Feeding your senior cat

What makes a feline tick? A complete and balanced daily diet, full of goodness, with proper meat and offal, to help keep them in tip top condition. Then they can go about their days doing their typical rebel cat shenanigans (hiding your shoelaces, taking over your sofa, the usuarorl). BUT when it comes to cats of, let’s just say, more advanced years, they need specific nutrients in their diet to help keep that spring in their step. Read on for tips on how to feed your senior cat, including advice on evolving needs, selecting the right food and all about mature cat nourishment. 

RORY THE VET EXPLAINS

"MAKE SURE YOU’RE FEEDING (YOUR SENIOR CAT) A SENIOR/MATURE  DIET. NO, IT’S NOT JUST A WORD ON A PACKET. IT IS THERE FOR A REASON, AND IT’S THERE TO KEEP THEM HEALTHY” RORY THE VET

YOUR SENIOR CAT'S NEEDS

●    Senior diets are usually fed to cats from age seven to ten and onwards.

●    Elderly cats have specific dietary requirements—they tend to have smaller appetites to adult cats and usually require energy dense, highly digestible food. This is also important because they are often less mobile, and so don’t get as much exercise as younger felines do, which can in some cases, lead to obesity.

●    A senior diet should reflect a senior cat’s specific needs by containing quality ingredients that are easily digestible and rich in nutrients and vitamins. They also require a lower fat diet that still provides them with all the important healthy fats and proteins they need every day. Hey, it’s the least us cat parents can do for our precious purring engines, right?

●    At Lily’s Kitchen, we believe all pets deserve proper food. And by proper food, we mean food made with wholesome, natural ingredients and proper meat and offal, no matter the age of your cat. This becomes all the more important as your cat grows older. Senior cat food (in particular) should contain as few toxins as possible, to avoid putting strain on their liver and kidneys, and ease their body’s workload. For this reason, it is best to give wiser felines an organic or natural diet.

●    Senior cats also need higher levels of antioxidants and vitamins in their diet, to help protect their bodies from the damaging effects of free radicals.

“AS YOUR CAT GETS THAT LITTLE BIT OLDER, MAKE SURE THEY’RE GROOMING THEMSELVES. QUITE OFTEN, IT BECOMES MORE DIFFICULT TO GET TO THOSE HARD-TO-REACH AREAS AND THEY MIGHT GET SOME MATTS—SO MAKE SURE YOU’RE BRUSHING THEM REGULARLY.” RORY THE VET

MAKING CHANGES TO THEIR DIET

●    Senior diets for pets are usually more energy and nutrient dense, which means they can be fed in smaller quantities to reflect the reduced appetite of a senior cat. (Our single serve trays are perfect for feeding little and often.)

●    Your cat’s digestive system will be more sensitive as they get older, so it’s important not to make any sudden changes to their diet to avoid the risk of tummy upsets. Always make any necessary dietary changes gradually.

●    Whilst some cats tend to put on weight as they get older and become less active, others have the opposite problem and become very thin as they age. Always be aware of their weight and appetite, and tailor your senior cat’s care and diet to their individual needs.

TAILORED NUTRITION FOR SENIOR CATS

From wet to dry, our offering includes a variation of nutrients suited particularly for wise (and wonderful) mature cats. Our Chicken and Fish Tasty Cuts Mature recipe contains oily fish—a source of omega 3 fatty acids to help support heart health. Fish can be a great, easily digestible protein for senior cats. Our White Fish and Turkey Mature Dry Food is Fortified with taurine which is essential for eye and heart health. We’ve also added a blend of supplements, including glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support, chelated minerals and a combination of omega 3 and 6 fatty acids to help support all round health.

“(TAKE YOUR SENIOR CAT) FOR REGULAR VET CHECK UPS. IT IS REALLY IMPORTANT TO TRACK THEIR WEIGHT, KEEP AN EYE ON THEIR TEETH AND MAKE SURE THEY’RE HAPPY AND COMFORTABLE.” RORY THE VET

The information in this article is intended as a guide to help pets and pet parents on their journey together. It is provided for educational and informational purposes only and is not meant as a substitute for professional advice from a vet, behaviourist, trainer or other professional. We encourage all pet parents to consult with their vet and/or behaviourist to ensure their pet’s specific needs are met.