what to expect as your cat ages

Senior cats can live very fulfilling lives.

Cat getting older? From signs of aging to preventive care needs, here’s what to expect when your furry friend reaches their senior stag

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Life stages of cats and dogs

From the kitten and puppy years to the stately senior years.

Learn about life stages

When is my pet a senior?

The answer isn’t as straightforward as you’d think!

Find out when
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Seniors: what’s normal and what’s not 

As your pet ages, here’s what to be on the lookout for. See the list

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Preventive care for senior pets

Senior pets have their own guidelines for veterinary care. Here are the guidelines

Commonly asked questions

There are clues that tell us a dog is aging, including gray, thinning hair; diminished hearing; and declining eyesight. These can all be normal parts of the aging process and are typically nothing to worry about. 

Abnormal signs of aging include abdominal swelling; decreased appetite; unexplained weight loss; incontinence; seizures; bleeding gums; labored breathing; lumps, bumps, or other skin issues; and prolonged diarrhea and/or vomiting. Please talk to your vet if you notice any of these.  

Senior pets should go to the vet at least twice a year for a comprehensive exam. This can help detect any health issues early, so they can be addressed as soon as possible. Plus, keep an eye on your pet at home and make sure to relay any health or behavioral changes to your vet.  

Lastly, senior pets still need vaccinations and parasite control! Talk to your vet to see what they specifically recommend. 

The answer isn’t so straightforward! Depending on the breed and size of the dog, they may be considered a senior anywhere from 6 to 11 years old. For more info, visit this page on defining the senior pet. 

Custom care that grows with your pet

You can save more than 30% on preventive petcare with an Optimum Wellness Plan! These convenient, customizable packages include vaccinations, diagnostic testing, and more. 

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Senior Care

Designed to help detect early signs of age-related illness.

This plan combines essential services like vaccinations and exams with in-depth diagnostic testing.

See what’s included in Senior Care

Senior Care Plus

Designed to help detect early signs of age-related illness and support additional dental needs.

This plan includes all the services in our Senior Care plan plus a dental cleaning.

See what’s included in Senior Care Plus
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doggie dilemma? cat conundrum?!

An Optimum Wellness Plan gets you access to 24/7 Pet Chat, where you can text with a veterinary professional to get the pet health advice you need.
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Discounts on eligible products with your pet’s Optimum Wellness Plan, convenient AutoShip options, and more!
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