There is a saying: “Old age is not a disease” – meaning that while many illnesses occur more frequently in old age, aging itself is a completely natural process. Preventive healthcare and quality of life are just as important in later years as they are in any other stage of life. Over the past 20 years, the life expectancy of cats has increased by around 30% – thanks to better medical care and high-quality nutrition.
When is a cat considered old?
Depending on the source, the classifications vary, but generally, a cat is considered a senior from the age of 8, and geriatric from the age of 12.
Annual or semi-annual veterinary check-ups might seem excessive to some owners. However, if you look at the interval between visits as a percentage of the cat’s total lifespan, it puts things into perspective: a 20-year-old cat corresponds to a nearly 100-year-old human. So, if your cat sees the vet once a year, that’s like a person seeing a doctor every 5 years – not that often, right?
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis refers to a degenerative (non-inflammatory), chronic disease of the joint cartilage, which is very common in older cats due to age-related wear.
The hips, elbows, and spine are particularly affected. Cats may move less, jump less, or start urinating or defecating outside the litter box – not as an act of protest, but because climbing in or assuming the correct posture is painful.
Treatment focuses on pain management, as osteoarthritis itself is incurable. Pain therapy options range from monthly injections to various powders, tablets, or liquid medications. The right choice must be tailored to the individual cat and any accompanying illnesses.
Heart Disease
The most common heart condition in cats is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, in which the heart muscle of the left ventricle thickens over time. Often, the problem goes unnoticed until middle or old age, when symptoms such as panting or rapid breathing appear. In advanced stages, the risk of thrombosis increases, and some cats may suddenly present as emergencies with severe pain and paralysis of the hind legs.
A definite diagnosis can only be made via cardiac ultrasound. Therefore, we recommend a cardiology exam for any cat with a heart murmur (e.g., found during a routine check-up) or showing relevant symptoms – especially before planned anesthesia.
High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure (hypertension) is common in older cats and often occurs together with kidney disease or hyperthyroidism.
Some cats with hypertension become more “talkative,” meowing or crying frequently – likely due to headaches and dizziness. Since these early symptoms are nonspecific, the problem is often discovered only after complications arise, such as sudden blindness from retinal damage. Persistently high blood pressure can also harm the kidneys, heart, and brain.
To prevent this, we recommend annual blood pressure measurements for cats over 7 years old (ideally during their health check). For cats over 11 years, it’s best to reduce the interval between checks to every 6 months.
Dental Disease
Resorptive lesions, formerly known as FORL (feline odontoclastic resorptive lesions), occur in about half of all middle-aged cats. The tooth substance, usually starting at the root, is broken down by the cat’s own cells – a very painful process that often goes unnoticed until it is advanced.
The only treatment is to remove all affected teeth. Since multiple teeth are usually involved, a complete dental X-ray during treatment is essential.
Kidney Disease
Affected cats often drink a lot, which may seem positive to owners (“finally drinking properly!”) – but it’s not. The kidneys can no longer concentrate urine effectively, so the cat urinates more and compensates by drinking more. Once compensation fails, dehydration occurs (sunken eyes, reduced skin elasticity), even though the cat is drinking large amounts.
Mucous membranes may appear pale or even white, especially visible around the eyes or in the mouth (e.g., when yawning). This happens because the damaged kidneys no longer produce enough of the hormone needed for red blood cell formation.
Affected cats often lose weight and neglect grooming, resulting in a dull, scruffy coat.
Depending on the source, up to 50% of senior cats have chronic kidney disease – so it’s important to act quickly if you notice these symptoms and see a vet right away. Early diagnosis and treatment can slow disease progression and relieve symptoms.
Fluid therapy, renal diets, anti-nausea medication, and, if necessary, hormone injections to support red blood cell production can significantly improve both lifespan and quality of life.
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is the most common hormonal disorder in cats and typically occurs in older animals. Affected cats often have an insatiable appetite yet continue to lose weight and may seem restless or easily startled. The condition often occurs alongside high blood pressure, heart disease, and chronic kidney disease.
Once cats are stabilized on medication, they usually feel better quite quickly (though they will need lifelong treatment). Left untreated, the condition can be fatal.
Tumors
As in humans, the risk of developing various cancers increases with age. In cats, e.g. lymphomas, different types of skin tumors (squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell tumors, sarcomas, etc.), and soft-tissue sarcomas are common. Bone and brain tumors, however, are relatively rare.
Treatment options and prognosis vary depending on tumor type, but as a general rule, the earlier the disease is detected, the better the chances of successful treatment.
“Cat Dementia” – Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome
From around age 15, many cats are affected by this condition. Since typical symptoms like changes in sleep patterns or disorientation develop gradually, the problem often goes unnoticed until later – for example, when the cat starts meowing loudly at night (disrupting their humans’ sleep) or seems lost in familiar surroundings.
Regular routines and playtime give cats a sense of security, while simple games can help keep their brains active. Various dietary supplements can also support cognitive function – B vitamins, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids have proven beneficial.
Even our senior cats deserve special attention. We treat elderly feline patients with the same care and respect as young ones – our goal is to keep them healthy and happy for as long as possible.
