Cat Health & Wellness Guide For Every Stage of Life​

It’s true that cats might seem more independent than our canine companions. But cats need just as much care and attention as the family dog! Indoor and outdoor cats alike need food, shelter, socialization, and proper medical care.

As experienced cat health professionals, we understand the complexities of caring for your feline friend throughout their lifetime. In honor of National Cat Health Month, this blog outlines the cat care essentials that will help your kitty live their longest, healthiest life.

Cat Health & Wellness Guidelines

While every cat is different, most kitties will have the same general wellness needs at each stage of life. According to the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), cats have four life stages: kitten, young adult, mature adult, and senior.
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While many health conditions can affect cats of any age, some cat health issues are mostly seen in certain life stages. For example, kittens are most likely to have intestinal parasites, and older cats are more likely to show signs of kidney disease. That’s why it’s so important to know your cat’s unique needs at every age!

Caring for Kittens (Birth to 1 Year)

A kitten is a curious, energetic, and adorable addition to the family! Just like babies and puppies, they require a little “kitten-proofing” before your new bundle of fluff comes home. Kittens can get themselves into plenty of trouble if you haven’t checked your home for certain safety issues.
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Kittens also have different nutritional needs than adult cats. A nutrient-dense food will support their rapid growth and development. Ask your vet about the right formula for your kitten’s breed, age, and lifestyle!
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Veterinary care is especially crucial during the first few months of your kitten’s life. If possible, schedule your kitty’s first veterinary visit within 10-14 days of adoption. During your kitten’s visits, we’ll check their eyes and nose, listen to their heart, check their teeth, and make sure they’re growing normally. We’ll also administer vaccines and boosters to protect your kitten against serious, deadly diseases like feline distemper, feline leukemia, and rabies.
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Depending on how old your kitten was when they had their first round of vaccinations, they will likely need to see the vet every three to four weeks until they’re 16 weeks of age or older. At this point, most kittens will be done with their vaccine series.
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The last thing you’ll need to consider is when to spay or neuter your new furry friend. Most kittens coming from a shelter or rescue are spayed or neutered around 8 weeks of age. But if your kitten is not already spayed or neutered, you can talk to your vet about the appropriate time to perform this routine surgery.
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Enjoy your kitten’s first year of life, they grow up fast! Those first twelve months are an incredible time for socialization, play, and watching your kitten learn about the world. Toys and enrichment—like cardboard boxes—give kittens an outlet for their energy and can prevent more destructive behaviors, like couch scratching.

Caring for Young Adult Cats (1-6 Years)

Many people think that adult cats don’t need veterinary care unless they’re sick or injured. Nothing could be farther from the truth! Because cats age more rapidly than humans, an annual exam and routine diagnostics are incredibly important.
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Your young adult cat needs fewer calories than your growing kitten. Around 10-12 months old, you’ll transition from a kitten diet to a lower-calorie food. While cats are obligate carnivores (AKA they MUST eat an animal-based kibble or canned food), they can eat veterinary-approved diets containing grains and plant material. When in doubt, ask your vet which food is best for your pet!
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Healthy young adult cats should still be seen annually for a physical exam and routine labs. These yearly visits help your veterinarian determine if your cat is at risk of developing a preventable condition or, if a condition is already present, diagnose and treat it early.
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During this annual visit, your cat’s veterinarian will also examine their mouth and look for signs of tartar, gingivitis, or tooth resorption. Cats generally need annual professional dental cleanings starting around 1 to 3 years of age to prevent periodontal (tooth and gum) disease.
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Finally, all cats, regardless of whether or not they go outdoors, need to be up-to-date on vaccines. Your veterinarian will make vaccine recommendations based on your cat’s lifestyle and exposures (e.g., indoor vs. outdoor), age, breed, and health status.

Caring for Mature Adult Cats (7-10 Years)

While cats age at different rates, many will experience changes that require more veterinary care around 7 or 8 years old. For example, up to 60% of cats will have symptoms of undiagnosed arthritis by age 7. Cats with emerging or chronic health conditions may need bi-annual veterinary visits and more frequent diagnostics like labs, X-rays, or ultrasound.
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As your cat ages, you are their most important advocate! Subtle behavior changes at home could be useful clues about your cat’s health status. If you notice your cat sleeping more, playing less, changes in appetite, or difficulty grooming, using the litter box, jumping or going up stairs, it’s important to discuss these changes with your cat’s care team.
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Obesity is a big concern for adult cats as it can aggravate or contribute to health issues like osteoarthritis and diabetes. Try to keep your kitty at a healthy weight with regular, measured feedings and daily play sessions to prevent age-related muscle loss.

Caring for Senior & Geriatric Cats (10+ Years)

There’s nothing quite like loving a sugar-faced senior pet! As cats age, their health can change quickly. Common conditions in senior cats include diabetes, thyroid disease, kidney disease, and feline IBS/IBD (bowel disease). Early disease detection often improves response to treatment, which is why we recommend twice-yearly physical exams and senior-specific lab work for older cats.
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Senior and geriatric cats may have drastically different nutrition needs. Some older cats still struggle with obesity, while others will have uncontrolled weight loss. If your cat has a chronic condition, your veterinarian may also recommend a prescription diet. Regular weigh-ins and nutrition counseling can help us ensure your pet is on the best diet possible.
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While healthy senior cats can still get their regular annual vaccines and dentals, some senior kitties might need more or less frequent care to stay safe and healthy. At Mountainside Veterinary Hospital, we provide tailored treatment based on your cat’s actual health history and needs! We’ll work with you to manage chronic conditions, maintain a healthy weight, and help your kitty live better for longer.
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We’re also committed to providing compassionate guidance, education, and support when it’s time to navigate your pet’s final days. We believe every pet’s end-of-life care should be filled with dignity and love.

Exceptional Care At Every Stage of Life

We’re honored to offer comprehensive veterinary care for cats at every stage of life. Set your new kitten up for a lifetime of success or keep your adult cat thriving with personalized care. As always, if you have any concerns or questions about caring for your feline friends, our veterinarians are here to help!
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