About our Elderly Cat Health Program:
If your cat is 15 years or older, their health needs change in ways that aren’t always obvious.
Many of the most common conditions we see in senior cats — including kidney disease, arthritis, thyroid disease and high blood pressure — develop gradually, often with very subtle signs at home.
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You might notice small changes:
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Sleeping more or being less active
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Hesitation when jumping or climbing
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Weight loss or changes in appetite
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Increased vocalisation, especially at night
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Changes in grooming or coat quality
These are easy to attribute to “just ageing", but in many cases, they’re the earliest indicators that something more is going on.
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Our Elderly Cat Health Program is designed to identify these changes early, so we can intervene sooner and support your cat’s comfort and quality of life for as long as possible.
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A Thoughtful, Unhurried Consultation
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This is not a standard check-up. Senior cats benefit from a slower, more detailed approach. These appointments are longer (60 mins, cost = $230), allowing us to:
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Explore your cat’s history in depth
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Observe behaviour and mobility carefully
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Perform a thorough, low-stress physical examination
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Discuss findings and next steps without rushing
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We also prioritise a calm, cat-friendly environment to minimise stress and ensure more accurate assessment.
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Starting Before You Arrive: The Pre-Visit Questionnaire
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After booking, you’ll receive a short questionnaire to complete at home. This is a key part of the consultation.
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Cats often behave very differently in the clinic compared to at home, and many important changes — particularly those related to behaviour, mobility, or litter tray habits — are only visible in their normal environment.
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The questionnaire takes around 5–10 minutes and asks about:
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Appetite and drinking habits
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Weight changes
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Mobility and jumping
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Grooming and coat condition
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Behaviour, sleep patterns and vocalisation
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Litter tray use
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Diet, medications and supplements
These details help us identify subtle patterns and ensure we focus on what matters most during your appointment.
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What Happens During the Appointment
A Detailed History
We begin by talking through your cat’s day-to-day life, guided by your questionnaire responses. This allows us to clarify any changes and build a complete picture of their current health.
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A Comprehensive Physical Examination
Your cat will then undergo a thorough, head-to-tail assessment, including:
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Body condition and muscle mass (to detect early muscle loss)
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Eyes and vision assessment
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Heart and lung auscultation
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Thyroid palpation
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Abdominal palpation
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Joint assessment and mobility evaluation
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Neurological awareness and behaviour
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Dental and oral health
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Skin, coat, and hydration status
Where appropriate, we leave any potentially uncomfortable parts of the exam until the end to keep the experience as low-stress as possible.
Blood Pressure and Internal Health Screening
We routinely assess blood pressure early in the visit, as stress and handling can affect results.
We will also discuss diagnostic testing, which may include:
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Optional in-house comprehensive blood testing (including kidney and thyroid markers) (Cost = $315)
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Optional in house urine testing (Cost = $113)
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Retinal (eye) examination
These tests allow us to detect disease well before it becomes clinically obvious.
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After the Assessment: A Clear Plan
At the end of the consultation, we’ll talk you through our findings and recommendations.
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Depending on your cat’s needs, this may include:
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Pain management strategies (particularly for arthritis)
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Nutritional advice tailored to ageing and muscle maintenance
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Environmental modifications to improve comfort and mobility
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Dental care planning
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Monitoring strategies for any early or existing conditions
Our goal is to give you a clear, practical plan — not just information.