At what age is a cat considered senior?

Under current feline life-stage guidelines, cats are “mature adults” from 7–10 years and “senior” from around 10 onward. Many vets begin closer monitoring from about age seven.

How often should a senior cat see the vet?

More than once a year. Veterinary guidance stresses that an annual visit isn't really enough for an ageing cat; many vets suggest a check roughly every six months, and more often if your cat has an ongoing condition.

My cat is old but seems fine — do I still need to do this?

Yes, and that's the ideal time. The whole point is to learn your cat's normal while it's well, so you can spot the small shifts later. A cat that “seems fine” is exactly the cat whose baseline is most useful.

Isn't it normal for old cats to slow down?

Isn't it normal for old cats to slow down?Some slowing is normal — but “slowing down” is also how arthritis and other treatable conditions disguise themselves. If your cat is doing less than it used to, it's worth a mention to your vet rather than an assumption.

Cats hide it when they are not well

Small changes in senior cats are easy to miss — and they are the ones worth catching early. Hilltop helps you know your cat's normal, and what to do when it shifts.

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The 8 quiet signs worth noticing as your cats gets older.

Conditions like arthritis, dental disease and kidney changes develop gradually, so early signs often look like normal ageing. Several small changes usually appear before any single obvious symptom.

Senior cat standing side-on showing a visible spine and ribs from age-related weight and muscle loss

A bonier spine or ribs, muscle loss, or a body that feels different

Older cat drinking from a water bowl, illustrating increased thirst in senior cats

Eating more or less than usual, or drinking more water than before

Senior cat stepping out of a litter tray, used to explain changes in urination and toileting habits

Larger or more frequent urine clumps, straining, or going outside the tray

Elderly cat with an unkempt, matted coat showing reduced grooming in older age

Grooming more or less, or a coat that looks unkempt, matted or greasy

Close-up of a senior cat's open mouth and teeth, illustrating dental problems and bad breath

Bad breath, dropping food, drooling, or preferring soft food to biscuits

Older cat hesitating at the base of a sofa, showing reduced jumping and stiffer movement

No longer jumping to favourite spots, or moving more stiffly

Senior cat hiding under furniture, illustrating behavioural changes and disturbed sleep

Hiding more, interacting less, or restless and yowling at night

Senior cat resting quietly, used to explain changes in breathing rate and lower energy

Faster or harder breathing at rest, or less active and playful than before

None of these is a diagnosis on its own — but together they show what has changed, and knowing your dog's normal is what makes small changes easy to spot.

Senior Cat Care

Noticed a change already?

Two or three small changes together are a good reason to book — even if each one seems minor on its own. We'd always rather see a cat for a change that turns out to be nothing than miss one that mattered.

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Growing Older Shouldn't Mean Being Seen Less

We're proud to care for older cats across Kalamunda, Gooseberry Hill, Lesmurdie, High Wycombe, Maida Vale, Forrestfield, Wattle Grove, and the surrounding hills communities.

Not rused consultations, same-day appointments when it matters, and a family-owned local team who help you spot the small changes early — and act on them.

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