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Is your cat over 10 years old? Statistically, it is at **high risk** for 7 age-related diseases. Recognizing them early drastically changes the prognosis. Let’s look at the most common ones.

When is a cat "senior"

In order of age:

  • 7-10 years: mature (slight changes)
  • 11-14 years: senior (obvious changes)
  • 15+ years: geriatric (high vulnerability)

The 7 most common diseases

1. Chronic kidney disease (CKD)

Number 1. Affects 1 in 3 cats after the age of 12.

Symptoms:

  • Excessive thirst
  • Frequent urination
  • Weight loss
  • Occasional vomiting
  • Dull coat

Treatment: kidney diet, hydration, specific medications (see dedicated article).

Average lifespan post-diagnosis: 2-5 years with proper care.

2. Hyperthyroidism

Thyroid dysfunction. Typical in seniors.

Symptoms:

  • Weight loss despite eating a lot (characteristic)
  • Hyperactivity
  • Excessive vocalization
  • Dull coat
  • Tachycardia
  • Vomiting

Treatment:

  • Antithyroid medications (Felimazole) - daily
  • Specific diet (Y/D Hill's)
  • Radioactive iodine (definitive cure)
  • Surgery (rare)

Diagnosis: blood T4 test.

3. Diabetes mellitus

Increasingly common in senior cats.

Risk factors:

  • Overweight
  • Sedentary lifestyle
  • Age (>10 years)
  • Breed (Burmese predisposed)

Symptoms:

  • Excessive thirst
  • Frequent urination
  • Weight loss
  • Lethargy

Treatment:

  • Insulin (injection twice a day)
  • Specific diabetic diet
  • Sometimes remission is possible

4. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)

Thickening of the heart muscle.

Breeds most predisposed:

  • Maine Coon
  • Ragdoll
  • British Shorthair
  • Persian

Symptoms:

  • Respiratory failure
  • Lethargy
  • Possible sudden death
  • Emboli (hind limb paralysis)

Diagnosis: echocardiogram.

Treatment: beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, diuretics.

5. Tumors

Incidence is increasing in senior cats.

The most common:

  • Lymphoma (especially intestinal)
  • Breast carcinomas (in unspayed females)
  • Skin tumors
  • Squamous carcinoma (oral, frequent)

Variable symptoms. Annual check-ups are important.

Treatments: surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy (case by case).

6. Arthritis

90% of cats over 12 years old have arthritis. Often undiagnosed because cats **hide their pain**.

Subtle symptoms:

  • Jumps less high
  • No longer uses high shelves
  • Reacts poorly when touched in certain areas
  • Reduced grooming (cannot reach all areas)
  • Litter outside (may not jump in)

Treatment:

  • Specific pain relief medications for cats
  • Glucosamine/chondroitin
  • Omega-3
  • Adapted environment (low litter box, ramps)

7. Dental problems

70% of cats over 5 years old have dental problems. This increases drastically with age.

Symptoms:

  • Bad breath
  • Drooling
  • Difficulty chewing
  • Weight loss
  • Refusal of hard food

Treatment:

  • Scaling under anesthesia
  • Extractions (sometimes extensive)
  • At-home dental care (see dedicated article)

Other common problems

Feline senile dementia

Begins around 14-15 years:

  • Disorientation
  • Nocturnal vocalizations
  • Changes in routine
  • Reduced interaction

Hypertension

High blood pressure in seniors:

  • Retinal detachment (sudden blindness)
  • Kidney problems
  • Measurable by the veterinarian

Chronic constipation

Seniors with dehydration and reduced bowel motility.

The health routine of the senior cat

Veterinary visit

  • Every 6 months after 10 years
  • Every 3-4 months after 14 years

Annual blood tests

Complete profile + specific tests:

  • Biochemical profile
  • Complete blood count
  • T4 (thyroid)
  • Urinalysis
  • Blood pressure

Specialist visits

  • Cardiology: annual echocardiogram after 10 years (especially predisposed breeds)
  • Ophthalmology: in case of problems
  • Orthopedics: if arthritis is suspected

The diet of the senior cat

Characteristics

  • High protein (muscle maintenance)
  • Controlled calories (slowed metabolism)
  • Omega-3 (joints)
  • Antioxidants
  • Glucosamine/chondroitin

Brands

  • Royal Canin Senior Consult
  • Hill's Senior 7+
  • Specific Senior

Prevalent wet food

For hydration (important at all ages, crucial in seniors).

The "senior cat-friendly" home

Useful adaptations:

  • Low litter boxes (jumping in can be difficult)
  • Ramps for sofa/bed
  • Bed in a heated area
  • Elevated bowls (for cervical arthritis)
  • Water in multiple places
  • Predictable routine

When to worry

Emergency visit:

  • Total anorexia for 24h
  • Repeated vomiting
  • Respiratory difficulties
  • Sudden excessive thirst
  • Deep lethargy
  • Falls or disorientation

Quality of life

When treatments are no longer enough:

HHHHHMM Scale (Villalobos):

  • Hurt (pain)
  • Hunger (hunger)
  • Hydration (hydration)
  • Hygiene (hygiene)
  • Happiness (happiness)
  • Mobility (mobility)
  • More good than bad

Low score = consider palliative care or euthanasia (see dedicated article).

What to take home

The senior cat requires greater attention. The 7 most frequent diseases (kidney, thyroid, diabetes, heart, tumors, arthritis, teeth) can be identified with regular visits and exams. Early diagnosis = effective treatments = added years of life. Investing in visits every 6 months after 10 years is the best way to ensure your cat enjoys a peaceful and long old age.

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