in overweight cats. Thirst, urinating more, weight loss.
Arthritis
Under-diagnosed in cats. Not jumping, stiffness, doing less.
Dental disease
Most older cats have some. Bad breath, trouble eating, drooling.
Cognitive dysfunction
Confusion, yowling at night, changed sleep.
Food
Feeding an older cat
- Switch to a senior formula with the right protein level.
- Wet food helps with hydration and is easier to eat.
- Watch weight closely and adjust portions.
- Fresh water in more than one place.
- Ask whether a kidney-support diet makes sense yet.
Home
Make the house easier
- Litter boxes with low sides.
- Ramps or steps up to favourite high spots.
- Warm, padded places to sleep.
- Food, water and a litter box on every floor.
- Nightlights if eyesight is fading.
Take this to the vet
Ten things worth covering at a senior cat's appointment. Every six months from senior age on.
- 01Blood panel: kidney, liver, thyroid
- 02Urinalysis for kidney health
- 03Blood pressure
- 04Dental exam
- 05Weight and body condition
- 06Joint mobility
- 07Vision and hearing
- 08Any behaviour changes
- 09Heart and lungs
- 10Food and hydration
By breed
All 28 breeds →- Abyssiniansenior at 10
- American Shorthairsenior at 11
- Bengalsenior at 10
- Birmansenior at 10
- British Shorthairsenior at 10
- Burmesesenior at 11
- Chartreuxsenior at 10
- Cornish Rexsenior at 10
- Devon Rexsenior at 10
- Domestic Longhairsenior at 10
- Domestic Shorthairsenior at 10
- Exotic Shorthairsenior at 9
- Himalayansenior at 9
- Maine Coonsenior at 10
- Manxsenior at 10
- Mixed Breed Catsenior at 10
- Norwegian Forest Catsenior at 10
- Oriental Shorthairsenior at 10
- Persiansenior at 10
- Ragdollsenior at 10
- Russian Bluesenior at 11
- Scottish Foldsenior at 9
- Siamesesenior at 10
- Singapurasenior at 10
- Somalisenior at 9
- Sphynxsenior at 10
- Tonkinesesenior at 11
- Turkish Angorasenior at 10
Older cats cost more at the vet. Three insurers still take them.