Pocket VetSenior cat care guide (10+ years)
Cats are masters at hiding illness, and the common senior diseases are silent early. Older cats (~10+) thrive on closer monitoring — here's what matters.
Health monitoring
- ✓Twice-yearly vet exams
- ✓Annual bloodwork + urinalysis (kidney, thyroid, diabetes)
- ✓Blood-pressure checks for older cats
- ✓Weigh regularly — weight loss is the #1 early warning
Comfort & environment
- ✓Low-sided litter boxes for stiff joints; more boxes around the home
- ✓Easy access to food, water, and warm resting spots
- ✓Steps or ramps to favourite perches
- ✓Gentle play to keep muscles and mind active
Diet & hydration
- ✓Senior or kidney-support diets where advised by your vet
- ✓Encourage water — wet food, fountains (kidney health)
- ✓Watch appetite closely; cats hide pain and nausea
- ✓Keep up dental checks — near-universal in older cats
Noticed something off with your cat?
Describe the symptoms and get an instant, calm triage — home care, vet soon, or emergency.
Check my cat nowSigns that need a vet
- ●Weight loss despite normal/increased appetite (thyroid)
- ●Increased thirst/urination (kidney, diabetes)
- ●Hiding, reduced grooming, or appetite drop
- ●Straining in the box or going outside it
Frequently asked
Why is my old cat losing weight but still eating?
It's the classic sign of hyperthyroidism, and can also indicate diabetes or kidney disease — all common in senior cats and very treatable when caught early. Get a vet check with bloodwork.
How often should a senior cat see the vet?
Twice a year is ideal for cats over ~10, with annual bloodwork and urine tests. Cats hide illness, so these visits catch silent diseases while they're easiest to manage.
Other life stages
Pocket Vet editorial team
Written and maintained by the Pocket Vet editorial team using authoritative veterinary sources. Reviewed June 10, 2026. This guide is informational only and not a substitute for professional veterinary care — see our editorial & safety policy. When in doubt, contact your vet; in a true emergency, go to an emergency clinic immediately.
Sources