Why is my old cat not grooming? 9 causes and what to do

You have always known your cat as fastidious. For years, she spent hours every day washing her face, licking her paws, smoothing her fur until it gleamed. Cats are famously clean animals, and grooming is so central to their identity that most cat owners take it for granted. So when you notice your senior cat's coat looking dull, matted, or greasy, when dandruff appears along the spine or clumps form behind the ears, when that once-meticulous grooming routine seems to have stopped, it is unsettling in a way that is hard to put into words.

A cat that stops grooming is telling you something important. Grooming is not just about vanity or cleanliness. It serves critical functions: it distributes natural oils across the coat, removes loose hair and debris, stimulates blood circulation to the skin, helps regulate body temperature, and even provides comfort and stress relief. When a cat stops grooming, all of these functions suffer, and the visible decline in coat quality is often just the surface of a deeper problem.

In senior cats, a decline in grooming is one of the most common and most overlooked early signs that something is wrong. Many owners assume their cat is simply "getting lazy" or "slowing down with age," but healthy senior cats continue to groom themselves throughout their lives. A cat that abruptly stops grooming, or gradually grooms less and less, almost always has an underlying reason. This guide will help you understand those reasons, recognize the warning signs, and know when to seek veterinary help.

Why grooming matters so much for cats

To understand why a grooming decline is so significant, it helps to appreciate just how much time and energy cats normally devote to it. Healthy adult cats spend an estimated 30 to 50 percent of their waking hours grooming. This is not idle behavior. Grooming serves several vital purposes:

• Coat maintenance: Grooming distributes sebaceous oils evenly across the fur, keeping it waterproof, insulated, and healthy-looking
• Temperature regulation: Saliva left on the fur during grooming evaporates and helps cool the cat, since cats do not sweat like humans
• Parasite control: Regular grooming helps cats detect and remove fleas, ticks, and other parasites before infestations develop
• Skin health: The tongue's rough texture stimulates blood flow to the skin and removes dead skin cells
• Stress relief: Grooming releases endorphins and serves as a self-soothing behavior during mild stress
• Social bonding: Cats in multi-cat households groom each other (allogrooming) to strengthen social bonds

When any of these functions stop, the consequences become visible within days to weeks. The coat dulls, oils build up, mats form, dandruff accumulates, and the cat begins to look and smell different than their usual self.

What a grooming decline looks like

A cat that has stopped grooming does not always look dramatically different right away. The changes can be subtle at first, especially in shorthaired cats. Here is what to watch for:

• Greasy or oily-looking fur: Without grooming to distribute oils, the coat takes on a clumped, greasy appearance, especially along the back and near the tail
• Matting: Mats and tangles form, particularly in longhaired cats, behind the ears, under the legs, on the belly, and along the hindquarters
• Dandruff and flaking: White flakes appear along the spine and back, visible even in dark-coated cats
• Dull, rough coat: The fur loses its natural sheen and feels dry or coarse instead of soft and smooth
• Unkempt appearance: The cat simply looks messy or disheveled in a way that is out of character
• Staining around the hindquarters: Without grooming, urine or fecal residue may accumulate around the back end, especially in cats with mobility issues
• Increased shedding or loose fur: Without regular grooming to remove dead hair, loose fur builds up and sheds more onto furniture and clothing
• Odor: A cat that is not grooming may develop an unpleasant smell from oil buildup, skin infections, or soiling

If your cat's coat has changed noticeably over a period of weeks, do not wait to see if it improves on its own. A grooming decline in a senior cat is a clinical sign that your vet should evaluate.

Warning signs that need prompt veterinary attention

While any change in grooming habits warrants a vet visit, certain combinations of symptoms suggest more urgent problems:

• Not grooming plus not eating: A cat that has stopped both grooming and eating is likely feeling significantly unwell and needs veterinary attention within 24 hours
• Not grooming plus hiding: When a cat withdraws from social interaction and also neglects self-care, they may be in pain or experiencing serious illness
• Not grooming plus weight loss: This combination can indicate hyperthyroidism, cancer, kidney disease, or other systemic illness
• Not grooming plus changes in litter box habits: Increased urination, straining, or accidents outside the box alongside poor grooming may point to kidney disease, diabetes, or urinary tract problems
• Not grooming plus labored breathing: Difficulty breathing combined with grooming decline requires emergency evaluation
• Not grooming plus sudden behavior change: A dramatic personality shift combined with self-care decline suggests pain, neurological problems, or rapidly progressing illness
• Severe matting causing skin damage: Mats that have tightened against the skin, causing redness, sores, or restricting movement, need professional attention for safe removal

A senior cat that abruptly stops grooming and shows any of the above signs should be seen by your veterinarian as soon as possible. Many of the conditions that cause grooming decline are treatable, but early intervention leads to better outcomes.

9 common causes of grooming decline in senior cats

1. Arthritis and joint pain

Arthritis is by far the most common reason senior cats stop grooming, and it is vastly underdiagnosed. Studies suggest that up to 90 percent of cats over the age of 12 have radiographic evidence of arthritis, yet most are never diagnosed because cats are experts at hiding pain. Grooming requires significant flexibility. A cat must twist, bend, reach, and contort to clean every part of their body. When joints hurt, especially in the spine, hips, elbows, or shoulders, certain grooming positions become painful or impossible.

Cats with arthritis typically develop a characteristic pattern of grooming decline. They continue to wash the areas they can easily reach, like their front paws, chest, and face, but neglect the areas that require stretching or twisting. The result is a coat that looks well-maintained in some spots but matted, greasy, or unkempt along the back, hindquarters, and base of the tail.

Signs that arthritis may be the cause:

• Grooming decline concentrated on the back half of the body, especially the lower back, hips, and hind legs
• The front of the body, face, and front paws remain relatively clean
• Reluctance to jump up or down from furniture, or jumping to lower heights than before
• Stiffness when getting up, especially after sleeping
• Hesitation or difficulty using stairs
• Less interest in play or activity
• Choosing to sleep in ground-level spots instead of favorite high perches
• Flinching, tensing, or moving away when you touch certain areas, particularly along the spine or hips

Arthritis in cats is very manageable with modern veterinary care. Treatment options include pain medications like meloxicam (a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory prescribed specifically for cats) or gabapentin for nerve-related pain, joint supplements containing glucosamine and chondroitin, omega-3 fatty acid supplementation, Solensia (frunevetmab), a monthly injectable monoclonal antibody specifically approved for feline arthritis pain that many owners and vets report excellent results with, weight management to reduce joint stress, environmental modifications like pet stairs, ramps, and low-entry litter boxes, and physical therapy or acupuncture. Many cats that start arthritis treatment show remarkable improvement in grooming, activity level, and overall quality of life. Do not give your cat any human pain medications as many, including acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen, are fatally toxic to cats.

2. Dental disease and oral pain

Grooming is an oral activity, and a cat with a painful mouth may stop grooming because it literally hurts to do it. Dental disease is extremely common in senior cats, with some studies estimating that 50 to 90 percent of cats over age 4 have some form of dental disease. By the time a cat reaches their senior years, the cumulative effects of tartar buildup, gingivitis, and tooth decay can become severe.

Several types of dental problems can affect grooming. Periodontal disease causes inflammation and infection of the gums and supporting tooth structures, making it painful to use the mouth for grooming. Tooth resorption, a condition where the tooth structure breaks down from the inside, is particularly painful and affects an estimated 20 to 60 percent of all cats. Stomatitis, a severe and widespread inflammation of the mouth lining, causes excruciating oral pain that makes any mouth activity, including grooming, eating, and drinking, difficult.

Signs that dental disease may be the cause:

• Decreased grooming that affects the entire body, not just hard-to-reach areas
• Bad breath (halitosis)
• Drooling, sometimes with blood-tinged saliva
• Dropping food while eating, eating on one side, or pawing at the mouth
• Decreased appetite or preference for soft food over dry food
• Red, swollen, or bleeding gums visible when the cat yawns or meows
• Chattering or clicking of the jaw
• Reluctance to be touched around the head or face
• Weight loss from difficulty eating

A thorough dental examination requires sedation or anesthesia, since cats do not cooperate with having their mouths fully examined while awake. Dental X-rays are essential for identifying tooth resorption and problems below the gum line. Treatment typically involves professional dental cleaning under anesthesia, extraction of damaged or infected teeth, and antibiotics for active infections. Many owners worry about anesthesia in senior cats, but modern veterinary anesthesia is very safe even in older patients, and the relief from chronic dental pain dramatically improves quality of life. Cats often resume grooming within days of having painful teeth addressed.

3. Obesity

An overweight cat physically cannot reach many parts of their body to groom. This is a straightforward mechanical problem: excess body fat restricts flexibility and range of motion. A cat that could once curl into a tight ball to wash their belly or twist around to groom their back can no longer do so when carrying extra weight. The result is an increasingly unkempt appearance, particularly in the areas that are hardest to reach.

Obesity is a significant and growing problem in senior cats. As cats age, their metabolism slows and activity levels decline, but many owners continue feeding the same portions. The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention estimates that nearly 60 percent of cats in the United States are overweight or obese. Excess weight compounds the effects of arthritis and other mobility issues, making it even harder for a cat to maintain their grooming routine.

Signs that obesity may be the cause:

• Grooming decline focused on the belly, lower back, hindquarters, and base of the tail, areas that require bending and stretching
• The cat can still groom their face, chest, and front legs without difficulty
• You cannot easily feel your cat's ribs when running your hands along their sides
• Your cat has a round belly that hangs down or sways when they walk
• There is no visible waist or "tuck" when viewed from above
• The cat seems out of breath or tires quickly during minimal exertion
• Dandruff and matting concentrated on the back and hindquarters
• Fecal staining or litter debris stuck around the back end because the cat cannot clean there

Weight loss in cats must be done gradually and under veterinary supervision. Rapid weight loss in cats can cause hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease), a potentially life-threatening condition. Your vet can determine your cat's ideal weight and create a safe weight loss plan, typically involving measured portions of a calorie-controlled diet, increased play and activity, and puzzle feeders to slow eating. Most vets recommend a weight loss rate of no more than 1 to 2 percent of body weight per week. As your cat loses weight and regains mobility, grooming often improves naturally. In the meantime, regular brushing can help maintain coat health in areas your cat cannot reach.

4. Chronic kidney disease (CKD)

Chronic kidney disease is one of the most common conditions in senior cats, affecting an estimated 30 to 40 percent of cats over the age of 15, and grooming decline is a frequent early sign. As the kidneys lose their ability to filter waste products from the blood, toxins build up in the body, a condition called uremia. Uremia causes widespread malaise, nausea, mouth ulcers, and a general feeling of being unwell, all of which reduce a cat's motivation and energy to groom.

Cats with kidney disease often develop dehydration, which dries out the skin and coat, making the fur look dull and feel rough. The nausea associated with kidney disease can cause drooling and a reluctance to use the mouth for grooming. Mouth ulcers, which develop in more advanced kidney disease, make grooming painful. As the disease progresses, cats become increasingly lethargic and spend more time sleeping and less time on self-care.

Signs that kidney disease may be the cause:

• Gradual, generalized grooming decline affecting the entire coat
• Increased thirst and urination, these are often the earliest noticeable signs
• Weight loss, especially loss of muscle mass along the spine
• Decreased appetite or pickiness about food
• Nausea, lip-licking, or occasional vomiting
• Bad breath with a chemical or ammonia-like odor
• Dry, dull coat with increased dandruff
• Lethargy and decreased activity
• Mouth ulcers in more advanced cases

Kidney disease is diagnosed through blood tests (measuring BUN, creatinine, and SDMA) and urinalysis. While CKD is not curable, it is very manageable, especially when caught early. Treatment typically includes a prescription kidney-supportive diet (lower in phosphorus and high-quality protein), fluid therapy (many owners learn to give subcutaneous fluids at home), anti-nausea medications, phosphorus binders, and medications to manage blood pressure and protein loss. Many cats with well-managed kidney disease live comfortably for years after diagnosis. As nausea and dehydration are controlled, grooming often improves, though you may need to supplement with regular brushing.

5. Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism, the most common hormonal disorder in senior cats, can cause a significant decline in coat quality and grooming behavior. When the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone, it accelerates the metabolism to an unsustainable rate. While some hyperthyroid cats develop excessive grooming (leading to hair loss from over-grooming), others go in the opposite direction and stop grooming altogether.

The reason is multifaceted. Hyperthyroidism causes muscle wasting and weakness, which can make the physical act of grooming tiring. The rapid heart rate and restlessness associated with the condition leave cats feeling agitated rather than relaxed, and grooming requires a calm, settled state. Some hyperthyroid cats develop nausea and gastrointestinal upset that reduces their inclination to groom. The overall metabolic chaos of the condition means the body prioritizes survival functions over maintenance activities like grooming.

Signs that hyperthyroidism may be the cause:

• Poor coat condition with a dull, unkempt, or greasy appearance
• Weight loss despite a normal or even increased appetite, this is the hallmark combination
• Increased thirst and urination
• Hyperactivity, restlessness, or irritability in some cats, or lethargy in others (apathetic hyperthyroidism)
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Rapid heart rate, which you may notice as a visible or palpable rapid pulse
• Vocal changes or increased vocalization
• Matting or clumping of fur, particularly in longhaired cats

Hyperthyroidism is diagnosed with a simple blood test measuring the T4 thyroid hormone level. Treatment options include daily oral medication (methimazole), transdermal methimazole applied to the ear flap, radioactive iodine therapy (considered the gold standard as it is curative), prescription iodine-restricted diet (Hill's y/d), or surgery. Once thyroid levels normalize, most cats show significant improvement in coat quality and grooming behavior within weeks to months. Hyperthyroidism is one of the most treatable conditions causing grooming decline, and most cats do very well with treatment.

6. Pain from other conditions

Any condition that causes chronic pain can reduce a cat's grooming activity, even when the pain has nothing to do with the mouth or joints. Pain is exhausting. It consumes energy, disrupts sleep, decreases appetite, and shifts the body's priorities from maintenance to survival. A cat dealing with persistent pain from any source will often cut back on grooming because it simply requires too much effort when they already feel miserable.

Pain sources in senior cats are varied. Cancer, whether it is a visible mass or an internal tumor, can cause chronic pain that saps energy and motivation. Bladder stones or urinary tract infections cause discomfort that makes a cat tense and unwilling to groom. Gastrointestinal pain from inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatitis, or constipation can reduce grooming. Injuries from falls, which become more common as aging cats lose agility, can cause pain that limits movement. Even conditions like ear infections, eye problems, or abscesses can redirect a cat's energy away from self-care.

Signs that pain may be the cause:

• Sudden or relatively rapid decline in grooming without an obvious trigger
• Changes in posture, such as hunching, tensing, or guarding a particular area
• Decreased appetite or changes in eating behavior
• Hiding or withdrawing from the family
• Changes in facial expression, including squinting eyes, flattened ears, or a tense muzzle (the "feline grimace scale" is a validated tool for assessing pain in cats)
• Reluctance to be touched or handled, especially in specific areas
• Changes in litter box habits
• Increased vocalization, particularly when moving or being picked up
• Decreased activity or reluctance to move

Identifying the specific source of pain requires a veterinary examination and often diagnostic tests such as blood work, urinalysis, X-rays, or ultrasound. Once the underlying condition is identified and pain is managed, cats typically resume grooming. Pain management in cats has improved dramatically in recent years, with options including NSAIDs formulated for cats, gabapentin, buprenorphine, and the injectable monoclonal antibody Solensia for osteoarthritis pain. Never give your cat human pain medications, as most are toxic to cats. If you suspect your cat is in pain, a vet visit is the most important step you can take.

7. Cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS)

Just like humans with dementia, cats with cognitive dysfunction syndrome can forget or lose interest in routine behaviors they once performed automatically, and grooming is often one of the first to go. CDS is a degenerative brain condition that affects an estimated 28 percent of cats aged 11 to 14, and more than 50 percent of cats over 15. It involves the accumulation of abnormal proteins in the brain, reduced blood flow, and loss of brain cells, leading to progressive behavioral changes.

A cat with cognitive dysfunction may simply forget to groom, or may lack the mental focus to complete a grooming session. You might notice your cat starting to groom, then stopping partway through as if they lost their train of thought. They may groom one paw repeatedly while ignoring the rest of their body. The grooming decline tends to develop gradually as the cognitive impairment progresses.

Signs that cognitive dysfunction may be the cause:

• Gradual grooming decline that worsens over months
• Disorientation, such as getting stuck in corners, staring at walls, or seeming confused in familiar surroundings
• Changes in sleep-wake cycles, often sleeping more during the day and being restless or vocal at night
• Nighttime yowling or vocalization without an apparent cause
• Decreased interaction with family members or other pets
• House soiling in a previously litter-trained cat
• Forgetting learned behaviors, like where the food bowl is located
• Anxiety, restlessness, or aimless wandering
• Changes in appetite, either increased or decreased

There is no cure for cognitive dysfunction, but there are ways to slow progression and manage symptoms. Environmental enrichment, including puzzle feeders, gentle play, and maintaining a consistent routine, helps keep the brain engaged. Diets rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids may support brain health. Some supplements, such as SAMe (S-adenosyl-L-methionine) and medium-chain triglycerides (MCT oil), have shown promise in supporting cognitive function. Anti-anxiety medications may help with nighttime restlessness and vocalization. Your vet can help you create a management plan. For the grooming aspect specifically, regular brushing becomes essential to maintain your cat's coat comfort and skin health.

8. Depression and emotional distress

Cats experience grief, loneliness, and depression, and these emotional states can profoundly affect grooming behavior. While it can be difficult to diagnose emotional states in animals with certainty, veterinary behaviorists widely recognize that cats can experience emotional distress that manifests in behavioral changes, including a decline in self-care.

Common triggers for depression in senior cats include the loss of a bonded companion, whether another pet or a human family member. Senior cats that have lived with the same companion animal for years can grieve deeply when that companion dies. Changes in the household, such as a family member moving out, a new baby arriving, or a move to a new home, can also trigger emotional distress. Chronic illness can contribute to depression, as can reduced mobility and the loss of activities that once brought joy, like hunting, climbing, or playing.

Senior cats are particularly vulnerable because they are less adaptable to change than younger cats. A 15-year-old cat that has lived in the same home with the same routine for over a decade may be deeply affected by disruptions that a younger cat would adjust to in days.

Signs that depression or emotional distress may be the cause:

• Grooming decline that began after a loss, major change, or stressful event
• Withdrawal from family interaction, a once-social cat that now stays in another room
• Decreased appetite without a clear medical cause
• Sleeping significantly more than usual
• Loss of interest in play, treats, or activities they previously enjoyed
• Reduced vocalization or, conversely, increased mournful vocalizing
• Searching behavior, looking around the house for a lost companion
• Clingy behavior or, alternatively, avoiding contact altogether

Supporting a depressed cat requires patience and gentle engagement. Maintain a consistent routine as much as possible. Offer gentle interaction without forcing it. Provide warm, comfortable resting spots. Engage in quiet play if the cat shows any interest. Pheromone diffusers (Feliway) may help create a calming environment. Ensure all basic needs are easily accessible, food, water, litter box, and cozy sleeping spots. If depression is severe or persistent, your vet may recommend anti-anxiety or antidepressant medication. Many cats recover from grief and depression over weeks to months, and grooming typically returns as their emotional state improves. Regular gentle brushing during this period not only maintains coat health but can also provide comforting physical contact.

9. General illness and malaise

Sometimes a senior cat stops grooming simply because they feel unwell, and the underlying cause can be any of dozens of conditions. When the body is fighting illness, energy and motivation are redirected to survival. Grooming drops on the priority list because the cat simply does not have the reserves for it.

Conditions commonly seen in senior cats that can cause general malaise and grooming decline include diabetes mellitus, which causes lethargy, increased thirst, and weight changes. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) causes nausea, decreased appetite, and abdominal discomfort. Pancreatitis causes pain and nausea that can be acute or chronic. Anemia from any cause reduces energy and makes even routine activities like grooming exhausting. Cancer, whether diagnosed or undetected, can cause progressive decline in self-care. Liver disease causes nausea, lethargy, and toxin buildup. Heart disease limits the energy available for routine activities as the heart struggles to pump efficiently.

Signs that general illness may be the cause:

• Grooming decline accompanied by one or more other changes: appetite, energy level, weight, litter box habits, or behavior
• A gradual or sudden decline in overall condition, not just grooming
• The cat just seems "off" or not themselves
• Vomiting, diarrhea, or changes in stool quality
• Changes in thirst or urination patterns
• Unexplained weight loss or weight gain
• Pale gums (which may indicate anemia)
• Yellowing of the skin, gums, or whites of the eyes (jaundice, indicating liver problems)

Because so many conditions can cause a generalized decline in grooming, diagnostic testing is essential. Your vet will likely recommend a comprehensive senior wellness panel, including blood chemistry, complete blood count, thyroid testing, and urinalysis. Depending on the results, additional testing such as X-rays, ultrasound, or specific disease markers may be needed. The good news is that many of these conditions are treatable, and once your cat starts feeling better, grooming often resumes. In the meantime, your cat needs your help to maintain their coat and skin health.

How to help your cat at home

Regardless of the underlying cause, a cat that has stopped grooming needs your help to stay comfortable while you work with your vet on a diagnosis and treatment plan. Here is what you can do:

Gentle brushing

Regular brushing is the single most important thing you can do for a cat that is not grooming. Use a soft brush or a fine-toothed comb appropriate for your cat's coat type. Start with short sessions of just a few minutes and work in the direction of hair growth. Focus on the areas your cat cannot reach, typically the back, hindquarters, and base of the tail. Be gentle around any areas that seem tender. Many senior cats learn to enjoy being brushed, as it provides the sensation and comfort that grooming once gave them.

Dealing with mats

Never try to cut mats out with scissors. Cat skin is paper-thin and easily nicked, and mat-related skin lacerations are a common emergency vet visit. Instead, use a mat splitter or a wide-toothed comb to gently work through small mats. Hold the mat at the base (near the skin) so you are pulling against the mat, not against the skin. For large, tight mats, especially those close to the skin, take your cat to a professional groomer or your vet, where they can be safely removed with electric clippers.

Warm damp cloth wipe-downs

A warm, damp cloth gently wiped over your cat's coat can help clean areas your cat is neglecting. This is particularly helpful for cleaning around the face, the base of the tail, and the hindquarters. Use plain warm water or an unscented pet-safe wipe. Avoid human baby wipes, as many contain ingredients that are harmful if ingested when the cat licks their fur.

Keep the hindquarters clean

A cat that cannot groom their back end may develop urine or fecal soiling that causes skin irritation and infection. Check your cat's hindquarters daily. Gently clean any soiling with a warm, damp cloth and dry thoroughly. If soiling is persistent, your vet may recommend a sanitary clip, a trim of the fur around the back end, to make cleaning easier.

Environmental adjustments

Make sure your cat has warm, comfortable resting spots that are easy to access. Heated beds or pads can soothe arthritic joints and make your cat feel more comfortable overall. Place food, water, and a litter box on every floor of your home so your cat does not have to navigate stairs when they are stiff or sore. Use a litter box with low sides for easy entry.

What to expect at the vet

When you bring your senior cat in for a grooming decline, your vet will likely:

• Perform a thorough physical examination: Checking body condition, joint flexibility, oral health, skin condition, hydration, and palpating for masses or pain
• Recommend blood work: A senior wellness panel including complete blood count, chemistry panel, thyroid level, and urinalysis to screen for kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, diabetes, liver disease, and anemia
• Assess pain: Using physical examination, history, and sometimes trial pain medication to determine if pain is a contributing factor
• Evaluate the oral cavity: Checking for visible dental disease, though a full dental assessment requires anesthesia
• Discuss behavior: Asking about changes in routine, appetite, litter box habits, sleep patterns, and social interactions to assess for cognitive dysfunction or depression

Be prepared to describe when you first noticed the grooming decline, how it has progressed, and any other changes you have observed, no matter how small. Bringing photos of your cat from before the decline and now can help your vet appreciate the degree of change.

When it is an emergency

A grooming decline alone is not typically an emergency, but it becomes urgent when combined with:

• Complete refusal to eat for more than 24 hours: Cats that do not eat are at risk for hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease), which can be fatal
• Difficulty breathing, open-mouth breathing, or panting: These are always emergencies in cats
• Collapse, extreme weakness, or inability to stand: These suggest a serious systemic problem requiring immediate care
• Seizures or sudden loss of balance: Neurological emergencies that need prompt evaluation
• Severe dehydration: Skin that stays tented when gently pinched, sunken eyes, or tacky gums
• Painful, tight mats causing skin damage: Mats that restrict blood flow or have caused open sores need professional removal

A well-groomed coat is not just a matter of appearance for cats. It is a fundamental sign of health and well-being. When your senior cat's once-beautiful coat becomes matted, greasy, or unkempt, they are telling you that something has changed. Sometimes the answer is as treatable as arthritis pain or a dental problem. Other times, it points to chronic conditions like kidney disease or hyperthyroidism that need ongoing management. Whatever the cause, your cat deserves a diagnosis and a plan. With veterinary care, patience, and a good brush, you can help your aging companion feel comfortable and cared for, even when they can no longer take care of themselves. Your cat spent years keeping themselves impeccably clean. Now it is your turn to help.