Senior Cat Mobility Changes: What Pet Owners Should Record for Their Veterinarian

Older cats seldom show discomfort the way dogs do. Instead of limping, they stop jumping, they change where they sleep, and they groom a little less. Because these changes creep in slowly, they are easy to miss. This article is preparation guidance only and does not diagnose or recommend treatment.

General education only. This article does not diagnose conditions, recommend treatments, or provide dosing. Every medication decision must be made with your veterinarian, who knows your pet's history and current health.

What to record

Jumping and climbing

• Whether your cat still jumps to previous favourite spots.
• Hesitation before a jump, or breaking a jump into stages.
• Missed landings or slipping.
• Stair use, particularly going down.

Resting and grooming

• New sleeping locations, especially lower ones.
• A matted or unkempt coat, or overgrooming in one area.
• Changes in how long your cat sleeps.

Litter box and interaction

• Accidents outside the box, or hesitation at a high sided box.
• Reduced tolerance for being picked up or handled.
• Changes in vocalizing, hiding, or interaction with the household.

How to capture it usefully

Short phone videos of your cat moving around the home, plus dated notes over two to three weeks, give your veterinarian a much clearer picture than a description from memory. Cats often behave differently in the clinic, so home footage matters.

Questions to ask

• What did the examination find?
• Could something other than joint changes explain this?
• Do you recommend bloodwork or imaging given my cat's age?
• What should I record between visits?
• If medication is prescribed, what monitoring is involved?

Ongoing care and prescriptions

Senior cats often end up on more than one long term medication, and keeping refills organized becomes part of the routine. Once your veterinarian sends a prescription to VetFaster, delivery across Alberta within 72 hours, and you may save up to 40% on eligible prescribed pet medications compared with typical clinic pricing.

How ordering works with VetFaster

VetFaster is a prescription coordination and delivery service. It is not a veterinary clinic and does not decide what your pet is prescribed. Your veterinarian writes the prescription and sends it to VetFaster directly by fax at +1 825-256-5399, then the order is filled and shipped to you.

• Your veterinarian examines your pet and issues the prescription.
• The clinic sends the prescription to VetFaster on your behalf.
• You can create a VetFaster account and review your order online.
• Delivery across Alberta within 72 hours.

You can read the full process on the How It Works page, browse what is stocked on the pet medication catalogue, or check coverage on the Alberta service area page.

Next step

For senior cat prescriptions authorized by your veterinarian, VetFaster keeps refills on schedule. Sign up with VetFaster and ask your veterinary clinic to send the prescription over by fax. Questions first? Use the contact page or read the frequently asked questions.

Related reading

• Solensia for cats in Alberta
• When your cat is drinking more or losing weight
• When your cat is straining to urinate