This is one of the hardest parts of being a cat parent. Logically – and hopefully – we will outlive these beautiful beings we share our love and life with. And that means one day, we will have to let them go.
And no one really prepares you for that.
We sat down with integrative veterinarian Dr. Lindsey Wendt to talk about this delicate topic. How to support our cats through their senior years and end of life with clarity, compassion, and confidence?
If you are caring for a senior cat – or even just thinking ahead – this conversation is for you.
What Is Considered a “Senior” Cat?
This might surprise you.
Many veterinarians label cats as “senior” as early as 7–10 years old – not because they are nearing the end, but because this is when we need to become more proactive.
Being “senior” is not a death sentence. It is an invitation to:
Pay closer attention
Start routine monitoring
Catch changes early
Because the truth is many cats live well into their late teens and even 20s. In fact, the oldest living cats in the Guiness Book of World Record lived to be in their late 30s.
The Subtle Signs Most Cat Parents Miss
Cats are masters at hiding discomfort. Which means the signs are often quiet and easy to dismiss. Some of the most important early changes to watch for include:
Jumping less or hesitating before jumping
Changes in litter box habits
Slight shifts in behavior or mood
Increased water intake
Changes in grooming
Breathing differences at rest
Weight loss or gain
One of the biggest overlooked issues? Arthritis.
Many cats are not “slowing down because of age”. They are slowing down because they are simply uncomfortable. And when we catch these changes early, we can support them in powerful ways.
The Most Powerful Tool You’re Not Using
Dr. Wendt shared something we LOVE – and it is simple:
Start tracking your cat.
Monthly weight checks
Resting breathing rate
Appetite and water intake
Behavior patterns
And one of our favorite tools? Journaling. Write down what is normal for your cat. Because when something changes, you will know.
You can take videos or photos to track subtle differences over time. This is really helpful as well because all those photos and videos are time-stamped.
This simple practice of tracking and journaling basic norms is how we shift from reactive to proactive.
Why Baseline Testing Matters
One of the most valuable things you can do for your cat is establish their baseline while they are healthy.
Because lab “normal ranges” are not always your cat’s normal. Especially when it comes to cats being fed a fresh or raw food diet. Dr. Wendt points out it’s important to note that the established norms for these blood panels are established with kibble-fed cats.
Regular screening may include:
Blood work (including early kidney markers like SDMA)
Urinalysis
Blood pressure checks
These simple tools can help detect issues like kidney disease before symptoms appear. And early detection changes everything.
How Do You Know When It’s Time?
This is the question every cat parent asks. And it’s the hardest one to answer. There is no single moment. No flashing sign. But there are tools that can help guide you.
One of Dr. Wendt’s favorites is a quality of life scale – tracking things like:
Hunger
Hydration
Happiness
Mobility
Grooming
Over time, patterns begin to emerge. And here is something that really stayed with us:
If you are starting to ask the question… you are already paying attention in the right way.
A Gentle Shift: From Treatment to Comfort
At some point, the goal changes. We will go from being as proactive as possible and trying to fix anything that arises – to focusing on comfort and quality of life.
That might look like:
Prioritizing pain management
Creating warm, cozy resting spaces
Offering favorite foods or experiences
Reducing stress and expectations
And most importantly… Being present.
Your Energy Matters More Than You Think
Our cats feel us. If you’ve had a can for any length of time, you know just how ‘plugged in’ they are to your mood and energy.
When we are anxious, fearful, or overwhelmed… they feel it too.
Dr. Wendt emphasized the importance of regulating ourselves:
Breathwork
Time in nature
Journaling
Movement or stillness (whatever works for you)
Even just 5 intentional minutes of presence with your cat can be more powerful than hours spent distracted.
The Truth About “Waiting Too Long”
One of the most compassionate – and honest – things shared in this conversation: Many people wait too long. Not out of neglect… But out of love.
But sometimes, waiting until they are in crisis means we miss the opportunity for a peaceful transition. Dr. Wendt shared a perspective that may help: Better a day too early than an hour too late.
There is no perfect timing. Only love, intention, and doing the best we can.
The Most Important Thing to Remember
We know how overwhelming it is when we realize the time is fast approaching to say goodbye. It’s overwhelming because there is just so much love. Please remember that every decision you make from that place is the right one.
This stage of life is incredibly hard. But it is also sacred. It is where love shows up in its most selfless form.
Be present.
Give yourself grace.
And know – you are not alone in this.
FAQ
When is a cat considered a senior?
Most veterinarians consider cats to be “senior” between 8–10 years old, but this is not a sign that the end is near. Instead, it is a reminder to become more proactive with their health by monitoring changes, running routine lab work, and supporting their body as they age.
What are the early signs of aging in cats?
The earliest signs are often very subtle and easy to miss. These may include:
→ Jumping less or hesitating before jumping
→ Changes in litter box habits
→ Slight shifts in behavior or mood
→ Increased water intake
→ Weight loss or gain
→ Changes in grooming habits
→ Breathing changes at rest
Many of these are often dismissed as “just aging,” but they can be early indicators of discomfort or disease. Keep a journal to track any subtle changes you notice.
Do cats slow down naturally with age?
Some slowing down is normal, but significant changes are not. For example, a healthy senior cat should still be able to jump onto surfaces. If they are not, it may be due to pain (such as arthritis) rather than normal aging.
How can I monitor my senior cat’s health at home?
Simple, consistent tracking can make a big difference:
→ Weigh your cat monthly
→ Monitor appetite and water intake
→ Track behavior changes
→ Check resting breathing rate
→ Keep a journal or take videos to track subtle changes over time
Knowing what is normal for your cat helps you catch changes early.
What tests should senior cats have regularly?
Routine screening can help detect issues before symptoms appear. This may include:
→ Blood work (including kidney markers like SDMA)
→ Urinalysis
→ Blood pressure checks
Establishing a baseline when your cat is healthy allows for more accurate comparisons as they age.
How do I know if my cat is in pain?
Cats often hide pain, so the signs can be subtle. Watch for:
→ Reduced jumping or mobility
→ Changes in behavior (withdrawal or irritability)
→ Litter box avoidance
→ Overgrooming or lack of grooming
→ Changes in posture or activity
If you notice these changes, it is important to explore possible underlying discomfort.
How do I assess my cat’s quality of life?
Quality of life can be evaluated using simple tools or scales that consider:
→ Appetite and hydration
→ Mobility and comfort
→ Grooming habits
→ Happiness and engagement
→ Overall behavior
Tracking these over time can help you see patterns and make more informed decisions.
How do I know when it’s time to say goodbye?
There is no single moment or perfect answer. However, some indicators include:
→ Loss of interest in food or favorite activities
→ Ongoing discomfort that cannot be managed
→ Significant decline in mobility or function
→ More bad days than good days
If you are asking the question, it often means you are already paying close attention – and that matters.
Is it better to wait as long as possible?
Many cat parents wait out of love, hoping for more time. However, waiting too long can sometimes lead to unnecessary suffering.
A perspective many veterinarians share: It is often better to choose a peaceful transition slightly earlier than to wait until a crisis.
What does “comfort care” mean for cats?
Comfort care focuses on quality of life rather than treatment. This may include:
→ Pain management
→ Warm, comfortable resting areas
→ Favorite foods and enrichment
→ Reducing stress
→ Being present and connected
The goal is to make your cat feel safe, supported, and comfortable.
How can I emotionally prepare for my cat’s end of life?
This stage is incredibly emotional, and your well-being matters too. Support may include:
→ Journaling your cat’s journey
→ Practicing mindfulness or breathwork
→ Spending intentional, present time together
→ Seeking support from community or professionals
Taking care of yourself helps you show up more fully for your cat.
Should I plan ahead for end-of-life decisions?
Yes – if possible, planning ahead can reduce stress during emotional moments. This may include:
→ Deciding on at-home vs. clinic care
→ Understanding your options
→ Considering memorial preferences
Having a plan allows you to focus on being present when the time comes.
What is the most important thing to remember during this stage?
You are doing this from a place of love. There is no perfect decision – only thoughtful, compassionate ones. And your cat does not measure time the way we do… They feel your presence, your energy, and your love.
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