10 Signs Your Cat Is Getting Older
Cats are masters at hiding discomfort. Knowing what to look for helps you catch age-related changes early.
1. Sleeping More Than Usual
A mild increase is normal, but a dramatic change combined with reduced interest in food or play can signal pain, anemia, or organ disease.
2. Reluctance to Jump or Climb
If your cat hesitates before jumping onto the couch or seems stiff getting up, arthritis may be developing. Cats hide pain extremely well — this is one of the most underdiagnosed conditions.
3. Coat Becoming Dull or Matted
When grooming drops off, it is usually because bending and twisting causes discomfort. A dull, greasy, or matted coat in an older cat warrants a vet visit.
4. Increased Thirst and Urination
Classic signs of hyperthyroidism, diabetes, or chronic kidney disease — the three most common serious illnesses in cats over 10.
5. Unexplained Weight Change
Weight loss in a senior cat is almost always a medical issue. Monthly weigh-ins help you catch changes before they become severe.
6. Behavioral Changes
Increased vocalization (especially at night), new aggression, confusion, or litter box changes can indicate cognitive dysfunction, pain, hyperthyroidism, or hypertension.
7. Changes in Eyes
Cloudiness is often benign (nuclear sclerosis), but haziness in the iris or sudden vision loss can indicate hypertension. Annual eye exams are important after age 10.
8. Dental Disease and Bad Breath
Over 85% of cats over 3 have some dental disease. In older cats this becomes painful and can cause sudden changes in eating habits.
9. Changes in Eating Habits
Eating less may indicate dental pain or organ failure. Eating more despite weight loss is a hallmark of hyperthyroidism.
10. Disorientation and Confusion
Feline cognitive dysfunction syndrome affects over 50% of cats over 15. Signs include getting lost in familiar spaces, forgetting routines, staring blankly, and nighttime yowling.
When to Call the Vet
If you notice two or more of the above signs, schedule a senior wellness exam. Many conditions — hyperthyroidism, diabetes, hypertension — are highly manageable when caught early.