Senior Maine Coon cat walking on table.

As cats age, their nutritional needs, medical risks, and preventive care needs often change. Senior care focuses on monitoring for age-related disease, supporting comfort and mobility, and identifying concerns early. It's essential to know how aging can affect your cat’s health, common conditions seen in older cats, wellness and screening recommendations, and practical ways to support quality of life at home.

If you’re located near South Jordan, UT, A Gentle Vet is here to support you and your cat through every life stage.

How Aging Can Affect A Cat’s Health

With age, a cat’s immune function may decline and the risk of chronic disease increases. Older cats are more likely to experience changes in skin and coat quality, muscle mass, and mobility. Some cats also develop behavior changes, including sleeping more, grooming less, or becoming less social. These changes can be related to normal aging, pain, or underlying disease, which is why regular veterinary monitoring matters.

Common medical concerns in senior cats include hyperthyroidism, gastrointestinal disease, cancer, pancreatitis, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease.

How A Cat’s Nutritional Needs Change With Age

Senior cats may become less active and may need fewer calories, but they still require complete and balanced nutrition. Many older cats benefit from diets that support lean muscle mass (adequate protein), digestive health, and overall hydration. Wet food can be helpful for cats that do not drink enough water, especially when kidney or urinary health is a concern.

Because medical conditions can affect what diet is appropriate, it is best to discuss nutrition changes with your veterinarian before switching foods or adding supplements.

Senior maine coon cat at veterinary hospital for senior panel blood work.

Signs Your Cat May Be Slowing Down

Some cats naturally slow down with age, but changes should still be evaluated to rule out pain or illness. Common signs include:

  • Difficulty jumping onto higher surfaces
  • Sleeping more than usual
  • Less interest in play
  • Reduced grooming
  • Becoming less social or more easily irritated

If you notice these changes or any new symptoms, schedule a veterinary visit for an exam and discussion of next steps.

Common Health Conditions In Senior Cats

Some of the most common health concerns in older cats include:

  • Chronic kidney disease
  • Heart disease
  • Diabetes mellitus
  • Arthritis
  • Hyperthyroidism

Signs can vary but may include increased thirst or urination, appetite changes, weight loss or gain, vomiting, diarrhea, reduced activity, changes in coat quality, or difficulty accessing favorite resting spots. Cornell’s Feline Health Center provides additional information about common changes seen as cats age.

Senior gray cat being pet by owner.

Preventive Care That Supports Healthy Aging

Preventive care helps reduce risk and supports earlier diagnosis when disease develops.

Your veterinarian may recommend a plan that includes:

  • Routine wellness exams and screening tests
  • Weight and body condition monitoring
  • Parasite prevention and other preventive medications
  • Vaccinations when appropriate for your cat’s lifestyle and risk
  • Dental monitoring and treatment when needed

At home, small adjustments such as low-entry litter boxes, easier access to food and water, non-slip flooring, and comfortable resting areas can make daily life easier for senior cats.

Why Wellness Exams Matter More As Cats Age

Wellness exams and regular checkups help veterinarians detect problems earlier, often before symptoms become obvious. During a senior cat exam, your veterinarian will review behavior and home observations, appetite and weight changes, hydration, respiratory health, urination and bowel habits, and mobility. They will also perform a full physical exam and compare findings to prior visits to look for trends.

Common Lab Work For Senior Cats

Common tests for senior cats may include:

These tests help identify kidney disease, diabetes, thyroid disease, infection, anemia, dehydration, and hypertension; conditions that are common in older cats and often manageable when detected early.

What Matters Most In Senior Cat Care

Senior cats often do best with consistent routines, a comfortable home setup, appropriate nutrition, and regular veterinary monitoring. Many age-related conditions can be managed successfully, especially when identified early. If you notice new symptoms or behavior changes, an exam is the best next step.

Senior cat care is about supporting comfort, maintaining function, and staying ahead of age-related disease. With routine wellness exams, appropriate screening, and a proactive care plan, many cats remain comfortable and engaged well into their senior years.

At A Gentle Vet, we are here to help you navigate your cat’s changing needs. Contact us today to learn more or schedule an appointment.