Best Senior Cat Food Options: How to Choose What’s Right for Your Cat

When your feline friend ages, their nutritional needs also evolve and the right food can significantly enhance their well-being and quality of life. Senior cat foods are there to help you with their nutritional needs. Senior cat foods are specifically made for a slower metabolism rate and reduced energy levels and help with health problems like digestion, arthritis, etc. In addition, additional supplements after consultation with your vet can also help them to live a good quality of life.

In this article, let's learn about what are all the best senior cat food options available in the market and how to choose the right one for your friend!

Here's a catalogue of high-grade senior cat food curated specifically to meet their nutritional and calorie requirements

1. Best Senior Cat Food

Choosing the right food for your senior cat is the first step to enhancing their overall health. With countless options in the market, you should always know the best and right food.

 Hill's Science Plan Feline Mature 7+

• Blended antioxidants vitamin E and C protect kidney health
• Helps in easy nutrient absorption with the presence of highly digestible ingredients
• Balanced mineral content presence enhances the overall health
• Good quality ingredients effectively promote the taste of the food for senior cats

    Royal Canin Ageing +12

• Presence of antioxidants and fatty acids supports heart and joint flexibility
• Recommended by veterinarians as an ideal food for cats over 12 years of age to ensure their well-being
• Protects kidney functions and maintains the cat immunity with the presence of phosphorus

  James Wellbeloved Cat Senior

• A well-balanced, nutrient-rich feed rich in vitamins and minerals.
• Turkey, a primary source of protein effectively reduces food intolerance
• Presence of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids enhances coat health
• Presence of cranberry extract keeps the kidney health good and taurine presence keeps the heart and eyes healthy

 

 

Hill's Science Plan Feline Senior 11+ Healthy Ageing

• Presence of clinically proven antioxidants and omega-3, helps in maintaining cognitive functions and vitality
• Promotes strong muscle health and bones with L-carnitine and calcium
• Ensures renal and urinary health with controlled minerals

 

2. What does the older cat need in its diet?

Cats' nutritional and calorie requirements change based on their age. And, it’s always necessary to give a mix of all nutrients to senior cats to keep their health at a good pace. While giving food to senior cats, it’s always important to note things like activity, movement and such vital aspects. Because, more active senior cats require larger meals, whereas others require a normal portion of food.

Weight is also an important criterion while feeding food to senior cats. Owners should avoid underfeeding or overfeeding, because it may cause malnourishment, excessive weight gain and digestive and other intestinal problems. If you’re feeling any complications in your senior cat, do consult your vet.

When it comes to energy needs for senior cats, proteins form the building block for energy production and help preserve mass muscle and vitality. Essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals and omega-3 fatty acids are also important to maintain bone health, kidney function and immune system in a good stage. Always prefer high moisture content types of foods to increase water intake for senior cats.

It’s advisable to visit your vet regularly and adjust the food diets accordingly to meet their energy needs.

3. When is my cat considered a senior?

There is no exact year to consider a cat as a senior. But mostly, cats are considered senior when they reach around 7 years. Some cats show ageing even before they reach seven years. So, it’s always important to keep an eye on their appetite, activity and movement.

And, if your cat is seven years or above, it’s suggested to visit your vet regularly and maintain good health for them to enjoy their golden period of living. Adjust food habits and diet requirements accordingly to manage health issues effectively.

4. Do senior cats need food differently?

Senior cats’ diet requirements change based on their breeds, health conditions and physical activity. But, it’s always necessary to give energy needs daily to keep their physical health in good shape. Several health conditions specific food needs are listed below:

• Digestive System and Gut Diseases - Cats with colitis, constipation or gut sensitivities should be given high-fibre content and digestible proteins, and fats can also make bowel movement easier.

• Diabetes - High protein, low carbohydrate types of foods tend to reduce blood sugar levels, and a calorie-deficit diet can also help reduce weight easily for overweight senior cats.

• Inflammatory Bowel Disease - Cats with IBD may thrive on diets prepared with palatably and moderately digestible proteins and fats.

• Heart Disease: Diets that are low in sodium or supplemented with taurine may assist in promoting heart health in older cats.

• Kidney Problems - Cats with kidney disease generally perform best on low-protein, palatably and moderately digestible diets to reduce the amount of work done by those organs.

• Oral and Dental Problems - Cats with dental disease may perform better on soft foods or a veterinary dental diet.

• Cancer - Supplement Omega-3 fatty acids may alleviate the health condition of cats diagnosed with cancer.

Always consult your vet for food recommendations based on your cat's health conditions.

5. What if my older cat stops eating?

A sudden loss of appetite in your cat usually is due to some health issues. If your cat stops eating suddenly, you must take it to your vet immediately. While you’re waiting for your vet appointment, you can do the things below to alleviate the situation.

• Feed your cat in a shallow bowl so that its whiskers won't be brushed by it.
• Heating the canned food can enhance its aroma and may appeal to the cat's senses.
• Add some water from canned tuna (unsalted) to make the food a bit palatable.

If your cat has been eating dry food, then the best way to ensure that your cat gets enough calories would be to use good quality canned food. Your veterinarian can also recommend an elevated calorie diet for your cat, but feeding them in smaller portions can help them to eat more easily and ease the digestion process.

6. Does my older cat need any supplements?

Older cats are less effective at absorbing vitamins, minerals and nutrients, unlike their younger self. Some of these vitamins, for example, vitamins A, E, and C plus beta-carotene, are antioxidants that speed up ageing. Cats that suffer from dental disease or that generally eat less may have supplements added to their food.

You can continue to add additional supplements as your veterinarian seems fit to ensure that your feline is feeding on a well-balanced diet that serves individual health requirements.

Choosing the right food for your older cat is a fulfilling way to continue caring. Understanding their nutritional needs and dealing with health challenges will help you ensure your senior cat remains healthy, happy and active during the golden years. Always discuss dietary changes with your veterinarian to find the recommended cat food for older cats that best fits your cat’s needs. With good nutrition and a little extra care, these years can truly be some of your cat’s best.