Cats often age quietly. Because they naturally hide pain and illness, changes in their health may be subtle at first. Sleeping more, losing weight, drinking more water or hesitating before jumping can sometimes be mistaken for normal ageing when they may actually indicate a health problem.

Good senior cat care focuses on identifying these changes early while maintaining comfort, nutrition, mobility and quality of life.

If you have noticed changes in your older cat’s weight, appetite, behaviour or mobility, contact Walker Lake Veterinary Centre at (587) 786-6771 to book a senior wellness examination.

Ageing itself is not a disease. Changes such as weight loss, increased thirst, stiffness or reduced grooming should not automatically be dismissed as your cat simply “getting old.”

How Does Your Cat Change With Age?

Every cat ages differently. Genetics, lifestyle, nutrition and previous health conditions can all influence the ageing process.

Common changes owners may notice include:

Sleeping more
Reduced activity
Difficulty jumping
Changes in appetite
Weight loss or gain
Reduced grooming
Changes in hearing or vision
Increased thirst
Changes in litter box habits
Increased vocalization

Some changes are gradual, while others may signal an underlying medical condition that needs veterinary attention.

Schedule Regular Senior Cat Wellness Exams

Regular veterinary examinations become increasingly important as cats age.

Senior cats have a higher risk of developing conditions such as:

Kidney disease
Hyperthyroidism
Diabetes
Arthritis
Dental disease
High blood pressure
Heart disease
Cancer

Because cats often hide illness, routine examinations and diagnostic testing can identify problems before obvious symptoms appear.

Your veterinarian may recommend:

Physical examination
Weight monitoring
Dental assessment
Blood testing
Urine testing
Blood pressure measurement
Thyroid testing when appropriate

Senior veterinary care should be individualized according to the cat’s health and existing conditions.

Watch Your Cat’s Weight Closely

Weight changes can be an important early warning sign.

Unexpected weight loss may occur with conditions such as kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, diabetes, dental disease or other illnesses.

Watch for:

Ribs or spine becoming more noticeable

Loss of muscle over the back or legs
Eating normally but losing weight
Reduced appetite
Difficulty chewing
Sudden weight gain

Weighing your cat regularly can help identify gradual changes that are difficult to notice simply by looking at them every day.

Pay Attention to Eating and Drinking

Changes in appetite or thirst should be taken seriously in an older cat.

Contact your veterinarian if your cat:

Begins drinking much more water
Urinates more frequently
Eats more but loses weight
Suddenly becomes a picky eater
Stops eating
Has difficulty chewing
Begins vomiting frequently

These signs can occur with several common senior-cat health problems.

A cat that stops eating completely should be assessed promptly. Cats can develop serious complications when they go without adequate food for too long.

Senior Cat Nutrition

There is no single diet that is perfect for every senior cat.

The appropriate food depends on your cat’s:

Weight
Muscle condition
Activity level
Dental health
Kidney function
Other medical conditions

Some older cats need calorie control, while others require additional nutritional support to prevent weight and muscle loss.

If your cat has kidney disease, diabetes or another medical condition, your veterinarian may recommend a therapeutic diet designed specifically for that condition.

Watch for Arthritis and Mobility Changes

Arthritis is common in older cats but often goes unnoticed.

Cats usually do not show pain by crying or limping dramatically. Instead, they change their behaviour.

Possible signs include:

Hesitating before jumping
Jumping onto lower surfaces
Difficulty climbing stairs
Sleeping in easier-to-reach locations
Reduced grooming
Stiffness after resting
Less interest in playing
Irritability when touched

Pain management, weight control and changes to the home environment can make a significant difference.

Make Your Home Senior-Cat Friendly

Simple changes can help an older cat remain independent.

Consider:

Providing low-entry litter boxes
Placing food and water where they are easy to reach
Adding steps or ramps to favourite furniture
Providing warm, comfortable beds
Using non-slip surfaces where needed
Keeping essential resources on the same floor
Providing multiple water bowls

If your cat has arthritis, avoid making them climb stairs every time they need food, water or a litter box.

Keep an Eye on Dental Health

Dental disease can become painful and interfere with eating.

Watch for:

Bad breath
Red or bleeding gums
Heavy tartar
Drooling
Dropping food
Chewing on one side
Reduced appetite
Pawing at the mouth

Senior cats should continue receiving dental examinations.

Age alone does not automatically mean a cat cannot undergo dental treatment. Your veterinarian will assess their overall health and anaesthetic risk before recommending a procedure.

Monitor Litter Box Habits

Changes in urination or bowel movements can provide important clues about your cat’s health.

Watch for:

Urinating more frequently
Larger amounts of urine
Straining in the litter box
Blood in the urine
Constipation
Diarrhoea
Urinating outside the litter box

Sometimes an older cat stops using the litter box because arthritis makes climbing into a high-sided box uncomfortable.

However, medical causes should always be considered first.

Behaviour Changes in Senior Cats

Ageing cats may also develop behavioural changes.

You may notice:

Increased nighttime vocalization
Confusion
Changes in sleep patterns
Increased anxiety
Reduced interaction
Wandering around the home
Forgetting familiar routines

These changes can sometimes occur with cognitive decline, but pain, thyroid disease, high blood pressure and other medical conditions can cause similar symptoms.

Have new behavioural changes evaluated by your veterinarian.

Keep Your Senior Cat Mentally Active

Older cats still benefit from play and enrichment.

Try:

Short interactive play sessions
Puzzle feeders
Window viewing areas
Gentle grooming
Rotating familiar toys
Easy-access scratching surfaces
Regular interaction with family members

Activities may need to become gentler as mobility decreases, but senior cats still benefit from stimulation and routine.

When Should a Senior Cat See a Vet?

Arrange a veterinary examination if you notice:

Unexplained weight loss
Significant increase in thirst
Appetite changes
Repeated vomiting
Difficulty jumping or walking
Changes in litter box habits
Difficulty breathing
New lumps or swelling
Significant behaviour changes
Poor grooming
Persistent hiding

Difficulty breathing, inability to urinate, collapse, seizures or severe weakness requires urgent veterinary attention.

Helping Your Senior Cat Stay Comfortable

Senior care is about maintaining your cat’s quality of life for as long as possible.

Focus on:

Regular health checks
Healthy body weight
Appropriate nutrition
Comfortable mobility
Dental health
Easy access to food, water and litter boxes
Pain management when needed
Mental stimulation

Small changes can make a significant difference to an ageing cat.

Is your cat entering their senior years? Book a senior wellness examination at Walker Lake Veterinary Centre. We can assess their weight, dental health, mobility and overall wellbeing and recommend care based on their changing needs. Call (587) 786-6771 or book online.

Senior Cat Care at Walker Lake Veterinary Centre

Walker Lake Veterinary Centre provides senior cat wellness examinations, diagnostic testing, dental care and ongoing health management for cats across Walker Lake, Summerside, Ellerslie, Heritage Valley and Southwest Edmonton.

Call us at (587) 786-6771 to book an appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is a cat considered senior?

Cats are generally considered senior as they move beyond about 10 years of age, although individual health and ageing can vary.

Why is my senior cat losing weight?

Weight loss can occur with kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, diabetes, dental problems and several other conditions. Unexplained weight loss should be investigated.

Should senior cats still play?

Yes. Gentle play and mental stimulation help maintain activity and quality of life. Adjust activities to your cat’s mobility and comfort.

Why is my older cat drinking more water?

Increased thirst can occur with conditions such as kidney disease, diabetes and hyperthyroidism. Arrange a veterinary examination if the change is persistent.