Cats have different needs and health concerns at various stages of their lives. If you have a senior cat, consider speaking with a veterinarian in San Jose about his or her unique needs and how you can best meet them. Your veterinarian can provide guidance on your catâs nutritional needs, environmental accommodations, and any medical conditions that may apply. By working with your veterinarian , you can support your catâs quality of life throughout his or her life. 
Wellness Exams
All pets should visit a vet regularly for wellness exams , but this is particularly important for senior cats. The veterinarian can examine your catâs oral health and body weight. He or she can check for conditions that often affect older cats, such as arthritis, periodontitis, and kidney, liver, thyroid, and heart diseases. Be sure to share any observances you may have made regarding changes to your catâs activity level, eating habits, grooming habits, and overall health.
Dental Health
Tooth loss is of particular concern for older cats. Some cats may tolerate having their teeth brushed at home. If yours wonât easily allow this, your veterinarian can perform a dental cleaning and you can offer special treats that scrub the teeth.
Senior Nutrition
Talk to your veterinarian about your catâs changing nutritional needs. Your vet can recommend a type and amount of food that can either help your cat gain or lose weight, depending on his or her needs. If your cat has arthritis, he or she may benefit from supplementation with fatty acids like EPA and DHA. Some vets recommend a diet low in sodium for cats with heart disease.
Environmental Stimulation
Although your cat may become less active in older age, he or she will still enjoy playing and interacting with others. Look for interactive cat toys such as food puzzles that encourage your cat to gently work the muscles and joints.
Special Accommodations
You may notice that your older cat is hesitant to jump on furniture or climb the stairs. This is often due to arthritis. Adjust the living space as necessary to make the environment for comfortable for your senior cat. You may need to place the litter box on the first floor, for example, or place a warm, soft cat bed on the floor if your cat can no longer jump into your bed.