Senior Cat Health Check

When is my cat considered a senior?

The average cat has a lifespan of 15 to 20 years. Advances in veterinary treatments and nutrition alongside a tendency to keep indoor-only cats has contributed to this longer life expectancy.

Even so, cats over the age of seven to eight years old are considered senior. This is not based on their lifespan, but rather on their biology and the physical changes that begin to occur at this time. As they age, a cat’s dietary, exercise, and health care needs will change, so it is important that you monitor these changes closely.

Signs that your cat is aging

Cats often show fewer obvious signs of illness, which makes senior cat wellness checks especially important. Cats are typically considered senior from 7 years of age, and many health issues go unnoticed without routine screening.

• excessive thirst or urination
• significant increase or decrease in appetite
• lethargic behaviour – reluctance to move around
• reluctance to jump on beds or lounges
• changes to their skin or coat e.g. lumps or bumps
• significant increase or decrease to their weight
• constipation or diarrhoea
• vomiting
• hypertension (high blood pressure)
• hissing more when touched or patted
• meowing more
• heart murmur or rapid heart rate
• breathing difficulties
• overgrown or brittle nails

These signs may indicate:

• Kidney disease
• Thyroid disease
• Diabetes
• Arthritis
• Dental disease
• Cognitive decline
• Cancer

Because cats compensate so well, wellness blood screening is one of the most effective tools for early detection.

If you notice that your cat is displaying any of these signs, speak with your local Greencross Vets about developing a care program to help you meet their evolving health requirements.

Why regular health exams are essential for older cats

As pets age, their health needs change — often quietly. Many senior cats develop medical conditions that progress slowly and show only subtle signs at home. Regular senior cat wellness checks are one of the most effective ways to detect disease early, manage pain proactively, and support a longer, healthier life.

Ageing doesn’t have to mean discomfort. With the right monitoring and care, senior cats can continue to enjoy excellent quality of life well into their later years.

Cats age faster than humans. Once they reach their senior years, even small health changes can represent significant internal shifts.

Senior wellness checks are important because:

• Cats instinctively hide pain and illness
• Many age-related diseases develop before visible symptoms
• Early detection improves treatment outcomes
• Preventative care can slow disease progression
• Regular monitoring provides year-to-year health comparisons

Routine health checks allow your vet to identify issues early — often before your pet appears unwell — enabling earlier intervention and better long-term comfort.

Problems faced by aging cats

Always pay attention to changes in your cat. They hide their feelings well, so if they’re ill or something is wrong, it can be hard to identify. Senior cats have special health needs that are different to those of adult cats and kittens. Being able to detect changes in your senior cat’s behaviour and habits early, and scheduling regular health checks with your veterinarian, will help to maintain their good health and prevent serious illnesses and diseases.

Dietary requirements

Monitor your senior cat’s weight and ensure their diet is meeting all of their nutritional needs as they age (for example food that will support their joints). Older cats also require food that is easy to digest. If you are unsure of what’s best for your senior cat, reach out to your local Greencross Vet who will provide your cat with the right food for their age.

Joint and mobility issues

Older cats are likely to develop arthritis, the symptoms of which are often mistaken to be part of a cat’s normal aging process. Look out for your senior cat becoming less active, sleeping more or being unable to reach their favourite perching places due to joint pain hindering their mobility. Help your cat by keeping their bedding and toys in accessible areas and providing them with food and supplements that promote joint health.

Improved dental care

Senior cats are susceptible to dental diseases that have built up throughout their lives. Inspect your cat’s mouth and gums regularly and maintain their dental health through specific diets, treats, and toys. If you notice yellow teeth, bleeding gums or other issues, book an appointment with your Greencross Vet for a dental checkup before the problem worsens.

Chronic kidney disease

As they age, many cats experience kidney damage where their kidneys degenerate and become unable to filter toxins and waste from their body. This waste then builds up in their bloodstream and causes them to become unwell. While this damage is irreversible, if the disease is detected early, there are treatments available to maintain the health of the remaining parts of the kidney. Less serious conditions such as urinary tract diseases can lead to the development of chronic kidney disease, so be sure to take your senior cat in for regular vet checkups, especially if you notice any adverse symptoms.

Why wellness blood tests are essential for senior cats

A senior pet wellness blood test provides valuable insight into organ function and overall health — often before symptoms are visible.

Blood screening can help detect:

• Kidney and liver disease
• Hormonal imbalances
• Inflammation or infection
• Early organ dysfunction
• Changes that may indicate cancer

Regular testing allows your vet to track changes over time, adjust treatment plans early, and improve long-term outcomes.

Senior Wellness Package: Proactive Care for Ageing Pets

To support early detection and preventative care, we offer a Senior Wellness Package tailored specifically for senior cats.

Senior Wellness Package Includes

• Nurse Assessment
  Temperature, pulse and respiration rate, diet discussion and checking coat and nails
• Veterinary Consultation
  Comprehensive physical examination
• Wellness Blood Screen
  Early detection of internal disease

Valued at $349 — now only $249 – Save $100

Book a Senior Cat Wellness Check Today

If your cat is entering their senior years — or you’ve noticed even subtle changes — now is the right time to act.  

Book and attend a wellness check appointment by 31 May 2026. 

Quote code SNRCAT100 at the time of your appointment.

Early detection saves lives — and helps ensure your cat thrives in their senior years.

Book an Appointment