Pet insurance for older cats

What is pet insurance for older cats? 

We know that as your cat gets older they may need additional care. We offer cat insurance that works for you and your purr-fect companion, even in their old age.

There are three main types choose from. These are:

Time Limited

Time limited pet insurance for elderly cats can help cover vet fees for short-term health issues. It pays for up to 12 months of treatment, or up to £3,000 of vet fees – whichever comes first.

Maximum benefit  

With our maximum benefit cover you can claim for the same condition multiple times up to your chosen policy limit. If you reach the limit for one condition you will still be covered for any different conditions that your pet may develop over the course of your policy.

Lifetime Insurance

For the most comprehensive level of cover, you’ll want to consider lifetime pet insurance. This policy protects your pet for its lifetime, up to a set amount each year. This benefit cap resets each year as long as you continue renewing your policy. There’s a variety of levels, so you can choose a policy based on your pet’s needs.

Why choose our cat insurance for your older cat?

We take the stress out of keeping tabs on your tabby with our selection of cover for cats. Our range of policies offer different benefits and perks, giving you the flexibility to choose cat insurance cover that’s right for you. Here are some of the reasons to choose Sainsbury’s Bank:

• Award-winning
  We’re proud to be named Defaqto’s Pet Insurer of the Year 2025/26

• 5 star rated cover
  Our cover over £4,000 is Defaqto 5* expert rated (Time Limited cover excluded)

• No upper age limit
  Cover from 8 weeks for cats - with no upper age limit

• Flexible insurance that meets your cat’s needs
  Choose from lifetime, time limited or maximum benefit cover and get vet fee cover up to £10,000

• Vet Assistance, day or night
  24/7 access to qualified UK-based vet nurses over the phone or via live chat who’ll answer your pet health questions

• Multi-pet cover – insure more, spend less
  Get a discount of £1 per pet per month when you buy our multi-pet insurance †

• Extra discounts for Nectar members
  As a Nectar member, you get an extra discount on your pet insurance Δ

• Manage your policy online
  Get claims information and make changes to your policy on My Pet Portal

What is old for a cat? 

Sadly, cats don’t have nine lives, and it’s easy to forget that they age quicker than we do – especially with all the countertop acrobatics. While a lot of people consider elderly cats to be those aged 10-12 years or upwards, many insurers class cats as mature or senior once they reach the age of seven. But don’t worry, they won’t be needing dentures yet.

It does mean they can be more vulnerable though, which means premiums may change and restrictions can be added to your insurance policy depending on your cat’s breed and age. It’s worth considering that there may be age limits to begin policies for your pets. For example, with Sainsbury’s Bank, the upper limit for starting a new policy is up to your cat’s 10th birthday. If you already have a policy, your excess may change but cover can continue.

Please note that terms, conditions, excesses, exclusions and limitations apply. You can find out more about our cover terms in your policy documents.

Do you need pet insurance for older cats?

Pet insurance for older cats isn’t a legal requirement, but as they age, they can be much more prone to conditions and accidents. Should any issues arise, having pet insurance for elderly cats could save a lot on veterinary bills. Additionally, due to limitations or increases in costs as your pet gets older, you may want to do it sooner rather than later. 

There are other options if insurance isn’t for you, but it’s important to have an emergency fund tucked away for cat healthcare as your pet reaches its older years.

Why is pet insurance for elderly cats more expensive?

In the same way cover can increase in price for older people, the cost increases for pet insurance for older cats too. Insurance is often measured on risk, and the older your cat gets, the more prone it is to develop conditions that it may need additional care. Some of the more common cat healthcare conditions include:

• Diabetes
• Hyperthyroidism
• Kidney disease
• Dental conditions
• Cancers
• Intestinal problems

Additionally, elderly cats may not be as mobile as they used to be which could lead to injury. Age isn’t the only consideration in premiums though and the costs can change depending on a few factors. For example, as well as the level of cover affecting prices, the amount of excess you’re willing to pay can also influence the cost.

It’s also worth noting that pre-existing conditions can influence your premiums, depending on how high-risk they are.

How to care for an older cat

Caring for older cats may look different from caring for a kitten or younger adult cat. Elderly cats have unique needs, and you may find yourself facing unexpected challenges. With a little preparation and research into how best to care for an aging cat, you can help your feline pal navigate their senior journey more easily.

Regular vet trips

Part of senior cat care is scheduling time for more frequent visits to the vet. This is especially important if they have any age-associated medical conditions. Even if they don’t, elderly cats will need to be monitored more closely for things such as weight, and they will need booster vaccinations to support their immune system.

Diet

Feeding an older cat may mean making some gradual changes to their diet. This is particularly important when thinking about what to feed an older cat that is losing weight. Many elderly cats will experience a reduction in appetite, so you may need special senior food to help ensure they get the nutrition they need. You can also help by feeding little and often, warming up their food to make it more appetising, or making mealtimes more fun with puzzles.

Grooming

As your cat ages, you may notice they’re not as flexible as they once were, which can make it harder for them to self-groom, so you might need to step in. Grooming tips for older cats include regular brushing, removing any mats in their fur, and gently wiping around their eyes with a damp cloth. You should also trim their claws every two to four weeks – your vet can show you how to do this safely. If your cat looks very unkempt, it may be a sign that they are in discomfort and pain, so book a vet visit.

Sleeping

Elderly cats are likely to sleep more than their younger counterparts. They may also begin to struggle with things like getting upstairs. You can help them by making sure there are plenty of comfy places to sleep that are easily accessible, such as on the floor downstairs. The best type of bed is one that’s comfortable, warm, and in a spot where they won’t be disturbed while snoozing. Hammock-style beds strung on radiators may be appreciated!

Looking after a cat with dementia

Dementia, or feline cognitive dysfunction (FCD), is unfortunately something that affects over a quarter of cats aged between 11 and 14. It’s even more common as cats age, and more than half of cats aged 15 and above show signs of it. The brain degenerates with age, and neurons needed for functions such as memory, spatial awareness, attention, learning, and sleep cycles may die or stop functioning properly. FCD is not considered a medical emergency and can be tricky to diagnose. However, there are early signs of dementia in cats that you can look out for. 

• Acting lost or disoriented even when in familiar spaces
• Vocalising more than usual, particularly at night
• Toilet training relapses – like going to the toilet indoors but outside of the litterbox
• Staring into space while hyper-focusing on a wall or corner of the room
• Forgetting to eat or drink water unless prompted
• Changes in sleep cycle – being active at night 
• Sleeping more than usual
• Poor grooming habits
• Asking to eat just after being fed
• Changes in interactions with humans – being more clingy or more aloof 

Causes of dementia in cats

Age-related decline in elderly cats can result in a build-up of beta amyloid, a protein that forms plaques in the brain when produced in excess. This slows blood flow to the brain and causes damage, killing off brain neurons. Those neurons are responsible for transmitting information and sending commands to the body. When they break down, it affects the behaviour and thought processes of your cat.

Dementia treatments for cats

There is currently no cure for dementia (FCD) in cats. However, there are cat healthcare treatments you can use to alleviate some of the symptoms. These include:

• Enrichment – provide mental stimulation via puzzle toys and treat balls, which work in a similar way to humans doing the crossword every day, to help prevent brain decline. These can also help a cat who still feels hungry after eating.
• Environmental changes – automatic feeding bowls, lower-level litter boxes and beds, and night lights or even the sounds of a soft radio at night can all help your cat feel less stressed. They may also appreciate a smaller space with everything they need close by, to minimise the chances of them becoming disoriented.
• Natural supplements – supplements containing omega fatty acids, CoQ10, SAMe, and Vitamin E, may benefit cats with dementia. 
• Medication – if your cat is really struggling with anxiety caused by FCD, your vet may prescribe anti-depressants or anti-anxiety medication. They may also recommend propentophylline to help reduce the signs of dementia in cats.

Signs of arthritis in cats

Arthritis is a common affliction affecting around 90% of elderly cats aged 12 and over, according to Blue Cross. It causes inflammation in the joints, which in turn causes pain and can make it difficult for an older cat to stay active. As cats instinctively hide signs they are in pain, it can be difficult to spot. So, what are the signs and symptoms of arthritis in older cats?

• Lameness, stiff gait or limping
• Excessive tiredness or being more tired than usual
• Weight loss
• Muscle wastage
• A new reluctance to be touched caused by pain
• Unkempt coat due to difficulty self-grooming
• Hair loss or stained fur over joints due to excessive licking/grooming
• Increased irritability

Causes of arthritis in cats

Arthritis is caused by wear and tear on joints, which is why elderly cats who have been using those joints for years are more likely to develop it. However, other factors can exacerbate arthritis symptoms.

• Obesity and poor body condition or conformation
• Elbow or hip dysplasia
• Past injuries such as ligament damage, bone fractures or muscle injuries

Treatment for arthritis in cats

Arthritis care for senior cats cannot cure the condition, but it can manage it and make a difference to how severely the symptoms affect your elderly cat. Things that could improve their quality of life include:

• Weight management – excess fat can place extra stress on joints, so help your cat maintain a healthy weight.
• Exercise moderation – little and often is the key to exercise when dealing with arthritis. You want to keep your cat moving without over-tiring them.
• Environmental changes – make the spots your cat needs or loves to use more accessible. Lower things closer to the floor or put up ramps or steps. Cover slippery floors with rugs and introduce an orthopedic memory foam bed.
• Medical treatments – anti-inflammatories and painkillers may help your cat with their mobility.

Weight loss in older cats

Older cat weight loss can be worrying, especially if it happens quickly. While some weight loss in older cats is to be expected, there could be other causes, so see your vet if you are at all worried. Managing weight loss in older cats is possible with a protein-rich diet – think about a gradual switch to a food specifically designed for elderly cats.

Rapid or sudden older cat weight loss could be a sign of:

• Dental issues such as sore gums
• Stress, perhaps caused by a change in environment
• Kidney disease
• Cat flu

If your elderly cat goes more than 24 hours without eating, you should take them to the vet for a cat healthcare check. Not eating for longer than this can cause dehydration, which in turn affects the kidneys.

Please note that we won't cover any pre-existing conditions and that terms, conditions, excesses, exclusions and limitatons apply. You can find out more about the terms of our cover in our policy documents. 

Terms and conditions

Δ The discount is based on information related to you and the Sainsbury’s and Sainsbury’s Bank transactions linked to your Nectar account. For more information on how we use your data, go to sainsburys.co.uk/privacy

† Multi-pet discount is a minimum of £24 when insuring more than one pet as this is worked out at £1 per pet per month for each pet on a policy. Pets can have different cover levels. Discount deducted separately from any other offer.

^ Based on Sainsburys Bank Pet Insurance claims data from February 2024 to March 2025.

Important information 

Sainsbury's Bank plc, Registered Office, 33 Charterhouse Street, London, EC1M 6HA (registered in England and Wales, no 3279730) is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority (register no. 184514). Sainsbury's Supermarkets Ltd is an appointed representative of Sainsbury's Bank plc. Sainsbury's Bank plc acts as an introducer to Pinnacle Insurance Ltd who is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority (register number 110866). Registered office: 4th Floor, Limelight, Elstree Way, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, WD6 1JH. Sainsbury’s Bank Pet Insurance is arranged, administered and underwritten by Pinnacle Insurance Ltd. Sainsbury's Bank plc and Pinnacle Insurance Ltd are not part of the same corporate group.

We do not provide personal recommendations to customers.