Senior cat health

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Our Sydney and Camden locations

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When is a cat considered senior?

Many cats are considered senior from around 8 to 10 years of age, but this varies between individuals. Some guidelines describe life stages as: 

Mature: 7 to 10 years
Senior: 11 to 14 years 
Geriatric cat: 15 years and older

Your veterinarian can help you decide which life stage best fits your cat based on overall health, lifestyle, and any existing conditions. 

Older cats are masters at hiding illness, and changes can be subtle. Regular senior health checks help detect problems early, so your veterinary team can discuss management options before your cat feels unwell. 

Why do senior checks matter for cats?

As cats age, the risk of chronic conditions increases. Earlier detection can make a meaningful difference to comfort, quality of life, and long-term outcomes. 

Common health issues in older cats:

Dental disease and oral pain
Osteoarthritis and mobility changes 
Chronic kidney disease 
Hyperthyroidism 
Diabetes mellitus 
Heart disease
High blood pressure (hypertension) 
Cancer (neoplasia)

How often should a senior cat have a check-up?

A minimum of two health checks per year is commonly recommended for senior and geriatric cats. The best frequency depends on your cat’s health and any ongoing conditions. 

Between visits, contact your veterinary team promptly if you notice changes in appetite, weight, drinking, toileting, behaviour, or mobility. 

What happens at a senior cat health check?

A senior health check usually includes: 

A detailed history (home behaviour, appetite, thirst, toileting, activity, and any new concerns) 
Weight, body condition score, and muscle condition assessment 
A thorough physical examination (including teeth and gums, eyes, ears, skin, heart and lungs, abdomen, and joints) 
Discussion of parasite prevention, vaccination risk assessment, diet, and lifestyle

Depending on your cat’s age, findings, and risk factors, your veterinarian may recommend additional screening, such as: 

Blood pressure measurement (hypertension becomes more common with age) 
Blood and urine testing (often recommended at least annually in senior cats) 
Additional tests tailored to your cat (for example, thyroid testing, imaging, or dental assessment)

Changes to watch for at home

Contact your veterinary team if you notice any of the following: 

Weight loss or weight gain 
Increased thirst or increased urination 
Reduced appetite, fussier eating, or vomiting 
Bad breath, drooling, pawing at the mouth, or difficulty eating 
Stiffness, reluctance to jump, slower movement, or reduced grooming 
More frequent urination, accidents outside the litter tray, or straining to urinate 
Increased vocalisation, night-time restlessness, confusion, or anxiety 
New skin masses or growths

Simple ways to support an ageing cat at home

Small adjustments can make a big difference to comfort: 

Provide soft, warm bedding with easy access (not too high to climb into) 
Add extra water bowls and keep them close to sleeping areas 
Use low-sided litter trays and consider more than one tray in the home 
Use steps or ramps to favourite resting places if jumping is harder 
Keep routines predictable and provide gentle play to maintain activity 
Help with grooming if your cat is less flexible or grooming less

Book a complimentary senior cat health check

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Only available at Sydney location

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Book and attend a complimentary senior health check by 31 December 2026. Offer available to dogs aged 7 years and older and cats aged 10 years and older. Only available at University Veterinary Teaching Hospital Sydney (UVTHS).

This is a general health consultation, not an appointment for acutely unwell pets. Please contact our clinic in the case of urgent enquiries.

a detailed history (appetite, thirst, toileting, activity, behaviour, and any changes at home)
weight, body condition score and muscle condition assessment
a thorough physical examination (including teeth and gums, eyes, ears, skin, heart and lungs, abdomen, and joints)
discussion of diet, lifestyle, parasite prevention, and vaccination planning

Offer available to dogs aged 7 years and older and cats aged 10 years and older.
One complimentary Senior Health Check per eligible pet.
Offer is limited to a single consultation and cannot be redeemed more than once per pet.
Offer is subject to appointment availability.
Additional services (including but not limited to diagnostics, screening tests, treatments, medications, vaccinations, procedures and follow-up consultations) are not included and will incur standard fees if recommended and accepted by the owner.
Any further investigations or treatments identified during the consultation are optional and will be discussed with the owner prior to proceeding.
Offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotion, discount or offer.
Offer is not redeemable for cash and is not transferable.
Only available at University Veterinary Teaching Hospital Sydney (UVTHS).
The University Veterinary Teaching Hospital Sydney reserves the right to amend or withdraw the offer at any time.
Offer valid for appointments booked and attended between 1 November and 31 December 2026.

Senior cat FAQs

Often yes. Early kidney disease, high blood pressure, and thyroid disease can develop gradually and may not cause obvious signs at first. 

Regular weigh-ins help detect trends. Many owners find monthly weighing at home helpful, but your veterinary team can advise what is practical for you. 

As cats age, they can lose muscle even if their weight looks stable. Muscle condition scoring helps identify changes early. 

Increased thirst is not something to ignore. It can be associated with common senior conditions such as kidney disease, thyroid disease, or diabetes, so a veterinary check is recommended. 

Accidents can be caused by pain, arthritis, urinary disease, constipation, or stress. A veterinary assessment is important, and practical changes (like low-sided trays) can also help. 

Often yes, but the plan should be individualised. Your veterinarian can review your cat’s lifestyle and risks at each visit. 

Some slowing down can occur, but pain (especially arthritis), dental disease, and other illnesses are common in older cats. If you notice a change, book a check-up. 

Many clinics recommend moving to six-monthly visits when cats reach their senior years. Your veterinarian can advise the best timing for your cat.