Senior Cats
Life with an older cat: the changes to watch for, gentle routines that help, and making home easier as joints stiffen. Health topics are always vet-guided, and our 17-year-old Lokee keeps it personal.
What this section covers
- Signs your cat is getting older
- Kidney-friendly routines (always vet-guided)
- Making your home easier for an older cat
- Comfort, warmth and mobility
- Night-time yowling and confusion
- Lokee’s story
New guides are being added. In the meantime, the answers below cover the questions we hear most.
Common questions about senior cats
At what age is a cat considered a senior?
The 2021 AAHA/AAFP Feline Life Stage Guidelines treat cats aged 10 and older as seniors, with mature adults at 7 to 10 years. Our Lokee is 17, so this stage can last a long time and is worth planning for.
How often should a senior cat see the vet?
The AAFP recommends checkups every 6 months for cats aged 10 to 15, and every 4 months for cats over 15. Cats with ongoing health problems may need to go more often.
What are the early signs of kidney disease in older cats?
Early on there may be no visible signs at all. As it progresses, cats often drink and urinate more, and may lose weight or seem lethargic. Cornell estimates chronic kidney disease affects up to 40% of cats over 10 and 80% over 15, so routine blood and urine tests matter: they can pick it up before you notice anything. If your cat’s thirst or litter habits change, call your vet.
How can I make my home easier for an older cat?
The AAFP suggests a litter box with a low entry, steps or ramps up to favorite spots, night lights, wide low-sided food and water bowls, and more than one water station. Small changes like these help a cat who finds jumping and climbing harder keep their routines.
Why is my old cat yowling at night?
Disorientation, hearing loss and pain can all cause it, and the ASPCA notes that cognitive decline is common in older cats, estimated at more than 55% of cats aged 11 to 15. Rule out medical causes first with a vet exam, and don’t punish the behavior: that can make anxiety worse.
We’re cat owners, not veterinarians. This information is general; for anything about your own cat’s health, please talk to your vet.
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Simple, room-by-room changes that make home easier for an older cat. Printable and free.
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