Cats are good at hiding illness, and many changes develop gradually. A senior checkup for your cat is an extended health examination where we look for early signs of illness and assess changes that may be difficult to detect at home.
The goal is to detect treatable problems early and to establish measurements and test results that can be compared with later check-ups. At A-Vet, the clinical examination is combined with relevant tests and measurements tailored to the individual cat.
Senior check-up for cats – when should the cat be examined?
In the AAHA/AAFP life stage classification, cats over ten years of age are considered seniors. International Cat Care distinguishes between seniors aged 11–14 years and super seniors aged 15 years and over, as we also describe in the article about the cat's age and lifespanThe age limits are indicative; follow-up is adapted to the cat's health and needs.
The AAHA/AAFP recommends that senior cats be examined at least every six months. In cases of known illness or other needs, more frequent check-ups may be necessary. Which tests are taken, and how often, is determined on an individual basis. New symptoms should be evaluated as they arise – do not wait until the next scheduled senior check-up.
What do we examine during a senior check-up for a cat?
We begin with a thorough clinical examination. We assess, among other things:
- weight, posture and muscle mass
- teeth and oral cavity
- eyes and ears
- skin, fur and claws
- lymph nodes
- heart and lungs
- the abdomen, including the size and shape of organs that can be assessed by palpation
- joints, back, muscles and mobility
- bullets or other new changes
In cats, signs of illness can be very subtle. Gradual weight loss, reduced muscle mass, poorer coat care, less jumping or altered social behavior can be significant even if the cat is still eating and appears relatively normal.
Blood tests at senior check-ups
Blood tests can show changes that are not necessarily visible during a clinical examination. Previous test results are also useful because development over time is often more important than a single measurement.
Blood count – CBC
A complete blood count, or CBC (complete blood count), measures red and white blood cells and platelets, among other things. The test can provide information about anemia, inflammatory reactions and other changes in the blood cells, among other things.
Biochemical blood profile
The biochemical profile provides information about kidney and liver function, blood sugar, proteins and electrolytes, among other things. The results are considered together with the cat's medical history and findings during the examination.
In older cats, chronic kidney disease, high metabolism, and diabetes are important issues. Blood tests can help detect changes before symptoms become apparent at home.
Metabolism – T4
High metabolism, or hyperthyroidism, is a common disease in older cats. Measuring thyroxine (T4) can therefore be a relevant part of the senior screening. Typical signs may include weight loss despite a good or increased appetite, restlessness, increased thirst or changes in coat and behavior.
What is SDMA?
SDMA is a marker of kidney function that can rise earlier than creatinine in cases of reduced kidney function. An elevated SDMA value is not a diagnosis on its own. The result is assessed together with, among other things, creatinine, urine concentration, blood pressure and development over time.
Urine test and kidney function
A urine sample can provide important information that cannot be obtained from blood tests alone. We can, among other things, examine how concentrated the urine is and look for protein, glucose, blood, cells and other changes.
Urinalysis is particularly useful in assessing kidney disease, diabetes, and urinary tract disease. The results are interpreted in conjunction with blood tests and other examinations.
Blood pressure is especially important in older cats
High blood pressure occurs in older cats, especially in conjunction with conditions such as chronic kidney disease and high metabolism. Persistent high blood pressure can damage the eyes, kidneys, brain and heart, among other things.
Blood pressure is measured while the cat is awake, usually with a small cuff around a leg or tail. The measurement is done as calmly as possible because stress can affect the result.
Signs to watch for at home
In cats, it is often small changes in habits and behavior that come first. Pay particular attention to:
- weight loss or decreased muscle mass
- increased thirst or urination
- changed appetite
- the cat jumps less or hesitates before jumping
- stiffness after rest
- poor coat care or matted fur
- bad breath or trouble eating
- increased restlessness or more noise at night
- changed social behavior or increased irritability
- changes in vision or hearing
Age is not a diagnosis
An older cat who jumps less may not just be “getting old.” Reduced activity may be due to osteoarthritis or other pain. Increased thirst may be due to kidney disease, diabetes, or a high metabolism, and weight loss may have several medical causes.
Cats often show pain and illness as changes in activity and behavior rather than obvious symptoms. Therefore, it is important to take gradual changes seriously. Read more about signs of pain in cats.
Kidney disease can develop gradually
Chronic kidney disease in cats is common in older cats and can develop before symptoms become apparent, so we do not assess kidney function based on a single value.
Creatinine and SDMA provide information about kidney function, while urine concentration, any protein excretion, and blood pressure can provide important additional information. Changes between several checks can be particularly informative.
The senior check is tailored to the individual cat.
A senior check-up for a cat is always tailored to the individual patient. Age, previous illnesses, medications, lifestyle and what you have observed at home affect which examinations and tests are most relevant.
Therefore, tell us about small changes you have noticed, even if you are unsure whether they are significant. Changes in weight, thirst, appetite, jumping, grooming, sleep or behavior can provide important information.
You can find current prices and information about senior surveys in our price listCall us at 33 13 98 40 if you are unsure whether a senior check for cats is appropriate for your cat.
Do you also have an older dog? Read about senior check for dog.
Sources
AAHA/AAFP: Feline Life Stage Guidelines (2021); AAFP: Feline Senior Care Guidelines (2021); International Cat Care: Wellness programs.
