What Is The Best Cat Food For Older Cats

Feeding Older Cats

Cats are considered seniors from around the age of 11. When your cat reaches this age, her metabolism increases and she will need more energy from her food. That does not just mean more food, but also better food.

This aging process will not happen overnight, of course. It is important to keep a close eye on your senior cat’s behavior and monitor any changes. A change in her eating, grooming, or litter box habits may be a sign that it’s time to switch up her diet.

If you do notice any sudden changes in your cat’s eating habits or her body weight, it might be more than just her aging. Please take her to a vet if this happens, because she might be suffering from an illness, such as hyperthyroidism.

More Dietary Fiber

If your cat is suffering from either constipation or loose, bloody stool, it could be a sign that she needs more fiber. Good fibers help to keep the digestive tract healthy and prevent gastro-intestinal (GI) illnesses such as irritable bowel disease and pancreatitis. It also helps your cat to maintain a healthy weight by decreasing the amount of calories in her meal. This in turn lowers the risk of diabetes.

On the other hand, too much fiber decreases the digestibility of the food. If your cat can’t properly digest her meal, she won’t get the energy she needs. In general, you want to look for a soft cat food with a maximum raw fiber content of 10%. One thing to note here is the difference between dietary fiber and insoluble fiber. Insoluble fibers are not broken down and absorbed into the bloodstream, so these do nothing for your cat. Always look for dietary fiber.

More Moisture

Cats aren’t the thirstiest of creatures to begin with, and senior kitties need even more encouragement to drink enough water. Dehydration is a real concern with elderly cats and can lead to urinary tract issues like bladder stones and chronic kidney disease. A lack of moisture can also lead to constipation, especially in older or long-haired cats.

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You should pay attention to your older feline’s water intake – and release. If you notice a sudden, significant increase or decrease in your cat’s urination, please take them to the vet immediately. It could be a sign of an underlying condition, such as diabetes or kidney disease.

A good senior cat food contains more moisture to offset your kitty’s unwillingness to drink. If your cat is already suffering from kidney problems, look for a food that is also low in sodium. This will help her to release all that water and, with it, the toxins from her body.

BONUS TIP

Help your senior kitty with a pet drinking fountain! The fresh, flowing water will encourage her to drink more and keep her kidneys healthy. A water fountain with a higher bowl is also less straining on an elderly cat’s neck.

My favorite drinking fountain is the Cat Mate Pet Fountain. It has 3 levels, suitable for kitties of all sizes. It is quiet, easy to clean and my cat loves it! Having this pet fountain has kept her hydrated, and off the sink.

Check out my review of the Cat Mate Pet Fountain.

Check price on Amazon

Animal Protein

Protein is an essential part of any cat’s diet. It contains amino acids that are necessary to maintain strength and good health. Plant proteins are used in some cat foods, but these are more difficult to digest. For older cats we want to do everything we can to increase digestibility, so that means: no plant proteins. Sorry, vegans.

Only feed your elderly cat high-quality animal proteins, such as chicken or fish. And make sure it is the main component of their meal. This means it should be mentioned as the first ingredient on the cat food label.

Related Post: Can Cats Survive On A Vegan Diet?

Can cats survive on a vegan diet? In short: no. Read this article to learn about the risks associated with vegan diets for cats and why cats can’t be vegan.

Fats and Fatty Acids

Older cats with an increased metabolism run the risk of losing too much weight. You can tell whether your cat is underweight by petting her on her back. If you can feel her individual ribs, then she is not getting enough food. Time to fatten her up!

Fats contain more than twice the amount of energy compared to proteins. Plus, they contain fatty acids such as omega-3, which supports the nervous system, and omega-6, which is good for the kidneys. So definitely look for a senior cat food with a slightly higher fat content.

Be careful not to overdo it, though. Obesity in cats can lead to arthritis, diabetes and even heart failure. A healthy balance of protein and fats is what is best for your cat.

Grain-Free

There is an ongoing debate about whether or not all cats, not just the elderly, should be fed a grain-free diet. It makes sense, because cats in the wild don’t eat grains and they are usually only added to commercial cat food as a filler ingredient. Whether or not you go the grain-free route is up to you.

Just remember, if you take those grains out, you have to replace them with something else. Preferably a lean animal protein, like poultry. This way your cat can still get the calories she needs, without eating too much fat.

Related Post: Is Freeze Dried Food Good For Cats?

Freeze dried cat food is a healthy alternative to normal dry kibble. Find out why you should definitely consider switching your cat to freeze dried food.

Soft, Wet Food

Elderly cats can develop dental issues. It is important that you check their gums from time to time by gently lifting up their lip. Make sure the gums have a healthy, pink color and that there is no build-up of plaque. If you see any irregularities around your cat’s teeth, please see a vet.

You can help your furry friend by feeding her canned wet food instead of dry kibble. The soft texture is easier for older cats to eat and can actually help to prevent dental issues. Plus, the added moisture and higher fat content will help to keep her GI tract and kidneys healthy, while maintaining a good weight.