Five signs your senior cat is due for a checkup

Cats are built to hide weakness, so the early signs of age-related illness are easy to miss. Once a cat reaches about ten, twice-yearly exams help us catch things like kidney disease, thyroid problems, and arthritis while they're still manageable.

What to watch for

1. Drinking or urinating more. Often the first sign of kidney or thyroid disease.
2. Weight loss despite a good appetite. Common with an overactive thyroid.
3. Less jumping or grooming. Usually a sign of joint pain rather than laziness.
4. Changes in litter-box habits. Worth a same-week visit.
5. Hiding or shifts in temperament. Cats withdraw when they don't feel well.

Why bloodwork helps

A senior blood panel shows us organ function long before symptoms appear. Paired with a good physical exam, it's the most reliable way to add comfortable years to your cat's life.

If you've noticed any of these, book a senior visit and we'll take a careful look.