Common Health Problems in Senior Cats

Getting older is inevitable, even for our furry little friends, and as your cat gets older, you may begin to notice they’re not as spry as they were when they were younger. This is completely natural, of course, but sometimes changes in your cat’s behaviour can be a sign that something else is happening with them, such as illness or stress.

Here we’re going to talk about some of the most common problems cats can face as they get older and what you can do to keep them as happy and healthy as possible during their golden years. 

Unlike dogs, whose life stages can vary greatly depending on their breed and size, cats' life stages are a little more generalised:

• Cats over 11 years old are considered elderly.
• Cats between 11 and 14 years old are considered senior.
• Cats over 15 years old are considered "Super Seniors" or geriatric. 

As your cat reaches 11 years old, their chances of developing certain health conditions increase. This is why cats over 11 should be checked over by a vet at least twice a year, at 6-month intervals, to ensure their bodies are still working as they should and to catch any developing conditions early. 

Before we examine the problems cats can develop as they age, it's important to note that these conditions, while common, are not guaranteed in all older cats. Some cats can live to be twenty without any health problems. In fact, the oldest known cat in the UK, Millie, recently celebrated her 30th birthday this year (2025). 

That said, age-related health problems are common in all older animals, and while these problems won't devlop overnight, it's still essential to track and manage your older cat's health and behaviour. That way, if something goes wrong, you can take appropriate action and get them the treatment they need. 

Your cat's weight can be a visible indicator of its health. While cats can become obese at any age with improper diet or lack of exercise, older cats are more prone to putting on the pounds. This is because older cats tend to be less active than when they're young, preferring to sleep rather than play. Obesity in cats is a real health risk as it increases their chances of developing other health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, joint issues, and more. 

Thankfully, obesity in cats is both treatable and preventable, even in cats that are inactive or overzealous eaters. Changing your older cat's food to a suitable senior cat food can help your cat maintain a healthy body weight. Senior cat foods contain more fibre, essential fatty acids, and certain minerals but less phosphorus, sodium, protein and fat. This makes it easier for your cat to get all the necessary nutrients to stay healthy without the risk of obesity, so long as you follow the feeding instructions. 

On the other hand, some cats can also begin to lose weight as they get older. This can often be a sign of another underlying issue, such as an overactive thyroid, kidney disease, diabetes or even cancer. In these cases, your cat will likely be recommended a veterinary cat food to help manage their condition. However, you should never feed your cat a veterinary diet unless your vet advises. 

If you're not sure your cat is a healthy weight, check out our cat weight chart and see where they fall on the healthy body scale. And remember, being underweight can be just as bad for your cat's health as being overweight. 

Like humans, senior cats are at higher risk of developing diabetes, especially if they’re overweight. Diabetes is a condition where your cat’s pancreas can no longer produce enough insulin to regulate their blood sugars effectively. Diabetes in cats is incurable, but the condition can be managed with the proper medication, changes in diet, and veterinary support. 

If your cat has reached 11 years old or they are overweight, make sure to keep an eye out for the following symptoms of diabetes in cats: 

• Increased urination and excessive thirst 
• Increased hunger
• Weight loss
• Poor coat condition
• Weakness (sometimes to the point of collapsing)
• Vomiting 
• Bladder infections 

If you notice any of these symptoms in your cat, regardless of age, you should contact your vet as soon as possible. Diagnosing diabetes in cats requires both blood and urine testing to asses glucose levels, and any treatment will need to be prescribed by your vet. 

If your cat is diagnosed with diabetes, your vet will prescribe diabetic treatment for cats, such as insulin injections to be given to your cat twice a day, 12 hours apart and after a meal. Alongside their medication, diabetic cats require more regular vet visits to ensure their sugars are adequately maintained and that they have an altered diet, likely by switching to diabetic cat food. 

As cats age, their kidneys can become less effective at filtering out waste products and toxins. This is because the ageing process can damage the kidneys, which, in turn, can create a build-up of toxins in the blood, known as azotemia. This is a common problem in middle-aged and senior cats.

Unfortunately, kidney damage is irreversible, so you can only treat kidney disease to keep on top of it and slow any further damage. The earlier this is caught, the better. So keep an eye out for the following symptoms of kidney disease in cats:

• Poor appetite
• Weight loss
• Passing more urine
• Increased thirst
• Lethargy

If you think your older cat has kidney disease, it’s important to get them diagnosed by a vet who can prescribe the necessary treatment. You can also introduce cat kidney supplements to your cat's diet to try to help promote kidney health and manage symptoms. 

Arthritis is another condition that commonly affects humans and cats as they age. It refers to painful stiffness and inflammation of the joints, which can affect mobility. In cats, arthritis can occur anywhere in the body, but is most common in the legs and spine. While arthritis in cats is common in seniors because of the natural ageing process, it can also develop in younger cats who have suffered an injury or if their joints haven’t developed properly. 

The common signs of arthritis include: 

• Difficulty jumping or climbing stairs.
• Limping or stiffness.
• Hiding and grooming themselves more than usual.
• Unkempt or matted fur at difficult spots to reach without twisting, like their backs or bottoms. 
• Swollen or hot joints
• Grumpy behaviour, especially when you go to pet them. 

If you notice any of these symptoms or have a cat you suspect may have arthritis, contact your vet immediately for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for arthritis in cats, but the condition can be managed to help improve your cat’s quality of life. This will most likely include pain relief such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) along with cat joint supplements, or possibly even physical therapy or surgery to help manage the condition. 

If your cat has recently been diagnosed with arthritis, here are some tips to help make them more comfortable while at home:

• Give your cat a nice, comfy bed at an easy-to-reach height.
• Use raised food bowls to help minimise the amount your cat needs to bend down. 
• Manage their diet closely. Ensure your cat is a healthy weight, as extra pounds can put unnecessary strain on its joints, greatly increasing the risk of arthritis in cats. 
• Switch to a joint-specific cat food made with ingredients which can help protect your cat’s joints. (Please note, these may not work for all cats and always consult your vet before making any changes to your cat’s diet)
• Change to a low-sided litter tray so your cat can get in and out easily
• Use ramps around the house where possible so your cat can still watch the world from higher up without needing to jump 
• Keep your cat warm. Colder temperatures can exacerbate stiffness and pain in your cat's joints.

While arthritis can’t be cured, you can try to prevent it from developing by ensuring your cat stays at a healthy body weight, gets plenty of exercise, eats appropriate food for its age and lifestyle. 

An estimated 50-90% of cats over the age of 4 have some kind of dental disease, and these odds only increase the older they get. Cats can become more susceptible to a number of dental diseases as they get older, such as stomatitis, gingivitis (gum disease), and tooth resorption (when the tooth starts breaking from the inside).

Dental disease in cats is caused by the same factors as human dental disease, including a build-up of plaque and tartar and excess bacteria in the mouth. Many of these dental diseases can cause swelling in your cat’s gums or mouth, making it difficult and even painful for them to chew. While most of these diseases can be treated (and prevented with regular tooth brushing), some extreme measures can be tooth extraction, which can significantly impact your cat’s ability to eat. 

When it comes to your cat’s teeth, the sooner you can get them diagnosed and treated, the better. Some of the key things to look for include: 

• Swelling and redness in the gums
• Pain or discomfort
• Bleeding where the tooth and gums meet 
• Drooling
• Bad breath

If you notice any of the above symptoms or want to know more about preserving your cat’s dental health, consult your vet. Prevention is always the better choice regarding your cat's teeth. You can learn more about caring for your cat's teeth in our Cat Dental Guide, or browse our complete range of cat dental products here. 

You may begin to notice, as your cat gets older, that they begin to experience bathroom-related problems, such as constipation, as their digestive systems struggle to digest their food as well as they once did. Constipation in older cats can also be caused by dehydration, pain, issues with muscle movement or even an underlying condition, and should always be taken seriously.

If your cat struggles to pass its stool, it can cause incredible discomfort. If the issue is recurring, you should consult your vet as soon as possible. Combating dehydration is the first step to helping your cat with constipation, so it may be time to switch to wet food or even a food with added digestion support. 

Cats may also begin to seem less interested in their food as they age, which can be a concern for many owners. This is because, as they age, a cat’s sense of smell can decrease, making their food less appealing. You can try feeding your cat in smaller increments throughout the day, as and when they get hungry, or by switching to a particularly smelly cat food that entices their sense of smell. If you tend to feed your cat kibble, adding a small amount of wet food can help to encourage them to eat too.

Certain medications can also impact your cat's digestive system, so some vets recommend combining a cat probiotic supplement with your cat's diet to help support their gut microbiota. 

One commonality between senior cats and young kittens is that their immune systems are weaker than that of a healthy adult cat. A compromised immune system means your cat's body no longer has the internal defences to fight infections or viruses. This can be a problem if your cat already has a chronic condition impacting their daily health, such as in FIV-positive cats.

Some of the diseases your cat could contract (such as cat flu or feline leukaemia virus) can be vaccinated against with annual boosters from your vet, while maintaining your cat's flea and worming routine can keep them protected from parasite-borne illnesses, such as flea anaemia, worm infestations, and Lyme Disease.

By remaining proactive with your cat's preventative health routine, you can significantly reduce their risk of contracting potentially life-threatening illnesses, especially in senior cats. 

Cats are typically very good at regulating their temperature as they do it constantly to the point that their core body temperature rarely changes, ranging between 37.5 and 39.1°C. When cats get hot, they lick themselves more frequently, covering their coats in saliva, which creates a cooling sensation as it evaporates. When the temperature starts to cool down in the Autumn and throughout the Winter, cats are great at using their intelligence to find the warmest spots in the house to curl up and snooze, usually near a heat source (such as your lap or a radiator) to stay nice and cosy.  

As your cat ages, they may struggle to maintain their internal temperature and become more sensitive to extreme or sudden changes. Learning how to keep your cat warm is essential for older cats, especially if they struggle with joint issues, which can be exacerbated by the cold. Make sure your older cat has a nice, warm, snuggly bed to relax in close to a radiator or other heat source and kept away from drafts. In the warmer months, you can help keep your cat cool by providing plenty of shady spots and ensuring fresh water is constantly available. 

If your cat is allowed outdoors, you may need to keep them inside during extreme heat or cold, even if they seem fine. They may not be happy being kept in, but it can be much better for them in the long run. 

The skin and coats of older cats tend to have much less elasticity than when they were younger, making the skin much more susceptible to injury. Their coat may also appear slightly tatty, whereas it was silky smooth. This is a natural part of the ageing process and isn't a cause for concern. 

Older cats, particularly those with mobility issues, may be unable to groom themselves as diligently as before or struggle to reach certain areas. Brushing your cat regularly can help manage their coat by removing dead hair and skin and spreading your cat's natural oils through their coat. We'd also recommend keeping some cat-safe cleaning wipes to hand so you can help clean areas your cat can't reach. 

You can also try introducing skin and coat supplements packed with essential fatty acids and skin-nourishing vitamins to help maintain their skin and coat health. 

Ageing is an entirely natural process that we all must go through, even our furry friends. You must alter their care as they age to help prevent age-related health issues and give them extra comfort in their twilight years. This may mean a change in diet, making the house easier for them to get around, adding supplements, or even helping them with their grooming routine.

As much as we wish otherwise, ageing is a natural part of your cat’s life, and unfortunately, it can mean your time with them may be drawing to an end. The best you can do during these golden years is make sure that your cat is happy, as healthy as possible and, most importantly, loved. Then, when you say goodbye, you can do so knowing you did your very best for them. 

If you're looking to help your senior cat feel and live better in their golden years, why not check out our complete range of cat healthcare essentials, from veterinary foods to condition-specific supplements. 

This post is an opinion and should only be used as a guide. You should discuss any change to your pet’s care or lifestyle thoroughly with your vet before starting any program or treatment.