Senior

Senior

Senior2026-02-06T23:16:20+13:00

Looking after your senior cat

Looking after your senior cat

Here’s what you need to know about vet visits, nutrition and everyday care for a senior cat.

Common health conditions and everyday care

Common health conditions and everyday care

Learn how to spot and manage the most common health issues that affect senior cats, and how everyday care can help prevent them.

Check your cat for arthritis signs

Is your cat showing subtle stiffness or slowing down? Use our quick arthritis assessment tool to spot early signs, then book a vet review for tailored care.

Check your cat for arthritis signs

Is your cat showing subtle stiffness or slowing down? Use our quick arthritis assessment tool to spot early signs, then book a vet review for tailored care.

Fact or fiction: myth busting cancer in pets

Fact or fiction: myth busting cancer in pets

Is a lump or bump on a senior pet definitely cancer? Dr David explains the truth about signs of cancer in senior pets.

Pet age calculator

Curious to know how old your cat really is in human years? Answer a few quick questions to discover their true age and life stage.

Pet age calculator

Curious to know how old your cat really is in human years? Answer a few quick questions to discover their true age and life stage.

More ways to keep your cat happy and healthy

More ways to keep your cat happy and healthy

Check out our vet-approved advice on cat safety, nutrition, training, health and everything in between.

FAQs

Your top senior cat questions, answered by the experts.

How old is a senior cat?2026-01-27T18:26:39+13:00

Cats typically start moving into their senior years around 7 years of age. If you’re not sure what stage of life your cat is in, check out our Pet Age Calculator.

Do senior cats eat less?2026-01-24T01:46:01+13:00

Yes, many senior cats do eat less as they age. Their metabolism slows down and activity levels often drop, which can mean they need fewer calories than they did as adults. Also, changes in taste or smell, dental sensitivity or early health issues can affect their appetite. Switch to senior-specific cat foods designed to support aging bodies and promote joint health, cognitive function and immune support. These foods typically contain lower calorie levels, higher levels of joint-supporting ingredients like glucosamine and chondroitin, and antioxidants to combat age-related cellular damage. Your vet can help you work out the ideal portion size and feeding schedule. Keep an eye on your cat’s weight and shape to make sure they’re getting the right amount.  

Do senior cats need vaccines?2026-01-27T18:27:07+13:00

Yes, vaccinations are still important for senior cats to help keep them safe from serious diseases like feline rhinotracheitis and feline calicivirus. Annual core vaccinations are all included in the Best for Pet Wellness Plan, so you can keep your pooch protected for one low monthly fee.

Do senior cats sleep more?2026-01-24T01:46:01+13:00

Older cats often sleep more than adult cats. A change in sleeping patterns is a normal part of ageing for many felines as their energy levels decrease and their bodies adjust to slower metabolism and joint changes. If you notice a big shift in their sleep habits – or they seem unusually tired – have a chat with your vet to rule out any underlying issues. But in most cases, more snoozing just comes with the senior territory.  

How long do cats live?2026-01-27T18:27:46+13:00

Indoor cats typically live around 12 to 15 years, and with great care some breeds can reach 20 years or more. Factors like diet, regular vet check-ups, breed and indoor vs outdoor environment all influence a cat’s lifespan. Our Wellness Plan covers the very best routine care like vaccinations, check-ups and preventative screenings for one low monthly fee, so you’ve got total peace of mind that you’re giving your cat the best chance of a long and healthy life.

How old is a senior cat?2026-01-27T18:26:39+13:00

Cats typically start moving into their senior years around 7 years of age. If you’re not sure what stage of life your cat is in, check out our Pet Age Calculator.

Do senior cats eat less?2026-01-24T01:46:01+13:00

Yes, many senior cats do eat less as they age. Their metabolism slows down and activity levels often drop, which can mean they need fewer calories than they did as adults. Also, changes in taste or smell, dental sensitivity or early health issues can affect their appetite. Switch to senior-specific cat foods designed to support aging bodies and promote joint health, cognitive function and immune support. These foods typically contain lower calorie levels, higher levels of joint-supporting ingredients like glucosamine and chondroitin, and antioxidants to combat age-related cellular damage. Your vet can help you work out the ideal portion size and feeding schedule. Keep an eye on your cat’s weight and shape to make sure they’re getting the right amount.  

Do senior cats need vaccines?2026-01-27T18:27:07+13:00

Yes, vaccinations are still important for senior cats to help keep them safe from serious diseases like feline rhinotracheitis and feline calicivirus. Annual core vaccinations are all included in the Best for Pet Wellness Plan, so you can keep your pooch protected for one low monthly fee.

Do senior cats sleep more?2026-01-24T01:46:01+13:00

Older cats often sleep more than adult cats. A change in sleeping patterns is a normal part of ageing for many felines as their energy levels decrease and their bodies adjust to slower metabolism and joint changes. If you notice a big shift in their sleep habits – or they seem unusually tired – have a chat with your vet to rule out any underlying issues. But in most cases, more snoozing just comes with the senior territory.  

How long do cats live?2026-01-27T18:27:46+13:00

Indoor cats typically live around 12 to 15 years, and with great care some breeds can reach 20 years or more. Factors like diet, regular vet check-ups, breed and indoor vs outdoor environment all influence a cat’s lifespan. Our Wellness Plan covers the very best routine care like vaccinations, check-ups and preventative screenings for one low monthly fee, so you’ve got total peace of mind that you’re giving your cat the best chance of a long and healthy life.

Still scratching your head?

Still scratching your head?

Sometimes senior cats need a little extra TLC. For answers and expert guidance, chat to your vet.

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