Senior Cat Behaviour Changes: What Is Normal and What Needs a Vet
Cats are considered senior from around age 11. Behaviour changes are common in older cats, but many are medical rather than simply age-related, and most are treatable.
Vet guidance: If your cat is showing sudden behaviour changes, signs of pain, or any change in urination, please contact your vet promptly.
What counts as normal ageing
Sleeping more
Cats sleep a lot at all ages, but senior cats sleep significantly more. An older cat may now sleep for 18 to 20 hours a day. This is generally normal, provided they are still eating, drinking, and grooming appropriately.
Slowing down
An older cat who was once an acrobat may no longer jump to the top of the wardrobe. Reduced athleticism is a normal part of ageing, but should be distinguished from reduced mobility caused by pain. See the arthritis section below.
Changes in coat condition
Senior cats often groom less efficiently, leading to a coat that is less well-maintained than in youth. A cat who stops grooming entirely may be in pain or unwell. Some decline in coat condition is normal ageing.
Increased vocalisation
Some older cats become more talkative. If this develops gradually and is consistent with their general health, it may simply be a personality change. If it is sudden, particularly at night, or accompanied by other symptoms, it needs investigating.
Behaviour changes that always need a vet
Night-time yowling and disorientation
The most common cause of significant night-time vocalisation in older cats is Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS), a condition affecting brain function in senior cats similar to Alzheimer's disease. Signs include vocalisation at night, apparent confusion or disorientation, standing in the middle of the room looking lost, using the litter tray incorrectly, and changes in sleep patterns. It cannot be cured but medication and environmental adjustments can improve quality of life significantly.
Changes in appetite and weight
Weight loss is common in older cats and can have many causes including dental pain, hyperthyroidism, kidney disease, diabetes, or reduced digestive efficiency. Unexplained weight loss always warrants a vet visit. Sudden increased appetite with weight loss should also be checked as it is a classic sign of hyperthyroidism.
Increased thirst and urination
Drinking significantly more water than usual is associated with several senior-cat conditions: kidney disease, diabetes, and hyperthyroidism. Most of these are manageable if caught early. A urine and blood test at your vet can identify the cause.
Litter tray difficulties
An older cat who begins missing the tray or urinating in unusual places may have joint pain that makes getting into and out of a high-sided tray difficult, a urinary or kidney condition, or cognitive decline. Switching to a large, low-sided tray and ensuring trays are on every floor helps many older cats. A vet check is still important.
New aggression
An older cat who was previously calm and becomes aggressive, particularly when touched in a specific area or when approached while sleeping, is most likely in pain. Have it investigated rather than assuming it is a personality change.
Supporting your senior cat
Accessibility: Provide steps or ramps to favourite sleeping spots. Use low-sided litter trays. Keep food and water on every floor.
Warmth: Older cats feel the cold more. Provide a heated pet pad or self-warming bed in their favourite sleeping spots.
Routine: Consistency is even more important for older cats, particularly those showing early signs of cognitive change. Keep feeding times and household routines as stable as possible.
Veterinary check-ups: Senior cats benefit from bi-annual vet checks rather than annual ones. Many conditions are much more manageable when caught early.
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Frequently asked questions
At what age is a cat considered senior?
Most vets classify cats as mature from 7 to 10 years, senior from 11 to 14, and geriatric from 15 onwards. Individual ageing varies considerably. Some 15-year-old cats are remarkably active; some 10-year-olds are already showing significant age-related changes.
My older cat has started yowling at night. Why?
Night-time vocalisation in older cats is frequently linked to cognitive dysfunction syndrome, hyperthyroidism, or pain. It should always be investigated by a vet rather than assumed to be a normal part of ageing.
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