Health & Medical

At ten years old, my cat's veterinary schedule changed. Annual exams became biannual. Blood work replaced visual assessment. The vet explained that cats hide illness well, and by the time symptoms appear, disease is often advanced. Regular screening catches problems earlier, when treatment is simpler and outcomes better.

Dental care becomes critical in senior cats. Periodontal disease affects most cats over seven and progresses silently. Bad breath isn't normal — it's a symptom. Bleeding gums, dropped food, pawing at the mouth all indicate pain that senior cats endure rather than express. Professional cleaning under anesthesia prevents the dental disease that leads to tooth loss and systemic infection.

Mobility changes require home adjustments. Ramps replace stairs. Low-entry litter boxes replace high-sided ones. Soft bedding supports arthritic joints. These modifications don't indicate failure — they enable comfort. A senior cat who can navigate her home without pain lives better and maintains muscle longer than one who struggles.

Weight monitoring takes on new importance. Senior cats gain weight from reduced activity and lose it from dental pain or metabolic changes. Both extremes harm health. Monthly weigh-ins detect shifts early, allowing dietary adjustments before problems develop.

The emotional bond deepens with age. Senior cats often become more affectionate, seeking comfort in familiar routines and human presence. This attachment reflects trust, not regression. Honor it by maintaining the consistency they value — regular feeding times, familiar locations, gentle handling that respects their changing bodies.