Senior Cats
We love to see senior cats!
Once cats are over 7 years of age they are considered seniors. As your cat ages, you may start noticing some lifestyle or behavioural changes, and whilst this is perfectly normal for older animals, it can be indicative of a health condition.
The Vets on Parker team is here to support your pet through every stage of life
As pets age, many health changes happen quietly. Our Healthy Ageing Assessment is designed to identify early changes before symptoms become obvious, helping us support your pet’s long-term health and wellbeing.
Why does healthy ageing matter?
Pets are experts at hiding illness and discomfort. Changes such as slowing down, sleeping more, or shifts in appetite are often put down to “just getting older,” but can sometimes be early signs of conditions such as:
- Arthritis and mobility changes
- Kidney or liver disease
- Endocrine (hormonal) conditions
- Dental disease
- Cognitive decline
The earlier we identify these changes, the more options we have to support your pet’s quality of life.
What's included?
Our Healthy Ageing Assessment is a check-up tailored specifically for ageing pets. It goes beyond a standard consultation to give a deeper understanding of your pet’s health.
- Comprehensive physical examination
- Weight, body condition and muscle condition scoring
- Mobility and joint health evaluation
- Discussion of behaviour, appetite and lifestyle changes
- Personalised health recommendations
This package also includes:
- Comprehensive blood testing
- Urine analysis
- Blood pressure measurement
These tests help identify changes early, often before symptoms appear.
If we identify anything that may benefit from closer attention, we’ll take the time to discuss the findings with you and develop a personalised plan for your pet’s care. Any recommended follow-up tests or treatments are optional and will always be discussed and quoted before proceeding.
Is my pet eligible?
As a guide:
- Dogs: From 7 years of age (5 years for giant breeds over 40kg)
- Cats: From 8 years of age
The Healthy Ageing Assessment bundle is available once every 12 months for eligible pets.
Expert care across every stage of your pet's life
Our focus at Vets on Parker is on understanding your pet as an individual and providing thoughtful, evidence-based care. With compassionate guidance and tailored recommendations, we’re here to support both you and your pet as they age.
Ready to support your pet’s next stage?
If your pet is entering their golden years, we’re ready to support both of you with personalised care, practical advice, and a proactive approach to healthy ageing.
- Comprehensive Wellness Exam
- Diagnostic Blood Screening
- Urine Analysis
- Blood Pressure Measurement
At Vets on Parker we recommend twice yearly health checks for senior cats. Your precious feline friend ages seven times faster than us so regular health checks are an important part of keeping them comfortable and happy as they age.
Dental disease
Untreated dental disease is very common in senior cats. As your cat ages, regular wear and tear on their teeth and gums compromises their dental health. Most owners assume that if their cat has teeth problems, they will show symptoms. However, in most cases, cats will just learn to eat in a way that avoids aggravating their condition or simply tolerate the pain.
High blood pressure
Suffering from high blood pressure? – Your cat could be too!! High blood pressure is very common in cats and can be associated with elevated thyroid hormones, kidney disease and even blindness. Just like in humans it is easy to measure and can unearth an otherwise silent killer.
Blood testing
Annual blood testing for pets over seven years old is also an excellent way of detecting disease. Kidney and thyroid disease is very common in our aging cats. Unfortunately, cats are the ultimate pretenders and are very good and hiding these illnesses from us. The good news is that we can diagnose these conditions with a simple blood test! Blood can be taken without sedation and test results are received very quickly.
Arthritis
We also often see arthritis in senior cats. This is a painful disease. Happily, arthritis can be easily managed with medication and a few lifestyle changes. Common signs of arthritis in cats include a reluctance to jump, and a cease in grooming habits. If you’ve noticed any of these behaviours in your senior cat, please talk to your vet.
Need an appointment?
Where your pet’s unwell, or it’s time for a general check-up or vaccination, your furry friend is in good hands. Book online to see our expert Vets on Parker!
Contact Details
Opening Hours
Monday – Friday: 8am – 7pm
Saturday: 8am – 4pm
Sunday: 10:00 am – 12:00pm
