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Senior Cat Care Tips

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Senior Cat Care Tips
Posted on November 3, 2025 in Caring for your pet, cat, News

There are now more pet cats than dogs in North America. Improved nutrition, infectious disease prevention, and advances in veterinary medicine have resulted in our cats living longer and healthier lives. In the last decade in North America, there has been a 15% increase in the number of cats over ten years old and up to 14% in cats over fifteen.

What are some of the changes that occur in aging cats?

Many changes can occur in aging cats, including:

  • Many aging cats are affected by osteoarthritis (OA), which contributes to decreased activity. The lack of activity then contributes to the stiffening of the joints and worsens the symptoms of OA.
  • Reduction in exercise may result in reduced muscle tone, which further reduces the cat’s ability to jump, climb, or exercise.
  • The lack of exercise results in a fall in energy requirements of up to 40%. If a cat maintains a good appetite, his daily food intake must be reduced to prevent excessive weight gain, as it can cause obesity-related health issues.
  • Inappetence or lack of desire to eat may develop in some senior cats since the senses of smell and taste become dull with age.
  • Periodontal (dental) disease is common in senior cats and can cause organ dysfunction, possibly thromboembolic events (strokes), and may contribute to inappetence.
  • Intestinal function, including the intestines’ ability to absorb nutrients, is reduced in many older animals.
  • Geriatric or degenerative changes in the liver, kidneys, and endocrine system (hormone system) will decrease the efficiency of digestive and other processes in the body.
  • Thirst is often decreased, causing an increased risk of dehydration, especially when combined with concurrent renal insufficiency, a type of kidney disease common in older cats.

How can these aging changes affect my cat’s response to medication?

Changes in how your cat’s body functions as she ages affect food and nutrient absorption and how drugs are metabolized. Liver and kidney disease occur commonly in older cats. When coupled with mild dehydration, these can increase drug levels in their bloodstream. When treating geriatric patients, some drugs’ doses and dosing frequency may need to be altered.

Does my senior cat still need to have regular booster vaccinations?

It is recognized that immune function changes with increasing age in cats. This may reduce the ability to fight infection or destroy cancer cells. Based on your cat’s lifestyle, physical condition, and risk of exposure to common preventable diseases, your veterinarian will advise you on the most appropriate vaccination program.

My senior cat becomes very distressed when we try to medicate her. Should we keep trying when it upsets her so much?

There is no simple answer to this question, and it should be discussed with your veterinarian. The proper advice for your cat depends on the specific disease being treated and whether the treatment may lead to a cure or is aimed at controlling clinical signs. It also depends on how ill the cat is. Often, older cats do not tolerate excessive physical handling or environmental change, so while medications may be able to offer complex therapeutic options, these may not be an option for your cat. Each case must be assessed individually. Treatment should not be attempted where it will be poorly tolerated for medical or temperamental reasons. Always ask your veterinarian if there is another way to give medication. Some medications can be compounded in a transdermal form that can be rubbed on the skin.

What diseases commonly affect senior cats?

The major health problems seen in older cats are:

  • obesity
  • periodontal disease
  • hormonal disorders, such as hyperthyroidism and diabetes mellitus
  • kidney disease
  • liver disease
  • heart disease
  • neoplasia or cancer
  • infections, such as feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)
  • osteoarthritis

Though young cats usually have only one disorder at a time, this is often not the case in older patients, where diagnosis and treatment may be complicated by several concurrent disease processes.

What can I do to make my senior cat as happy as possible?

Most cats age gracefully and require very little. Since older cats do not generally respond well to change, any changes must be introduced slowly.

Elderly cats should have easy access to a warm and comfortable bed where they can sleep safely without fearing disturbances. They should also always have easy access to fresh drinking water.

You should feed your older cat high-quality, easily digestible food recommended by your veterinarian. It should be assumed that any older cat has some degree of subclinical or underlying disease, particularly of the kidneys and liver. Hence, asking the veterinarian about the best diet for your cat is one of the most important things you can do.

As cats age, some will experience a reduced ability to control urination and defecation. To reduce the risk of accidents, provide multiple litter boxes located on each floor of the house that your cat may use and near favorite sleeping and eating areas.

Any senior care recommendation aims to maintain the quality of the pet’s life and to slow the progression of age-related diseases. Because most of the chronic diseases we see in senior cats are slow to progress, early recognition is usually only possible through diagnostic tests. The earlier a disease is diagnosed, the more likely its progression can be slowed or reversed, and a high quality of life for your senior cat can be maintained for longer. Senior cats should have regular health checks twice yearly.

Senior care programs usually include a thorough physical examination, blood and urine screening, and chest or abdominal radiographs (X-rays). Body weight should be recorded regularly, and booster vaccinations should be given as determined by your cat’s lifestyle. Additional details about your veterinarian’s senior care recommendations will be provided to you.

While it is true that old age is not a disease, older pets do merit special attention. This is important so that if your cat develops a disease, it can be recognized and treated as early as possible, thereby maintaining her quality of life for as long as possible.

Schedule your pet’s check up today!

          
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You assessed your cat's body condition score (BCS) to be to be 3 out of 9.

What does this mean? The BCS is an assessment of your cat’s general body composition, including muscle and fat. While a score of 4 to 5 is ideal, a BCS of 3 indicates that your cat is thin.

What to do next: While thin cats are generally at lower risk for serious health issues compared to overweight cats, being underweight can lead to decreased muscle mass, malnutrition, and a weakened immune system. Unless there is an underlying reason for your cat’s thinness, the situation can often be improved with simple lifestyle adjustments, such as:

  • Offering a palatable diet recommended by your veterinarian
  • Feeding small, frequent meals
  • Stimulating the appetite by warming the food or introducing toppers
  • Minimizing stress
  • Weighing your cat monthly
  • Re-checking your cat's BCS at home
  • Staying alert to other health changes (especially continued weight loss and appetite loss)

Your cat's BCS provides valuable insights into their overall health and helps us spot potential issues early. While a BCS of 3 isn’t an immediate cause for concern, it’s a sign that small adjustments to their feeding and care routine could have a positive impact on their health.

Questions? We can help. Let’s work together to score a win for your cat's health.

You assessed your cat's body condition score (BCS) to be to be 6 out of 9.

What does this mean? The BCS is an assessment of your cat’s general body composition, including muscle and fat. While a score of 4 to 5 is ideal, a BCS of 6 indicates that your cat is borderline overweight.

What to do next: Simple daily actions can help prevent your cat from becoming overweight. Even a few extra ounces or pounds can significantly impact their health, increasing the risk of serious conditions like diabetes, arthritis, and kidney disease.

Restore your cat's future health by:

  • Feeding portioned meals (Your veterinarian can assist you with how much to feed)
  • Reducing stress by minimizing household changes and maintaining a routine
  • Decreasing boredom with interactive toys, social interaction, and cat furniture
  • Separating pets during meal time (Consider a microchip-linked feeder for multi-cat households)
  • Weighing them monthly
  • Re-checking your cat's BCS at home

Your cat's BCS is like a warning light for their future health. Taking proactive steps to address your cat’s weight can minimize future complications and help ensure they stay fit, agile, and healthy.

Curious about other ways to improve your cat’s BCS and overall well-being? Get in touch. Let’s work together to score a win for their health.

You assessed your dog's body condition score (BCS) to be to be 4-5 out of 9.

What does this mean? The BCS is an assessment of general body composition, including muscle and fat. On a scale of 1 to 9, with 1 being very thin and 9 being obese, your dog's score means they are at their ideal weight for optimal health and well-being!

What to do next: First, give your dog a scratch behind the ears to celebrate your success! Your commitment to their preventive health—regular vet visits, balanced nutrition, and consistent exercise—is truly paying off. But don’t relax just yet—maintaining a healthy BCS takes ongoing effort throughout your dog's life, including:

  • Feeding portioned meals
  • Avoiding high-calorie treats, diets, and people food
  • Staying active with regular exercise
  • Re-checking your pet’s BCS monthly at home
  • Staying on top of routine care (exams, screening tests) to ensure early detection of health changes

Just like your dog's vital signs, their BCS gives valuable insight into their overall health. Right now, we like what we see—and feel! But remember, supporting your dog's lifelong health is a team effort. By continuing the great work you’re doing and partnering with us, we can help ensure they stay healthy for years to come.

You assessed your cat's body condition score (BCS) to be to be 7-8 out of 9.

What does this mean? The BCS is an assessment of your cat’s general body composition, including muscle and fat. While a score of 4 to 5 is ideal, a BCS of 7-8 indicates that your cat is overweight.

What to do next: Weight issues are a common cause of many feline health problems, some of which can shorten a cat's life. Fortunately, with your dedication and our support, your cat can achieve better health, mobility, and an ideal body weight.

Rather than asking your cat to participate in daily exercise, feline weight loss emphasizes targeted nutrition and stress reduction to help them shed those unwanted pounds. This entails:

  • Offering a palatable weight-management diet recommended by your veterinarian
  • Feeding portioned meals (Your veterinarian can assist you with how much to feed)
  • Using a microchip-linked feeder for multi-cat households to ensure each cat consumes their veterinarian-recommended portion
  • Minimizing stress by maintaining a stable routine
  • Decreasing boredom through positive interactions such as interactive toys, food puzzles, cat-friendly furniture, and social bonding
  • Promoting movement with motion-activated food toys and puzzles
  • Weighing them monthly
  • Re-checking their BCS at home

Overweight cats not only face long-term health risks but can also suffer from discomfort and emotional stress. Intentional, veterinary-supervised changes can help ensure your cat’s fitness, comfort, and overall well-being for years to come. Let’s work together to score a win for your cat's health.

You assessed your dog's body condition score (BCS) to be to be 3 out of 9.

What does this mean? The BCS is an assessment of general body composition, including muscle and fat. While a score of 4 to 5 is ideal, a BCS of 3 indicates that your dog is thin.

What to do next: Although a lean body condition is healthier than being overweight, thinness can indicate muscle loss, health changes, or a lack of appropriate nutrition. Here are a few ways to help your dog reach their optimal weight and health:

  • Follow any recommendations given by your vet (these are personalized for your dog's unique needs)
  • Gradually transition your dog to a calorie-dense diet
  • Weigh them monthly
  • Re-check their BCS at home
  • Provide regular moderate exercise to build healthy muscle
  • Monitor them for other health changes (appetite loss, vomiting, unusual stools, fatigue, etc.)

Just like your dog's vital signs, their BCS gives valuable insight into their overall health and can help identify potential issues early. While a BCS of 3 isn't a serious concern, it suggests that your dog may benefit from adjustments to their diet and exercise routine. Please continue to monitor your dog for any other health changes—including difficulty gaining weight—as these could indicate the need for further evaluation. Let’s work together to help your dog achieve better health, so you can make the most of every moment together.

Now that’s a perfect score.

You assessed your dog's body condition score (BCS) to be to be 9 out of 9.

What does this mean? The BCS is an assessment of general body composition, including muscle and fat. While a score of 4 to 5 is ideal, a BCS of 9 indicates that your dog is obese (weighing 20% or more above their ideal weight).

What to do next: Dogs with obesity are in significant danger of many life-altering health conditions, including arthritis, cardiovascular problems, kidney disease, and cancer. Reducing your dog's weight and improving their body condition is critical to restoring their comfort, mobility, health, and longevity.

Take action today to protect your dog's  health by:

  • Following any veterinarian’s recommendations (these are personalized to your dog's unique needs)
  • Using a measuring cup to portion meals
  • Removing uneaten food after 20 minutes
  • Limiting treats to low-calorie fruits or vegetables
  • Exercising daily for at least 30 minutes (leash walks are a great way to start)
  • Weigh them  monthly
  • Re-check their BCS at home

Just like your dog's vital signs, their BCS gives valuable insight into their overall health. In your dog's case, it’s a signal for immediate action.

By following the steps above and your veterinarian’s recommendations, getting your dog back to a healthy weight is possible, but it will take time and effort. That’s why we’re here to help you every step of the way.

Let’s work together to score a WIN for Sydney’s health.

You assessed your cat's body condition score (BCS) to be 1–2 out of 9.

What does this mean? The BCS is an assessment of your cat’s general body composition, including muscle and fat. While a score of 4 to 5 is ideal, a BCS of 1 to 2 indicates that your cat is very thin, at least 20% below their ideal weight. This may be caused by poor nutrition or an underlying illness.

What to do next: Since a BCS of 1 to 2 can indicate potential health concerns, your cat's veterinarian may suggest blood work or other tests.

In addition to following any plan outlined by your cat's veterinarian, the following steps may help them achieve their ideal weight and BCS:

  • Offering a palatable diet recommended by your veterinarian
  • Feeding small, frequent meals
  • Warming the food or introducing toppers
  • Feeding pets separately
  • Minimizing stress
  • Weighing them  monthly
  • Re-checking their BCS at home
  • Watching for other concerning signs, such as loss of appetite, vomiting, or changes in litter box habits, as these may require prompt veterinary care.

Just like your cat's vital signs, their BCS offers important insight into their overall health. While a BCS of 1 to 2 can be concerning, we’ll work together to help your cat safely achieve their optimal weight and vitality.

You assessed your dog's body condition score (BCS) to be to be 6 out of 9.

What does this mean? The BCS is an assessment of general body composition, including muscle and fat. While a score of 4 to 5 is ideal, a BCS of 6 indicates that your dog is borderline overweight.

What to do next: With just a few pounds separating your dog from being overweight, a BCS of 6 is a clear call to action! Excess weight can increase their risk for serious health problems, such as arthritis, heart disease, and even cancer, and studies have shown that it can shorten their lifespan.

Here are a few ways to help Gigi reach their ideal weight:

  • Follow any recommendations given by your veterinarian (these are personalized for your dog's unique needs!)
  • Use a measuring cup to portion meals
  • Don’t leave food out all day
  • Weigh them monthly
  • Re-check their BCS at home
  • Provide regular moderate exercise to build healthy muscle

Just like your dog's vital signs, their BCS gives valuable insight into their overall health and and can help identify potential issues early. While a BCS of 6 isn't dangerous, it does raise their risk for many life-altering conditions and signals a need for change.

Let’s work together to help your dog achieve a better BCS and overall wellness, so you can make the most of every moment together.

Now that’s a perfect score!

You assessed your dog's body condition score (BCS) to be to be 7-8 out of 9.

What does this mean? The BCS is an assessment of general body composition, including muscle and fat. While a score of 4 to 5 is ideal, a BCS of 7 to 8 indicates that your dog is overweight.

What to do next: Your dog's weight is putting them at an increased risk for many serious conditions, including arthritis, diabetes, cancer, and heart disease. Overweight dogs are also clinically shown to have a shorter lifespan and a reduced quality of life.

Thankfully, it’s not too late to get back on track! Here are some simple steps to help your dog achieve a better BCS and a healthier life:

Here are a few ways to help them reach their ideal weight:

  • Reduce meal portions by 10% to 20%
  • Use a measuring cup for accuracy
  • Switch to a weight management diet
  • Swap treats for low-calorie fruits and veggies
  • Increase daily walks and playtime
  • Use a food-dispensing toy instead of a bowl to encourage movement
  • Weigh them monthly
  • Re-check their BCS at home

Just like your dog's vital signs, their BCS gives valuable insight into their overall health and quality of life. The actions you take in the days, weeks, and months ahead can help them slim down, restore their well-being, and allow you both to make the most of every moment together.

Let’s work together to score a WIN for your dog's health and happiness.

Now that’s a perfect score!

You assessed their body condition score (BCS) to be to be 9 out of 9.

What does this mean? The BCS is an assessment of your cat’s general body composition, including muscle and fat. While a score of 4 to 5 is ideal, a BCS of 9 indicates that your cat is obese (20% or more over their ideal body weight).

What to do next: Cats with obesity are in a health crisis. Excess weight strains their joints, leading to painful and decreased mobility. In addition, abundant fat tissue increases their risk for life-altering diseases like diabetes, arthritis, kidney disease, heart disease, and cancer.

Let their BCS be a turning point in their health.

With simple lifestyle changes and guided support from our team, we can restore your cat's quality of life and help them lose those unnecessary pounds.

We’ll focus on nutrition and stress reduction to create positive results. This includes:

  • Offering a palatable weight-management diet recommended by your veterinarian
  • Feeding portioned meals (Your veterinarian can assist you with how much to feed)
  • Using a microchip-linked feeder for multi-cat households to ensure each cat consumes their veterinarian-recommended portion
  • Minimizing stress in your cat’s environment
  • Decreasing boredom through positive interactions (interactive toys, food puzzles, cat-friendly furniture, and social bonding)
  • Encouraging healthy movement and exploration (motion-activated toys, food puzzles, ramps to perches, scratching posts, cat tunnels)
  • Weighing them monthly
  • Re-checking their BCS at home

Your cat’s body condition is a key factor in their health and longevity. Together, we can score a victory by helping them lose weight and reclaim their health, happiness, and mobility.

You assessed your cat's body condition score (BCS) to be 4-5 out of 9.

What does this mean? The BCS is an assessment of your cat’s general body composition, including muscle and fat. On a scale of 1–9, with 1 being very thin and 9 being obese, this score means they are at their ideal weight for optimal health and well-being!

What to do next: First, give your cat a head bump or a scratch to celebrate your success! Your dedication to their overall health—through regular vet visits, balanced and portion-controlled nutrition, a low-stress environment, and plenty of physical and mental activity—is truly paying off.

But don’t relax just yet—maintaining your cat’s healthy BCS will take ongoing effort throughout their lifetime. Keep up the good work by:

  • Minimizing stress
  • Creating a mentally and physically stimulating environment
  • Satisfying your cat’s social needs with one-on-one time
  • Encouraging movement with interactive toys, perches, and furniture
  • Feeding measured portions of a veterinarian-recommended, high quality, palatable diet
  • Checking your cat’s BCS monthly at home
  • Staying on top of routine veterinary care

Just like your cat's vital signs, their BCS gives us valuable insight into their overall health. Right now, we like what we see—and feel! But remember, supporting your cat's lifelong health is a team effort. By continuing the great work you’re doing and partnering with us, we can help ensure they stay healthy for years to come.

You assessed your dog's body condition score (BCS) to be 1–2 out of 9.

What does this mean? The BCS is an assessment of general body composition, including muscle and fat. While a score of 4 to 5 is ideal, a BCS of 1 to 2 indicates that your dog is very thin, at least 20% below their ideal weight. This may be caused by poor nutrition or an underlying illness.

What to do next: Since a BCS of 1 to 2 can indicate potential health concerns, your dog's veterinarian may suggest  blood work or other tests.

If no issues are found, the following steps may help your dog achieve their ideal weight and BCS:

  • Gradually transitioning them to a calorie-dense diet
  • Feeding more frequent meals
  • Weighing them monthly
  • Re-checking their BCS at home
  • Providing regular moderate exercise to build healthy muscle
  • Monitoring them for other health changes (appetite loss, vomiting, unusual stools, fatigue, etc.)

Just like your dog's vital signs, their BCS offers important insight into their overall health and can serve as an early warning that something may be wrong. While a BCS of 1 to 2 can be concerning, please know that your pet's well-being is our top priority. Let’s work together to help your pet pal achieve better health, so you can make the most of every moment together.