Cats are generally classified as senior once they are 7 years old. Just like us, every cat is unique and requires individual care and maintenance as they age.

Common senior cat conditions

Read on to learn about some common conditions your cat may experience as they age.

Arthritis

Cats will likely develop a degree of arthritic change as the years go by, particularly if they’re overweight or have suffered injuries in the past.

To help support your older cat’s musculoskeletal system:


If these measures are being taken but your cat still appears uncomfortable, discuss their discomfit with your vet. Your vet will recommend supplements, specific diets, and other treatments that will help manage your cat’s arthritis symptoms.

Dental disease

Bad breath generally indicates poor dental health. Poor diets, not chewing, and ingesting bacteria from their coat while grooming all exacerbate the decline of your cat’s dental health.

Brushing your cat’s teeth will help remove plaque and tartar build up. You can use a toothbrush specifically designed for cats or a child’s toothbrush and pet toothpaste. Never use human toothpaste.

If your cat won’t tolerate a toothbrush, there are also dental treats, special diets, water additives that can help reduce plaque and tartar build up on your cat’s teeth.

SHOP CAT DENTAL PRODUCTS

Regular dental checks with your vet are necessary to catch signs of dental disease early. Greencross Vets can recommend a dental program to help improve your cat’s dental health.

Cloudy eyes

Cloudy eyes can indicate eye problems and should always be checked by your vet.

The most common old age eye problems are cataracts; however, cats can suffer vision problems from high blood pressure affecting the blood vessels in the back of the eye. These conditions need to be diagnosed by your veterinarian.

 


Weight loss

Loss of general body condition with or without a good appetite, particularly over a short period, is worrying at any time. In older cats, consideration must be given to the cause of the weight loss which could be:


If you’re concerned about your cat’s weight struggles, take them to your local Greencross Vets for a thorough wellness exam.

Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism, also known as an overactive thyroid, is a condition caused by an enlarged thyroid gland that is producing an excess of thyroid hormones. Common signs of hyperthyroidism in cats include:

  • Increased urination
  • Weight loss despite increased appetite
  • Regular vomiting.

Other signs of hyperthyroidism include:

  • Decreased ability to fight infection
  • Rapid heart rate
  • Heart murmur (detected by your vet with a stethoscope)

Your vet can diagnose hyperthyroidism through blood tests. Treatment is often with medication or radiation treatment of the enlarged thyroid gland.

Kidney disease

Cats are unfortunately prone to kidney issues as they age. Signs of kidney disease in cats include:

  • Weight loss
  • Excessive thirst
  • Poor coat condition
  • Increased urination
  • Bad breath from mouth ulcers

If you notice these signs of kidney disease in your cat, take them to your local Greencross Vets for a check-up. If kidney disease is diagnosed through blood and urinary tests, your vet will provide a treatment plan. Treatment may include dietary change, blood and urine monitoring and sometimes medication.

 

Diabetes

Diabetic cats often have increased appetites as well as increased water intake with little or no weight gain. Cats may also show signs of urinary tract infections such as blood in the urine or inappropriate urination.

Diabetes is typically diagnosed through blood and urine tests. Treatment of diabetes in cats includes specialised diets and insulin administration.

Lumps and bumps

Regularly brushing and grooming your cat will not only strengthen the bond with your pet, but also help identify any new or unusual lumps on your cat’s body.

A lump that changes in shape rapidly, appears to irritate your cat or must doesn’t look ‘right’ should be examined by your vet. In most cases, the lump will need to be sampled or biopsied and examined under a microscope to reach a diagnosis.

Overgrown toenails

When cats become less active, their toenails can grow so long that they curl back and dig into the toe. Toenails, front and back, should be regularly trimmed to avoid injury.

You can read our guide on cutting cat toenails here. As this can be a difficult task to do at home, we have this service available at our Petbarn grooming salons and you can ask for assistance and advice from your local Greencross vet.