Cats are considered senior at about seven years of age. As they age, their nutritional needs, health risks, and care requirements change in ways that deserve deliberate attention from their owners.
Changes to Expect
The aging process affects every organ system, though the rate and manner varies significantly between individual cats. Common age-related changes include decreased kidney function (very common), hyperthyroidism (especially in cats over eight), reduced sense of smell (which reduces appetite), stiffening of joints, reduced visual and auditory acuity, and changes in sleep-wake cycles.
Nutrition for Senior Cats
Senior cats benefit from diets formulated for their life stage, which typically means slightly higher protein digestibility, modified mineral content for kidney support, and added omega fatty acids for coat and joint health. However, not all senior cat foods are created equal — read ingredient lists carefully and choose foods where a named meat source is the first ingredient.
More Frequent Vet Visits
Senior cats should see a veterinarian at least twice a year — not just once. Blood work should be run annually to establish baseline values and monitor for early kidney disease, thyroid dysfunction, and other conditions that are far more treatable when caught early. Many veterinarians recommend semi-annual blood panels and urinalysis for cats over ten.