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If young adult or mature cats are presented with lower urinary tract signs, such as pollakiuria, hematuria, or periuria, feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC) is the most likely differential. 79

For all cats, but especially senior cats, that present with elimination issues, a thorough diagnostic evaluation is recommended. Disorders that result in polyuria or polydipsia such as diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, and hyperthyroidism can lead to elimination behaviors. 

Kittens will have different health risks depending on their lifestyle and history, including exposure to other cats and the level of care provided. Vaccination and parasite control history, health status of related cats, if known, and clinical signs of upper respiratory or parasitic disease are all important areas of focus.

Lower airway disease is common in young adult cats. 27 Coughing is a typical sign of feline bronchial disease; however, the veterinarian must consider the role of heartworm-associated respiratory disease (HARD), transtracheal migration of roundworm ( Toxocara cati ), and lungworm.

The medical history and examination of mature adult and senior cats will be focused on early detection of disease. Adult and senior cats are often diagnosed with comorbidities.

Energy requirements of cats are influenced by a variety of factors including age (i.e., life stage), BCS, MCS, neuter status, health status, and activity level. Using indirect calorimetry, young adult active cats have been shown to have higher energy requirements compared with senior cats. 90

Mature adult and senior cats have changing dietary needs, and it is extremely important to provide guidance on daily feeding amounts. DER for mature adult cats (aged 7–10 years) may be equivalent to RER, although adjustments should be made based on the needs of the individual patient. For senior cats (greater than 10 years of age), the RER will need to be multiplied by a factor of 10–20%, and in some cases as high as 25%. 101

For kittens and newly adopted cats with an unknown history of medical care, it is prudent to administer prophylactic treatment for parasites with broad-spectrum products efficacious against heartworms, intestinal parasites, and fleas. 17,120,121

Healthy humans are at very low risk of infectionwith a zoonotic agent through exposure to a healthy cat. 17

References for the 2021 AAHA/AAFP Feline Life Stage Guidelines