Senior Cat Care Guide: Diet, Health and Comfort for Cats Aged 7, 11 and 15+
Most cats are considered mature from about 7 years, senior from 11 and super senior from 15. As cats age, kidney disease, dental disease, arthritis and weight changes become more common, and cats are very good at hiding them. Six-monthly vet checks, a suitable senior diet, extra water and small home adjustments help older cats stay comfortable.
Key takeaways
- Life stages: mature 7–10 years, senior 11–14, super senior 15+.
- Book vet checks at least every six months from around 10 years, with blood tests, urine tests and blood pressure checks as your vet advises.
- Keep hydration up with wet food and fountains, because kidney disease is common in older cats.
- Both weight loss and weight gain matter. Weigh your cat monthly.
- Arthritis is common but often missed. Low-entry litter trays, ramps and warm beds make a big difference.
When is a cat considered a senior?
| Life stage | Age | What to focus on |
|---|---|---|
| Mature | 7–10 years | Watch weight closely, consider a 7+ diet, start dental care and annual blood tests if your vet recommends |
| Senior | 11–14 years | Six-monthly vet checks, kidney and thyroid screening, blood pressure, arthritis comfort |
| Super senior | 15+ years | More frequent checks (your vet may suggest every 3–4 months), easy-access set-up, monitoring appetite and behaviour |
These are guides only. Every cat ages differently, and an indoor cat at 12 may be fitter than an outdoor cat at 9.
How should a senior cat's diet change?
Many cats in the 7–10 range become less active and gain weight easily. Many cats over about 12 tend to lose weight, because they digest fat and protein less efficiently. A complete senior or 7+ diet is designed with these changes in mind. Options in store include Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Senior Chicken Recipe Dry Cat Food, Hill's Science Diet Senior 7+ Chicken Pouches and Senior 7+ Ocean Fish Pouches. For less active indoor seniors there are Hill's Science Diet Indoor Senior 7+ Dry Cat Food, Royal Canin Indoor 7+ Mature Dry and Royal Canin Indoor 7+ Mature Gravy pouches. You can browse the full senior and mature food range, which is currently mostly cat foods, or our indoor cat food collection.
Change food gradually over 7–10 days. If your cat has been diagnosed with kidney disease or another condition, your vet may recommend a therapeutic diet instead. Follow their advice over any general guide.
Why do kidney health and hydration matter more with age?
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is one of the most common conditions in older cats. Early signs are subtle: drinking more, urinating more (bigger clumps), weight loss, a poorer appetite or a dull coat. Blood and urine tests can often pick up changes before signs appear. That is one reason vets recommend regular screening.
Supporting hydration is sensible for any older cat. Include wet food, offer several water stations away from food and litter, and consider a fountain from our automatic water fountains. If you notice your cat suddenly drinking much more than usual, book a vet visit. See also our water fountain guide.
How common is dental disease in older cats?
Very common. Gum disease and tooth resorption can be painful, yet many cats keep eating. Signs include bad breath, drooling, chewing on one side, dropping food, pawing at the mouth or preferring soft food. Your vet should check your cat's teeth at every visit, and some cats will need a dental procedure under anaesthetic. At home, dental treats and diets may help slow tartar build-up. See our cat dental care range and Hill's Oral Care cat food review.
What do weight changes mean in a senior cat?
- Weight gain (more common at 7–10): reduces mobility and adds strain on joints. Measure meals, use puzzle feeders and encourage play.
- Weight loss (more common at 12+): can be due to ageing, but may also signal kidney disease, an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), diabetes, dental pain or other illness. Unexplained weight loss always deserves a vet check.
Weigh your cat monthly on kitchen or baby scales and keep a record. A loss of even 200–300 g matters in a 4 kg cat.
How can I tell if my old cat has arthritis?
Cats rarely limp. Instead, look for hesitating before jumping, jumping lower, using furniture as steps, sleeping more, grooming less (a scruffy back or hips), toileting just outside the tray and being grumpy when handled. Talk to your vet if you notice these signs. Pain relief options for cats have improved, and only your vet can prescribe them.
Home adjustments that help:
- Low-entry litter tray: choose an open tray with a low side, such as the ADS Pet Open Cat Litter Tray Large, or cut a low doorway into a tray. Avoid tall, top-entry boxes.
- Ramps and steps: give access to favourite windows, beds and sofas. A cat tree with a ramp, like the ADS Pet Natural Wood Cat Tree with Scratching Ramp, can help some cats. Watch that your cat uses it comfortably.
- Warm, soft beds in draught-free spots, especially through a Melbourne winter.
- Everything on one level: food, water and litter where your cat spends most time.
Some foods include joint-support ingredients, such as YUMGUARD Joint Health Chicken & Mackerel Senior 7+. You can also read about green-lipped mussels for cat joint health. Check with your vet before adding supplements.
What vet checks does a senior cat need?
Feline vet guidelines recommend a check at least every six months from about 10 years, and more often for healthy cats over 15 or cats with ongoing conditions. Your vet may suggest blood tests (kidney, liver and thyroid), a urine test and blood pressure measurement. High blood pressure is common in older cats and is linked to kidney disease and eye damage. Six months for a cat is roughly equivalent to two or more years for a person, so a lot can change between visits.
Do cats get dementia?
Older cats can develop cognitive dysfunction. Signs include loud crying at night, appearing lost or confused, staring at walls, changes in sleep patterns, toileting accidents and changes in how they interact with you. Many medical problems, including high blood pressure, hyperthyroidism and pain, can cause similar signs, so see your vet rather than assuming it is "just old age". Keeping routines predictable, using night lights and offering gentle play may help.
Looking for a cat tree? Older cats still enjoy height but need easy access: look for a low first step, like our 90 cm Flower Series trees. Read our cat tree buying guide or browse tall cat trees and floor-to-ceiling towers.
Frequently asked questions
At what age is a cat a senior?
Cats are generally considered mature from 7, senior from 11 and super senior from 15. Many cat foods use a 7+ label for the mature stage.
How often should a senior cat see the vet?
At least every six months from around 10 years, and more often for cats over 15 or with ongoing conditions. Your vet will recommend the right schedule.
Should I switch my cat to a senior food at 7?
Many cats benefit from a 7+ formula, especially if they are becoming less active. Change gradually over 7–10 days, and follow your vet's advice if your cat has a medical condition.
Why is my old cat losing weight even though she eats well?
Weight loss with a good appetite can be a sign of hyperthyroidism, diabetes or other illness. Please book a vet check rather than simply increasing food.
How can I make my home easier for an arthritic cat?
Use a low-entry litter tray, add ramps or steps to favourite spots, provide warm beds and keep food, water and litter on one level. Talk to your vet about pain relief.
Our team at ADS Pet Store in Moorabbin can help you compare senior cat foods, fountains and low-entry litter trays. Visit us at 39-47 Nelson St or call 0481 349 394. For health concerns, your vet is always the best first step.
Sources
Cat Urinary Health and Hydration: Signs, Emergencies and How to Help Your Cat Drink More
Dog Heatstroke and Summer Safety in Melbourne: Signs, First Aid and Prevention
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