Most vets consider a cat senior once it is older than 10. Some guides start the senior stage at 11 and add a geriatric stage from 15. The exact number matters less than watching your own cat and adjusting care as it slows down.
Senior cat age by guideline
| Source | Senior | Geriatric |
|---|---|---|
| AAHA/AAFP (2021) | Over 10 years | Not a separate stage |
| PurrAge calculator | 10 to 14 years | 14 years and older |
| Hill's Pet | 11 to 14 years | 15 years and older |
| Cornell Feline Health Center | 10 years and older | - |
The AAHA/AAFP guidelines say their age groupings are flexible, and a healthy cat just past 10 may still be treated as a mature adult at the vet's discretion. See all the stages in cat life stages.
Signs your cat is getting older
- Sleep and activity: more naps, less play, or restlessness at night.
- Mobility: hesitating to jump, using stairs more slowly, stiffness after resting.
- Eyes and senses: a hazy look to the eyes, and gradual changes in sight, hearing or smell.
- Coat and nails: a rougher coat, more matting, thicker or brittle nails.
- Weight: weight gain or, more often in later years, weight loss and loss of muscle.
- Behaviour: more vocal, clingier, less tolerant of stress, or confused about where the litter box is.
These changes usually come on gradually. A sudden change is more likely to signal illness than ageing, so mention it to your vet.
Common health risks in older cats
Cornell's Feline Health Center lists chronic kidney disease, diabetes, dental disease, hyperthyroidism and certain cancers as more common in older cats. Cats often hide illness until it is advanced, so the early signs below are worth acting on.
- Drinking or urinating more than usual
- Weight loss despite a good appetite, or a drop in appetite
- Bad breath, drooling, or dropping food
- Vomiting or diarrhoea that keeps coming back
- Accidents outside the litter box
How often should a senior cat see the vet?
At least every six months. Cornell recommends twice-yearly visits for cats aged 10 and over, and the AAHA/AAFP guidelines say senior cats should be seen at least every six months, more often with a chronic condition. Visits commonly include a weight check, dental exam and, depending on your vet's advice, bloodwork and a urine test.
Making home easier for an older cat
- Use a litter box with a low side so it is easy to step into.
- Add ramps or steps to favourite spots such as the bed or sofa.
- Offer warm, soft places to rest away from draughts.
- Keep food, water and litter close together and on one level.
- Help with grooming in places your cat can no longer reach.
- Keep routines steady and introduce changes slowly.
Feeding a senior cat
A good senior formula often meets an older cat's needs. If your cat is not drinking enough, your vet may suggest wet food. If a health problem develops, your vet may prescribe a therapeutic diet. Do not change your cat's food dramatically without advice, especially if it is losing weight.
What does senior mean in human years?
A cat at 11 is often compared with someone in their sixties, and a cat at 15 with someone in their mid-seventies. Conversions are only estimates. Try the PurrAge calculator or read how old your cat is in human years. Some breeds are known for living longer than others, as you can see in our breed lifespan guides.
Frequently asked questions
Is a 12-year-old cat old?
Yes, it is a senior. Many 12-year-olds are still active and healthy, but they benefit from regular checks and a comfortable home.
How long do senior cats live?
Many cats reach their mid-to-late teens, and some live into their twenties. Breed, health, weight and care all matter. See how long cats live and the oldest cats on record.
Why is my senior cat losing weight?
Weight loss in older cats can come from dental pain, kidney disease, an overactive thyroid, diabetes and other conditions. It is always worth a vet visit.
Should senior cats still be vaccinated?
Your vet will decide which vaccines your cat still needs based on its health and lifestyle, so ask at the next check.
This article is general information, not veterinary advice. If your cat is unwell, contact a vet.