Stay Healthy During the Golden Years
Great news for cat parents: Our cats are living longer than ever before. Just like people, cats have changing needs as they age. Here are some simple things you can do to help your senior cat stay healthy, happy, and vital.

When is my Cat a Senior?
While every cat is different, there are general guidelines to determine when they become "senior citizens." Cats are considered mature at seven to 10 years; senior at 11 to 14 years; and geriatric at 15 or older. Ultimately your cat’s genetics, nutrition and environment will all play a role in determining when they are a senior.
Make the Veterinarian Your First Stop
Regular check-ups are essential to your cat’s health, and become even more important as your cat ages. Age-related diseases can be subtle, and symptoms may be easy to miss. Through regular exams and blood tests, your veterinarian can establish a baseline of what is normal for your cat. This will help alert you when something is not right. If you notice any changes in your cat’s behaviour, appetite or energy level, be sure to check with your veterinarian. (Ed. note: Senior cats are advised to see a veterinarian every six months.)
Choose the Right Cat Food
Older cats that are less active need fewer calories. Try limiting portion sizes at mealtime. Obesity contributes to many diseases and puts more stress on your cat’s joints. There are special cat foods to improve issues with joint disease or mobility. Cats with kidney or heart disease may also need special nutrition. Your veterinarian can design a weight plan that addresses your cat’s specific nutritional needs and recommend if supplementation or specialised cat food will help. Come prepared with a list of questions to ask your veterinarian.
One of our staff authors prepared this article for you
Precisely balanced nutrition with a unique weight management formula and clinically proven antioxidants to help keep neutered cats in great shape.
Hill's Science Plan Mature Adult Cat Food with Salmon is a complete pet food, specially formulated with ActivBiome+ Multi-Benefit Technology.
This food supports graceful aging in cats, providing a synergistic ingredient blend to help support energy & activity levels.
Hill's Science Plan Kitten Wet Cat Food Premium Chunks in Sauce with Ocean Fish is a complete pet food for kittens and for pregnant or nursing cats
Precisely balanced nutrition with a unique weight management formula and clinically proven antioxidants to help keep neutered cats in great shape.
Learn about the warning signs, symptoms, and treatments of cat obesity and weight management in cats and the conditions that affect on your cat.
Learn how your cat's poo can be a good indicator of her overall health, including how to spot unhealthy or abnormal cat poop and what it might mean.
Cats with sensitive skin have special needs and even healthy cats can sometimes develop poor skin health. Learn more about sensitive skin symptoms in your cat, what you can do to help your pet feel more comfortable and get recommendations on sensitive skin cat food.
Learn about common eye problems in cats, such as conjunctivitis and corneal ulcers, as well as their causes, symptoms and treatment options
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.