Senior cats: behaviour changes that deserve veterinary attention

Short answer: cats tend to hide discomfort, and behaviour changes are often the first sign that something has changed. In senior cats, changes in appetite, thirst, weight, litter box use, sleep and mobility deserve assessment by a veterinarian and should not be put down to age alone.

When a cat is senior

Generally from 10 years old, with more frequent vet visits. Many cats live well for years beyond that age with follow-up.

Changes that deserve attention

1. Appetite: eating much more, much less or stopping.
2. Thirst and urine: drinking and urinating noticeably more.
3. Weight: losing weight without a diet or gaining quickly.
4. Litter box: urinating or defecating outside it, or struggling to get in.
5. Mobility: jumping less, hesitating on stairs, stiffness when getting up.
6. Coat and grooming: stopping licking itself or having matted fur.
7. Sleep and voice: meowing at night, seeming lost or disoriented.
8. Mood: hiding more, becoming irritable or avoiding contact.
9. Breathing and mouth: strong bad breath, trouble chewing or breathing.

What to do

Book an appointment. The sooner the vet assesses, the more care options exist. Do not wait for it to get worse.

When it is urgent

Trouble breathing, repeated vomiting, inability to urinate, seizures or severe apathy require immediate care.

How to prepare

Record what changed and since when, take short videos of worrying behaviours and bring a list of foods and medicines.

Everyday care

Make the litter box, water and soft beds easy to reach. Never give human medicines to a cat: some, such as paracetamol, are toxic.

Why age alone does not explain it

Many people assume a quieter or thinner cat is simply ageing. In practice, many changes have treatable or manageable causes, and identifying them early usually improves the animal's comfort and quality of life.

Notes

This text is informational and does not diagnose. Only a veterinarian can assess your cat.