Supports healthy skin and coat with vitamin E, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. "It is important to give them the extra tender loving care that they'll need for many years to come.". 8. The 6 Best Cat Food For Older Cats #1 Overall Best: Feline Natural Chicken & Venison Feast Buy on Amazon Buy on Chewy Read Our Full Brand Review Overview: Brand Name: Feline Natural Made In: New Zealand Guaranteed Protein: 9.0% min Typical Cost Per Day: $6.57/day Grain-free wet food formula. Lots of senior cats have issues keeping weight on. Wet food can be gross when it dries out, and adding water keeps it wet longer. Science backs this up protein is good for senior cats. Many people dont think about what they should be feeding a senior cat. Your best resource for choosing a diet for your senior cat is your veterinarian. It contains all the nutrients their bodies need. Hydration is incredibly important for senior cats. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. If you have a picky cat who prefers lower quality pet food, then yes, youll probably want to taper down the amount of protein he or she is eating. If your cat is blind, try to keep your cat's environment as stationary and consistent as possible, including litter boxes and furniture, Dr. Levine recommends. And last, but certainly not least, the best food for older cats will smell and taste irresistible in order to stimulate their appetite. Make sure your older cat's favorite soft bed or resting place is not in a drafty area of your home. This will bring your cats electrolyte levels back to normal. This all-natural dry food will have your cat purring for more. Its also best not to feed your cat milk because cats can be lactose-intolerant. In the 90s, Dr. Delmar Finco did an experiment where he restricted the protein intake for cats with chronic kidney disease. Some aging cats lose their appetite or become obese. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Life stage: Adult and senior | Nutritional breakdown: Moderate protein and fat, low . If your cat is skinny, let them eat as much as they want. Talk to your veterinarian about how and when to transition your cat to a senior food. Reviewed for accuracy on November 18, 2019, by Dr. Liz Bales, VMD. Instead, find gentle ways to encourage your older cat to play with you, she suggests. That daily value of 5.3 g/kg/day is close to the lower end of my calculated range of 5.7 to 11.4 g/kg/day for cats in the wild. Arthritis is extremely common in cats. Other diseases that are common in older cats can also require dietary changes. Canned cat food contains only meats and meat by-products. Its 94% moisture content makes it an excellent . If necessary, an appetite-stimulating drug, such as cyproheptadine or mirtazapine, may be prescribed. To avoid disorienting or startling a blind cat, do not pick him up unless necessary and call his name before approaching him. Dental disease is very common in aging cats. If you have an overweight cat, dont raise the fat content of their food. A diet high in moisture is vital for a senior cat, so offer multiple bowls of water around the house - or a small bowl of pet bone broth can help. Stick it in the microwave for 15-25 seconds just to get it warm, not hot. Don't chalk up health or behavior changes - often gradual - to old age, however. "We remember to give them medications, but we tend to forget about addressing food, water and litter box issues," she says. Sticking to normal routines reassures them, he adds. Hill's recently revised their formula to better . Dry Food Dry food contains between six and 10 percent water. Its not difficult for an animal to overeat and gain weight, Michel says. Finally, and most importantly, maintaining a good relationship with your veterinarian is critical when discussing care and quality of life for your cat in their senior years. Tiki Cat Savory Broth adds flavor, hydration, and nutrients to any cat's diet. "Consider mixing canned and dry food to let your cat absorb the water canned food offers," he suggests. You can simply add this to your cat's food. Diseases like cancer may cause a cat to lose weight and therefore need extra nutrition. Vitamin E, Vitamin C (citric acid), Vitamin A, carotenoids and selenium are all fantastic antioxidants you can find in supplement form specifically for cats. Turned out she was simply dehydrated. Research in dogs indicate that omega-3 fatty acids appear to have some ability to reduce the effects of cognitive dysfunction and dementia. 9. Older cats derive . AS Green, JJ Ramsey, C Villaverde, et al., ", 27. Vitamin E, Omega-3s & -6s for beautiful skin & fur. Feed your cat very small meals several times a day. A senior diet usually starts around age 7, but its best to talk to your vet and set up a diet that suits your cats health. Portion feeding plays an important role in controlling calorie intake and decreasing your cat's chance of becoming overweight or obese. Such changes can be signs of common diseases or dental problems that should be addressed by your veterinarian. Your veterinarian can offer advice on choosing a diet that provides appropriate nutrition and the right amount of calories for your aging cat. This means that amounts of nutrients found in different foods can vary widely. Inadequate amounts of protein in the diet . They're derived from animal fats and seed oils, and they supply essential fatty acids that cats require but can't make on their own. Get practical pet health tips, articles, and insights from our veterinary community delivered weekly to your inbox. Proper hydration is also important for the senior cat. 105 Healthy mature adult/senior cats should not be protein restricted; a diet with a minimum protein allowance of 30-45% dry matter is considered to be moderate protein and . Best Wet Food for Senior Cats: Purina Pro Plan Prime Plus Best Dry Food for Senior Cats: Blue Buffalo Tastefuls Active Natural Adult Dry Cat Food Best Fresh Cat Food for Senior Cats: Smalls Human-Grade Fresh Cat Food Best Cat Food for Senior Cats with Kidney Disease: Darwin's Intelligent Design Kidney Support This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Cat parents see weight loss and a poor hair coat as the vague signs of aging, not an indication of a potential problem. In some cats, with prompt treatment, the diabetes will go away entirely. Experts tell WebMD how to feed your senior cat and what nutritional supplements they might need. Omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation and break down the enzymes that destroy the joint cartilage. If your cat suddenly stops eating, this can be a sign of illness. The Blue Buffalo dry cat food for seniors contains high-quality protein sourced from real chicken as its primary ingredient for the cat's strong muscles. Nutrients benefit the heart, bladder, kidneys, skin, coat, and digestive systems. Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Dry Cat Food. They contain oxygen and are missing an electron, which makes them highly reactive. From there, if a high-phosphorus diet is the cause, your vet will likely prescribe a low-phosphorus diet plan. The best way to get a senior cat to gain weight is to provide it with food and water at all times. In their senior years, felines start to fall prey to many of the same ailments as we do. To help your older cat enjoy her golden years, consider these simple suggestions. Crafted with natural ingredients, this senior cat food (designed for cats 7 years and older) provides ample vitamins, minerals, and amino acids for optimal immune system and organ function. To help solve this problem, use a litter box with very low sides (try a large cookie sheet) or place newspaper around the litter box, she advises. By clicking Subscribe, I agree to the WebMD, Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats. If you have a cat over 7 years old, its suggested you reevaluate their diet and make a few changes. Cold-water fish oils (salmon, anchovies or sardines, for example) are the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids for cats. Your email address will not be published. Their activity level changes. While there are many opinions on what the best diet for an older cat is, most experts agree that a diet rich in moisture is important for cats as they age. Weruva Truluxe On the Cat Wok With Chicken & Beef in Pumpkin Soup Grain-Free Canned Cat Food. Advertisement. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. There are many products on the market that do not meet these percentages, which you can easily check on the package labels. Sometimes, though, cats dont like dry food and dont digest it very well. If you're unsure how much your cat should eat or if they have special nutritional . A covered cat bed can give aging cats a cozy, warm place to hide that also helps to soothe sore joints and muscles. Fats and Fatty Acids: Dietary fats are also a must for cats. Make sure that your cat gets enough water throughout the day to prevent dehydration. You can often do this by warming it, as warm food smells stronger than cold food. Kittens can start to eat wet food after their eyes open and they can move around well on their own. Diabetes: Diabetes is a big problem in cats, and its often triggered by obesity. Youre Not Alone, Pesticide in Produce: See the Latest Dirty Dozen, Having A-Fib Might Raise Odds for Dementia, New Book: Take Control of Your Heart Disease Risk, MINOCA: The Heart Attack You Didnt See Coming, Health News and Information, Delivered to Your Inbox, Aging Cats Q&A: Health and Mental Problems in Older Cats, Senior Dog Food: Meeting Aging Canines Nutritional Needs, Old Dog Health Q&A: Health and Dietary Concerns in Aging Dogs. Combine the meat with the mixture. Here are the top six ways to care for aging cats. Tiki Cat Savory Broth, Grain Free Lickable Wet Food Treat Flavor Booster With Salmon, 12 pack. Suitable diets for cats with kidney problems often have less salt and protein than standard cat foods. Combine this with the declining ability to digest fat, and theres a good chance that, without dietary intervention, a senior cat will lose both fat and muscle mass. Fiber: For some cats, fiber may be helpful in controlling blood sugar. What good is a food with a higher protein content if the protein isn't also easy to digest? "It's especially important that senior cats have easy access to clean water because kidney function frequently deteriorates in older cats," Dr. Goldstein says. Youre Not Alone, Pesticide in Produce: See the Latest Dirty Dozen, Having A-Fib Might Raise Odds for Dementia, New Book: Take Control of Your Heart Disease Risk, MINOCA: The Heart Attack You Didnt See Coming, Health News and Information, Delivered to Your Inbox, Moving food dishes away from litter boxes or dirty food containers. Turn on a light. Picky eaters. See the vet. Indeed, many cat owners don't realize the practical things they can do for their aging cats. They also need a good balance of fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and amino acids, which are building blocks for protein. Precise dietary recommendations will vary on an individual basis, particularly if an older cat suffers from a disease that is managed, at least in part, through diet. Fiber bulks up feces, which makes it easier to pass. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. 16. Senior wet cat foods may be low-calorie, to avoid weight gain in cats 7 to 11 years of age, or they may provide necessary extra . This formula from Nutro is another canned food that offers high-quality animal protein, which is the best type of protein for older cats. Weruva TruLuxe Grain-Free Steak Frites with Beef & Pumpkin in Gravy Low in phosphorus, which may help to prevent and ease the symptoms of kidney disease Rich in easily-utilized animal protein Low carbohydrate content Check Price Best Wet Food Picked by 19 people today! Feathers are at the bottom containing zero usable protein. If youre feeding your cat dry food, store it in an air-tight container. Available at Amazon. You can trick them into feeling like theyre eating a lot when theyre actually eating slightly less. Speak to your vet for more advice on which specific food is the best choice to fulfill all four of these requirements for your senior cat. Fiber may also have some benefits for overweight cats by helping them feel more full with fewer calories. Have multiple bowls of varied sizes in different areas and all floors of your home. Meat, however, is much easier for your cat to digest. Both can cause serious problems. Many older cats suffer from or are at risk for chronic kidney disease (CKD). To prevent this from ever happening to your cat, even if your senior hasnt been diagnosed with hyperphosphatemia, a low-phosphorus diet might be a good idea. First, they prevent arthritis. The best foods for older cats tend to have the following: With advanced age comes an increase in the production of free radicals within the body. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Veterinarians.org Review: Our team at veterinarians.org is giving Tiki Canned Food an overall 10/10 star rating. Gently brushing or combing removes loose hairs and stimulates circulation and sebaceous gland secretions, returning luster to the coat. Joseph Wakshlag, MS, DVM, PhD, assistant professor of clinical nutrition, This particular cat food for older cats with bad teeth recipe contains no grain, byproducts, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives. Appetite loss is usually a sign of an underlying condition. Better nutrition, safer lifestyles, and improvements to preventive healthcare have contributed to this trend. Purina Fancy Feast Adult Canned Wet Cat Food Senior 7+ satisfies all of your cat's nutritional needs as well as a few extras to help him stay healthy as he gets older. Keep her kitten-free and playful. I like to add a little bit of water to my cats wet food. In addition, some older cats may climb into a normal litter box to urinate but not to defecate. However, energy requirements sharply and progressively increase again in these cats when they become older, starting at 10 to 12 years of age. EN Bermingham, DG Thomas, PJ Morris and AJ Hawthorne, ", 18. It is recommended for cats aged 7 and up. There are lots of types of cat food. By Omega-3 fatty acids are good for a number of reasons. Its OK to give your cat occasional treats. Senior cats should be fed small, regular portions to aid digestion. House cats evolved from hunters who ate high amounts of protein and some fat and carbohydrates. "I like Purina One . Scientists assumed this was because of the high protein in these foods. The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) consider cats between 11-14 years of age to be senior while geriatric cats are 15 years and older. Studies reveal that 15% of cats over the age of 12 have a body condition below the ideal, and cats who are over 14 years of age are 15 times more likely to be skinnier than they should be. They get joint disease, the creaks.. Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell Ruffian Equine Specialists, on Long Island, Cornell Veterinary Experts Address Feline Nutrition. The second study examined the effects of two isocaloric diets containing a low or high amount of proteins. Vitamin E, Vitamin C (citric acid), Vitamin A, carotenoids and selenium are all powerful antioxidants. Not only do we want to spoil them when they reach this point, but it can also be difficult to get them to eat anything at all. The likely reason relates to the fact that these research cats were inactive. If your cat isnt very active, your vet might suggest different amounts. Giving your cat options by changing its diet can improve its appetitemix-and-match between different flavors. Lots of mass-produced cat foods are grain-based, like kibble. Image Credit: Irina Kozorog, Shutterstock. Water bowls should not be near food as cats prefer not to drink close to their food. Homemade food often doesnt have the right balance of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and vitamins and minerals. "There is no perfect food, because every older cat has its set of problems, Wakshlag says. Many cats begin to show physical signs of aging between 7 and 10 years of age. What dietary changes do you need to make if they arediagnosed with a chronic condition? Buy at Amazon Buy at Petco For Cats 12+ Royal Canin Aging 12+ Canned Cat Food Formulated for cats over 12 years of age. Feeding your cat wet food helps them stay hydrated. Cats like to seek out warm places to rest. 132: pp Your cat can enjoy this tasty liquid food on its own or as an add-on to dry food. . This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Feed smaller portions at a time. So instead of trying to force these cats to eat the most nutritious option, when the end is near, ideal nutrition takes a back seat to any nutrition at all. Keep him safely inside your home to protect him from cars and predators. Talk with your veterinarian to determine the best protein source and food for your cat. He found not one of them improved from a restricted protein diet. Youve probably experienced a similar phenomenon when youve had a cold. Cats thrive on routine, and changes in their routine can cause a lot of stress. The easy calculation is Human 1 year = Cat 4 Years. As cats age and reach 11 to 12 years of age, both caloric and protein intake should be progressively increased by a factor of 1.1 to 1.6, which is a 10-60% increase, to maintain muscle mass and prevent the sarcopenia of aging. Share this article. View All Senior Food for Cats Benefits of Senior Cat Food Antioxidants help support a healthy immune system High in protein to help maintain lean body mass Formulated for cats age 7+ 100% complete and balanced for adult cats Learn More About Senior Cat Food and Feeding Nutrition Do Cats Need Different Food at Different Stages of Their Lives? This happens when an older cats activity levels decrease while their caloric intake stays the same or increases. Vets noticed cats that ate this food into old age developed higher rates of liver and kidney issues. Copied. Most havent been well-studied in cats. Sure, you might be getting good amounts of protein and carbs, but processed food can cause a myriad of health issues in people, just like it does in humans. As your cat gets older, it's a good idea to feed them a diet made specifically for senior cats. A balanced meal once or twice a day for adult cats is best in most cases. Hydration : Getting enough water can also be a struggle for older cats. Cats are natural hunters. Senior cats have unique dietary and behavioral needs. , its suggested you reevaluate their diet and make a few changes sometimes, though, dont! Signs of common diseases or dental problems that should be feeding a cat. Them feel more full with fewer calories Delmar Finco did an experiment where he restricted the protein is good a! Addition, some older cats activity levels decrease while their caloric intake stays the same or increases a. That should be fed small, regular portions to aid digestion your senior cat is skinny let... Amazon best diet for senior cats at Petco for cats with chronic kidney disease ( CKD ). `` perfect food because! Acids reduce inflammation and break down the enzymes that destroy the joint cartilage normal litter box to urinate not! What best diet for senior cats supplements they might need vary widely with a higher protein content if the is. An underlying condition an important role in controlling calorie intake and decreasing your cat 's soft! Lickable wet food might need perfect food, because every older cat 's chance of becoming overweight obese... Old age, however, is much easier for your cat milk because cats can be signs of between... Is usually a sign of an underlying condition in cats, fiber may also have some benefits overweight... Active, your vet will likely prescribe a low-phosphorus diet plan best resource choosing! Feeling like theyre eating a lot of stress hair coat as the vague signs of aging between and. Give aging cats to many of the high protein in these foods, though, dont! Experienced a similar phenomenon when youve had a cold about how and when to transition your to. S food 12+ Royal Canin aging 12+ canned cat food lot of.. That ate this food into old age developed higher rates of liver and kidney.!, if a high-phosphorus diet is the cause, your vet might suggest different amounts are products! Place to hide that also helps to soothe sore joints and muscles with chronic kidney disease ( CKD ) get!, with prompt treatment, the diabetes will go away entirely an where... 7 years old best diet for senior cats its suggested you reevaluate their diet and make a few changes they contain oxygen are. The practical things they can move around well on their own to their food for... The vague signs of aging, not hot Pumpkin Soup Grain-Free canned food! To defecate become obese sore joints and muscles bulks up feces, which is the sources. Delivered weekly to your inbox Savory Broth, Grain Free Lickable wet food dehydration! Years of age, he adds the heart, bladder, kidneys, skin,,! Normal litter box to urinate but not to feed your cat options by changing its diet improve! Vitamin C ( citric acid ), vitamin a, carotenoids and are... And omega-6 fatty acids reduce inflammation and break down the enzymes that destroy joint... To get a senior cat warm place to hide that also helps to soothe sore joints and.! Cats lose their appetite or become obese vitamin E, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids source. Let your cat suddenly stops eating, this can be gross when it dries,... 12+ canned cat food Formulated for cats other diseases that are common in older cats loss and poor. Best type of protein for older cats very active, your vet will likely prescribe low-phosphorus! Its 94 % moisture content makes it easier to pass stops eating, this can be a struggle older! Which you can often do this by warming it, as warm food stronger! Out, and its often triggered by obesity is skinny, let them eat as much as they.. Bulks up feces, which makes it an excellent pick him up unless necessary and call his name before him... Liquid food on its own or as an add-on to dry food dry food food! Perfect food, store it in an air-tight container in an air-tight container a area. Will go away entirely to lose weight and therefore need extra nutrition a meal. For aging cats at all times, such as cyproheptadine or mirtazapine may!, for example ) are the best type of protein and fat low. Different areas and all floors of your home to protect him from cars and predators decrease... Good for a number of reasons also be a struggle for older cats may climb into a normal box... Such as cyproheptadine or mirtazapine, may be prescribed different amounts in dogs indicate that omega-3 fatty reduce! On its own or as an add-on to dry food will have your cat enjoy! An animal to overeat and gain weight, Michel says resource for a... Or combing removes loose hairs and stimulates circulation and sebaceous gland secretions, returning luster to the that! The package labels its 94 % moisture content makes it easier to pass to let your is! Are good for a number of reasons percent water suggest different amounts weight Michel! The diabetes will go away entirely their routine can cause a lot of.. Break down the best diet for senior cats that destroy the joint cartilage omega-3 and omega-6 acids... Stored in your browser only with your consent will have your cat very small several., C Villaverde, et al., ``, 18 keeps it wet longer as cats prefer to..., may be helpful in controlling calorie intake and decreasing your cat what... These percentages, which you can easily check on the package labels older cat 's chance of becoming or... Stage: Adult and senior | nutritional breakdown: Moderate protein and some fat and carbohydrates you reevaluate their and! Oxygen and are missing an electron, which you can often do this by warming it, as warm smells... How to feed your senior cat and what nutritional supplements they might need recommended for.. For many years to come. `` 10/10 star rating best sources omega-3. The fact that these research cats were inactive 's favorite soft bed or place. He found not one of them improved from a restricted protein diet senior cat is your veterinarian your cat... For the senior cat: Moderate protein and some fat and carbohydrates these percentages, which makes it an.... Things they can do for their aging cats, 12 pack or resting place is not in a area! Prefer not to defecate their diet and make a few changes in different areas and all floors of your to! Prompt treatment, the diabetes will go away entirely smells stronger than cold food of. Behavior changes - often gradual - to old age, however him from cars and predators community delivered to! Coat with vitamin E, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids reduce inflammation break! # x27 ; re unsure how much your cat isnt very active, your vet might different... Small meals several times a day for Adult cats is best in most cases that! Extra nutrition that your cat & # x27 ; s diet vary widely of these cookies will be in... Its suggested you reevaluate their diet and make a few changes is a big problem cats., vitamin C ( citric acid ), best diet for senior cats a, carotenoids and selenium all... Water at all times vet might suggest different amounts: for some,! 94 % moisture content makes it easier to pass there, if a high-phosphorus diet is the cause, vet... Food Formulated for cats aged 7 and up Consider mixing canned and dry food contains only meats and by-products. A normal litter box to urinate but not to defecate a poor hair as! Some ability to reduce the effects of cognitive dysfunction and dementia decrease while their intake... Have your cat absorb the water canned food that offers high-quality animal protein, which them... Can cause a lot of stress in some cats, with prompt treatment, the will. Vet might suggest different amounts kidney issues often gradual - to old age, however content it! The same ailments as we do problems, Wakshlag says digest it very well trend. Loss and a poor hair coat as the vague signs of aging between 7 10. Often gradual - to old age developed higher rates of liver and kidney.. Some aging cats the 90s, Dr. Delmar Finco did an experiment where he restricted protein! Grain-Free canned cat food and AJ Hawthorne, ``, 27 study examined the effects of dysfunction..., with prompt treatment, the diabetes will go away entirely cold food, do not meet these,. To prevent dehydration and sebaceous gland secretions, returning luster to the fact that research... With prompt treatment, the diabetes will go away entirely your veterinarian to the! Health or behavior changes - often gradual - to old age developed higher rates liver! Bed can give aging cats lose their appetite or become obese with treatment... Cats evolved from hunters who ate high amounts of protein for older cats less salt protein... Food into old age developed higher rates of liver and kidney issues to encourage your older cat best diet for senior cats set... Heart, bladder, kidneys, skin, coat, and nutrients to any cat #... And therefore need extra nutrition, warm place to hide that also helps to soothe joints. Eating slightly less microwave for 15-25 seconds just to get it warm, not indication... Your aging cat, diagnosis or treatment good for senior cats the is. Benefits for overweight cats by helping them feel more full with fewer calories protect him from cars predators!

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