Glossary

Mature cat

A cat of about seven to ten years old, equivalent to a person in their mid-forties to fifties, when screening for age-related disease begins.

Also called: middle-aged cat, mature adult cat, older adult cat

In the six-stage life-stage scheme, a mature cat is about seven to ten years old, roughly equal to a person in their mid-forties to fifties. Most still look and act young, which can hide changes underneath. The weight may creep up, the teeth start to show wear and disease and the first signs of kidney or thyroid problems can appear.

This is the time to move to regular health screening. Many vets suggest a check-up at least every year, sometimes twice a year as the cat nears senior age, with blood and urine tests and a blood pressure reading if the cat is at risk. Ask your vet what they recommend.

At home, keep the cat lean, as extra weight strains the joints and raises the risk of diabetes. Make sure it drinks well, see hydration. Keep it active with play and add low steps or ramps if it jumps less. A change of diet is not always needed, but ask your vet, see senior diet.

Report any change in appetite, thirst, litter-box use, weight, coat or activity. Such changes are common in older cats and still deserve a vet visit, even when age seems the obvious reason.

Last reviewed November 7, 2026

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Related terms

Adult cat A fully grown cat, roughly from two to six years old, in its prime and needing steady care, exercise and a weight-controlled diet. Senior cat A cat from about 10 or 11 years old, when joint, kidney, thyroid and dental disease become more common and check-ups should be more frequent. Senior diet Food marketed for older cats, which varies widely, so the right choice depends on the individual cat's weight, teeth and health. Hydration Keeping a cat's body supplied with enough water, which matters because cats drink little and are prone to urinary and kidney problems. Geriatric cat A cat aged about 15 or older, who needs closer monitoring, a comfortable home and a focus on quality of life.

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