Senior Cat Care Checklist: What Changes After Age 10

Many cats now live well into their late teens. But older cats are very good at hiding discomfort, and changes such as sleeping more, jumping less or losing weight are often accepted as normal ageing when they are actually signs of something treatable. A simple checklist helps you notice the difference.

Signs That Are Not "Just Old Age"

• Drinking or urinating more: can be linked to kidney disease, diabetes or thyroid problems
• Weight loss, even with a good appetite
• No longer jumping onto favourite surfaces — often joint pain
• Toileting outside the tray — high-sided trays can be painful to climb into
• A scruffy or matted coat, especially along the back — a cat that cannot groom comfortably
• Night-time yowling or seeming confused
• Bad breath or dropping food — dental pain
• Hiding more or being less tolerant of handling

All of these are worth raising with your vet. Many have effective treatments.

Vet Checks

Many vets recommend checks every six months for senior cats, as conditions can develop quickly in older animals. Ask your vet whether routine blood tests, urine tests or blood pressure checks are right for your cat.

Weigh Monthly

Gradual weight loss is one of the earliest signs of illness in older cats, and it is almost impossible to see by eye. Weigh your cat monthly — yourself holding the cat, minus yourself — and write it down. See our guide on how often to weigh your pet.

Home Changes That Help

• Low-entry litter trays, and one on every floor
• Steps or ramps to favourite windowsills, sofas and beds
• Warm, soft beds away from draughts — heated pads designed for pets are popular with older cats
• Food and water on the same level as where your cat spends its day
• Several water bowls or a fountain to encourage drinking
• Night lights for cats with failing eyesight

Grooming Help

Older cats often struggle to reach their back and hindquarters. Gentle, short brushing sessions keep the coat comfortable and give you a chance to feel for lumps and weight changes. Older cats' claws also grow thicker and may need trimming more often — see how to trim a cat's nails.

Play and Stimulation

Senior cats still enjoy play, just in shorter bursts. A few minutes with a wand toy at floor level, food puzzles and a window perch keep the mind active without straining the joints.

When Someone Else Is Caring for Your Cat

Older cats often have medications and specific routines. Write down exactly what a sitter needs to know, including which changes should prompt a call to the vet.

Frequently Asked Questions

At what age is a cat a senior?

Many vets consider cats senior from around 10–11 years, with the "geriatric" stage from around 15. Every cat ages differently.

My older cat is drinking a lot. Should I worry?

Increased thirst is worth a vet appointment, as it can be linked to several common conditions in older cats.

Is it normal for an old cat to sleep all day?

Older cats do sleep more, but sudden changes in sleep, activity or appetite should be checked by a vet.