Cats are generally considered senior at around 11 years of age, and geriatric at 15 and above. With proper care, indoor cats routinely live into their late teens and sometimes early twenties. Having cared for cats who lived to 19 and 21 years old, I can tell you that the senior years bring specific health challenges, but they also bring some of the most rewarding companionship you will ever experience.
Many senior cats develop some degree of vision loss. You might notice your cat bumping into furniture that has been moved, hesitating at the top of stairs, or being startled when you approach from the side. High blood pressure, which is common in older cats, can cause sudden blindness due to retinal detachment. This is why twice-yearly vet visits that include blood pressure checks are so important for cats over 12. Hearing loss is also common and usually gradual. Deaf cats tend to vocalize more loudly and may not come when called. Keep deaf cats indoors, as they cannot hear approaching threats.
Studies suggest that over 90 percent of cats over age 12 have some degree of degenerative joint disease. Cats hide pain exceptionally well, so the signs are subtle: reluctance to jump onto counters they once reached easily, stiffness after sleeping, hesitation before using stairs, and reduced grooming of hard-to-reach areas. Provide ramps or steps to favorite perches, use litter boxes with low sides, and ask your vet about pain management options including meloxicam or gabapentin.
Constipation becomes increasingly common as cats age, often related to dehydration, reduced activity, and weakening of the colon muscles. Signs include straining in the litter box, producing small hard stools, and decreased appetite. Increasing water intake through wet food, adding pumpkin puree to meals, and using miralax under veterinary guidance can help. Chronic constipation can progress to megacolon, a serious condition where the colon loses its ability to contract.
By the time a cat reaches 10 years old, some degree of dental disease is almost universal. Tooth resorption, where the body breaks down the tooth structure from the inside, affects an estimated 60 to 70 percent of cats over age six. Signs include drooling, dropping food, chewing on one side, and bad breath. Extraction of affected teeth is the standard treatment and brings significant relief.
Cancer is the leading cause of death in older cats. Lymphoma is the most common type, often affecting the gastrointestinal tract. Signs include weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea, and decreased appetite. Squamous cell carcinoma of the mouth, mammary tumors, and fibrosarcomas are also frequently seen. Early detection improves outcomes, which is another strong argument for regular veterinary exams in senior cats.
Chronic kidney disease affects an estimated one in three cats over the age of 15. The kidneys gradually lose their ability to filter waste products from the blood. Early signs include increased thirst, increased urination, and weight loss. Blood work showing elevated BUN and creatinine levels, combined with dilute urine, confirms the diagnosis. While kidney disease cannot be cured, it can be managed for months or years with a combination of prescription renal diets, subcutaneous fluids, phosphorus binders, and medications to control nausea and blood pressure.