Veterinary Care for Senior Cats
Older cats need more vet care, not less. But getting them there gets harder every year. I come to you instead.
Schedule a Home VisitThe Catch-22 of Older Cats
Here's the problem: senior cats need to see the vet more often, but it's harder to get them there. Maybe they have arthritis and the carrier is painful. Maybe they're more anxious than they used to be. Or maybe you've noticed that clinic visits seem to set them back for days afterward.
And the stakes are higher now. Kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, diabetes—these things can sneak up on an older cat. Catching them early makes a real difference. But if every vet visit is an ordeal, you end up putting it off.
That's where I come in. I do housecalls. Your cat stays home, and I bring everything I need to do a proper geriatric workup right there.
"She is 10 years old, and in my opinion had the most thorough and complete physical exam of her life with Dr. Behrens. Because she was in her home environment, she was MUCH more relaxed, and Dr. Behrens could examine her in her natural state."
— Yelp Review, San Francisco
What I See a Lot
After seventeen years of housecalls, I've managed most of the common senior cat conditions many times over:
Chronic Kidney Disease
The most common condition in senior cats, manageable with diet, fluids, and medications
Hyperthyroidism
An overactive thyroid causing weight loss, increased appetite, and restlessness
Diabetes
Requires insulin and monitoring, which Dr. Behrens can teach you to do at home
Arthritis
Often undiagnosed in cats, but treatable with pain management
Heart Disease
Common in older cats; regular exams can help monitor for signs
Cognitive Dysfunction
Similar to dementia in humans, causing confusion and behavior changes
What I Bring
My car is basically a mobile clinic. For a senior cat workup, I can do everything at your kitchen table:
Senior Cat Services
- Complete physical exams
- Blood work (CBC, chemistry, thyroid)
- Urinalysis
- Blood pressure monitoring
- Point-of-care abdominal ultrasound
- Subcutaneous fluid administration
- Pain management
- Medication adjustments
- End-of-life consultations
- In-home euthanasia when the time comes
How Often?
Once a cat hits 10 or 11, I like to see them every six months if possible. Blood work at least once a year. Things can change fast at that age, and catching a problem early—especially kidney disease—makes a big difference in how well we can manage it.
If your cat already has a chronic condition, we might need to check in more often. But that's exactly when housecalls help the most.
Book a Senior Cat Checkup
Weekdays, 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM. San Francisco and Southeastern Marin.
Service Area
San Francisco & Southeastern Marin (up through San Rafael)
Appointments
Appointments are available weekdays between 9:30 AM and 6:00 PM. Expect to spend at least one hour with the doctor. The minimal charge for an initial visit including exam is $300 with extra fees for services, diagnostics, and treatments. All charges are due at the time of service.
Before Your Appointment
Please email or fax existing veterinary records to (415) 373-4176 prior to the appointment so Dr. Behrens can be best prepared for your housecall.
Some pets are very outgoing with visitors. Others, especially sick cats, may hide under furniture. To make the most of your visit, entice these pets into a comfortable, enclosed space beforehand. A large, thick towel they've already been able to lay on may be helpful. Mood lighting, treats, and play are encouraged to set the right mood.
Fasting & Sample Guidelines
- Blood testing or ultrasound: No food for 12 hours
- Urine testing: Prevent urination for at least 4 hours
- Fecal testing: Have a recent sample refrigerated
You will receive a confirmation by email. If you can't find it in your inbox or spam, please leave a voicemail at (415) 376-9780.
Ready to schedule?
Click to open the booking calendar.
Open Booking CalendarQuestions first? doctor@wanderingvet.com