Senior Cat Care: What Changes After 10

Senior cat care: what changes after 10

The second decade of a cat's life brings real physiological changes — reduced organ reserve, slower metabolism, and higher disease risk. With the right adjustments, many cats thrive well into their late teens.

Guide only. Senior cats need individual veterinary assessment. This guide provides general information only — it is not a substitute for regular check-ups.

Life stages in an ageing cat

The AAHA/AAFP Feline Life Stage Guidelines divide feline ageing into:

Life stageAgeKey veterinary focus

Mature7–10 yearsBaseline bloodwork, weight monitoring, dental check

Senior11–14 yearsBiannual exams, thyroid/kidney screening, pain assessment

Geriatric15+ yearsComfort care, quality-of-life monitoring, palliative options

The four most important conditions to screen for

Chronic kidney disease

Affects ~30–40% of cats over 10. Detectable early via urine specific gravity and blood creatinine. Managed with diet and sometimes medication. The IRIS staging system guides treatment.

Hyperthyroidism

The most common hormonal disorder in older cats — caused by benign thyroid nodules secreting excess T4. Signs include weight loss despite increased appetite, vomiting, increased thirst. Highly treatable with medication, diet, radioiodine, or surgery.

Hypertension

High blood pressure — often secondary to kidney disease or hyperthyroidism. Can cause retinal detachment and sudden blindness if untreated. Measured easily at a vet visit; managed with medication.

Osteoarthritis

Underdiagnosed in cats because they hide pain well. Signs: reluctance to jump, stiff gait, reduced grooming of hard-to-reach areas. Confirmed on X-ray. Managed with pain relief, joint supplements, and environmental modifications.

Adapting the home environment

Small changes make a significant difference to an arthritic or less mobile senior cat:

Lower the sides of litter trays — a high step in is a real barrier for an arthritic cat
Provide ramps or steps to favourite sleeping spots — do not remove the spots, provide the access
Move food and water bowls to ground level or provide multiple stations so the cat does not have to travel far
Ensure warmth — older cats thermoregulate less efficiently; a heated bed or warm room matters more than it did
Keep routines stable — cognitive dysfunction (feline dementia) is worsened by change and unpredictability

The International Cat Care older cat guide provides a comprehensive environmental checklist.

Weight in both directions matters. Weight loss in a senior cat is often the first sign of hyperthyroidism, CKD, or cancer. Weight gain can signal hypothyroidism or reduced mobility from arthritis. Weigh your cat monthly and report a change of more than 10% of body weight to your vet.

Quality of life assessment

As cats reach geriatric age, quality of life (QoL) becomes a regular conversation with your vet. The AAFP Feline Hospice and Palliative Care Guidelines include structured QoL assessment tools that help owners track changes over time and frame difficult conversations.

Frequently asked questions

At what age is a cat considered senior?

The AAHA/AAFP Feline Life Stage Guidelines classify cats aged 11–14 as senior and 15+ as geriatric. Many vets begin recommending twice-yearly check-ups from age 10, as age-related conditions (hyperthyroidism, kidney disease, hypertension, arthritis) become significantly more common in the second decade of life.

How often should a senior cat see the vet?

At minimum once a year, and ideally twice. Many serious diseases of senior cats — kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, hypertension — are detectable through blood and urine tests before the cat shows obvious symptoms. Early detection makes management far more effective. The International Cat Care senior cat guide details what these biannual checks should include.

What are the most common diseases in older cats?

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects an estimated 30–40% of cats over 10, according to research cited by the International Renal Interest Society (IRIS). Hyperthyroidism, dental disease, hypertension, osteoarthritis, and diabetes are also very common. Most are manageable when caught early.

Should a senior cat eat different food?

Senior-labelled foods vary widely in formulation — the label alone is not a reliable guide. The key nutritional considerations for an older cat are adequate high-quality protein (seniors often need more, not less), appropriate phosphorus restriction if kidney disease is present, and palatability (reduced smell and taste sensitivity with age). A vet or veterinary nutritionist should guide diet changes. The WSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines cover senior nutrition in detail.

How do I know if my old cat is in pain?

Cats hide pain instinctively. Signs of chronic pain in senior cats include reduced grooming, changes in posture (hunched back), reluctance to jump or use stairs, sleeping more than usual, reduced appetite, and behavioural changes like increased hiding or irritability. The Colorado State University Feline Pain Scale is a useful reference for assessing your cat at home.