Mature Cats

7-10yrs (44-56 human years)

These middle aged, know what they want felines are wise but can still outplay a kitten if they feel the need.

It is around this age though that some pet parents start to notice a difference in what their cat likes to eat, a change in behavior or alternating energy levels.

These could be normal signs of the ageing process or a subtle hint that something may be wrong and further investigation is needed.

Veterinary care required and how often to get it

Health checks and physical exams – every 6-12 months

Weight checks – can be done at physical exams or more often if you are concerned your cat is over or under weight

Vaccinations – every 1-3 years based on your cats needs

Worming – every 3-12 months based on you cats needs

Flea and tick prevention – monthly or less often depending on product used.

Blood pressure checks – recommended at physical exam or more often if indicated

Urine tests – dependent on physical exam findings or if indicated based on your pets individual needs.

Blood tests – dependent on physical exam findings or if indicated based on your pet’s individual needs.

Mature cats needs.

As our feline friends enter their mature years it is important for us to recognize their changing needs – they may want to be warmer during the winter months and similarly kept cooler during the heat of summer.

We should also be paying attention to how much water they are drinking at this age – drinking too much or too little can be a sign of chronic illness. The same goes for urination.

Around this phase of life we sometimes also see a need for diet change, they may need a food specific to any illnesses they may have accrued, or a change in protein due to allergies, or simply a change in texture.

Cats are very good at hiding pain and a sign they may be suffering from dental disease is as subtle as starting to prefer their wet food more then their dry food!

Although our mature cats are starting to slow down they still need enrichment. Any enrichment used for our younger felines can be used for our mature cats as well; they may just be slower or prefer to roll in catnip rather then chasing a catnip toy.