Important Disclaimer
The information provided here is for general pet health education only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Never disregard professional veterinary advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here. If your pet is experiencing a medical emergency, contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital immediately.
- Species & breed
- Cat · Ragdoll
- Age
- 17 years old
- Sex
- Male
- Color
- White
Chester sounds like a well-loved cat — 17 years is a wonderful milestone for a Ragdoll! It's completely natural to want to know what to watch for as he gets older. Here's some general information about what commonly comes up in senior cats his age.
Kidney (renal) disease is one of the most common issues in older cats. The kidneys gradually lose their ability to filter waste from the blood. Signs can include drinking more water than usual, urinating more, weight loss, and decreased appetite.
Thyroid issues — specifically an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) — are also very common in cats over 10. This can cause weight loss even when a cat is eating well, increased energy or restlessness, vomiting, or a rough coat.
Dental disease tends to accumulate over a lifetime and can cause pain, drooling, or reluctance to eat hard food.
Arthritis is often overlooked in cats because they hide discomfort well. Signs include being slower to jump, choosing lower resting spots, or grooming less thoroughly.
High blood pressure (hypertension) often develops alongside kidney or thyroid disease. It can affect the eyes, heart, and brain, so it's worth checking regularly.
Heart disease is something Ragdolls in particular can be prone to — a condition called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), where the heart muscle thickens. Regular vet check-ups can help catch this early.
Cognitive changes — sometimes called feline cognitive dysfunction — can look like confusion, changes in sleep patterns, increased vocalization at night, or seeming "lost" in familiar spaces.
Some practical things to keep in mind at home:
- Make sure fresh water is always easy to reach
- Keep litter boxes low-sided so they're easy to step into
- Offer resting spots at floor level as well as higher up
- Watch his weight and appetite week to week
- Note any changes in how much he drinks or uses the litter box
The single best thing you can do for Chester right now is make sure he's on a senior wellness schedule with his vet — typically check-ups every 6 months for cats his age, including bloodwork and a blood pressure check. Many of the conditions above are very manageable when caught early.
When to see your vet:
Schedule a visit soon if you haven't had a senior wellness check in the last 6 months — this is really the baseline for a 17-year-old cat. Call sooner (within a day or two) if you notice any of the following:
- Weight loss or a noticeable drop in appetite
- Drinking or urinating much more than usual
- Vomiting more than occasionally
- Sudden changes in behavior, confusion, or crying at night
- Difficulty breathing or open-mouth breathing
- Stumbling, weakness, or sudden vision changes
You know Chester best — if something feels "off," trust that instinct and give his vet a call.
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