Better Lives for Senior Cats: The Result of a Cooperative Effort

Statistics show that cats, like people, are living longer, thanks to advances in veterinary science, nutrition, and therapeutics, as well as an increase in the proportion of cats living indoors or whose access to the outdoors is restricted to leash-walks and/or escape-proof enclosed structures. In fact, the percentage of housecats aged six and above has doubled over the last 25 years. This coincides with a growing appreciation for cats as a unique species with a unique physiology and set of behavioral needs, requiring customized care both from a veterinary and lifestyle perspective. With continued progress, more and more cats will thrive long into their golden years.

Both you and your veterinarian contribute to your cat's quality of life as he or she gets older. You provide a home environment that is non-stressful yet fulfilling to your cat, and your veterinarian diagnoses your cat's physical condition, attends to his or her medical needs, and offers advice on wellness and preventive measures. Of course, you bring your cat in for regular veterinary checkups and consult with your veterinarian when you notice unusual or unexplained changes in your cat's appearance or behavior.

Time Flies

It may seem like only yesterday that you brought home that playful, bouncy kitten. But by age seven, your cat has entered middle age. By twelve years of age your cat is becoming a senior citizen, and by fifteen she is considered "geriatric" (see chart below). While the average lifespan for a spayed or neutered housecat is 14-16 years, many felines are now living into their late teens and even their early twenties.

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