what to feed senior indoor cat

1. Wellness Complete Health Senior Dry Cat Food — Best Overall. ...
2. Purina ONE Indoor Advantage Senior 7+ Dry Cat Food — Best Value. ...
3. Nulo Freestyle Senior Grain-Free Dry Cat Food — Best Premium. ...
4. American Journey Indoor Pate Canned Cat Food — Best Wet Cat Food for Senior Cats. Many senior cats benefit from wet cat food. ...
5. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Mature Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Dry Cat Food. Blue Buffalo makes high-quality foods. ...
6. Purina Beyond Simply Indoor Grain-Free Dry Cat Food — Best All-Natural Senior Cat Food. ...
Blue Buffalo Freedom Indoor Mature Grain-Free Canned Cat Food. Blue Buffalo Freedom Indoor Mature Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Canned Cat Food is a wet cat food suitable for senior cats.
Royal Canin Aging 12+ Loaf in Sauce Canned Cat Food. Royal Canin is one of the more expensive brands on the market. ...
Fancy Feast Chicken Feast Senior 7+ Canned Cat Food. Fancy Feast is a common choice for those looking for budget-friendly cat foods. ...
Iams ProActive Health Healthy Senior Dry Cat Food. Iams ProActive Health Healthy Senior Dry Cat Food is exceptionally inexpensive. It is one of the cheapest options on the market.

Full Answer

What should I feed a very senior cat?

• Work with your veterinarian to find the senior cat food that has the best nutritional balance for your older cat. ...
• Read the label on your cat food package. It should contain a guaranteed analysis listing the percentage of the food that is crude protein, crude fat, moisture, and crude fiber. ...
• Don't feed your cat too many calories. ...
• Use portion control. ...

What is the best food for an older cat?

Royal Canin Aging 12+ Thin Slices in Gravy Canned Cat Food, 3 oz cans

• FORMULATED FOR CATS 12+: Royal Canin Feline Health Aging 12+ Thin Slices in Gravy is wet food tailored for senior cats 12 years and older
• JOINT SUPPORT: Omega-3 fatty acids help maintain healthy joints and keep mature cats active
• SATISFIES PICKY EATERS: An instinctively preferred ratio of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates helps satisfy picky eaters

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What is the Best Canned Foods for a senior cat?

The Best Senior Cat Food For Older Cats Are…

1. Blue Buffalo Freedom Indoor Recipe Grain-Free Canned Cat Food. Like all cat foods from the Blue Buffalo brand, this canned cat food is made from high-quality meat, without meat ...
2. Royal Canin Aging 12+ Thin Slices in Gravy Canned Cat Food. ...
3. Hill’s Science Diet Adult 11+ Healthy Cuisine Canned Cat Food. ...

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What is the best cat for seniors?

• Energy: Low to moderate
• Temperament: Sweet, loving, easygoing
• Weight: Males 6-9 kg (13.2 – 19.8 lbs), females 4-6 kg (8.8 – 13.2 lbs)
• Coat: Semi-longhair
• Grooming: Daily
• Similar breeds: Ragdoll

What is the best thing to feed a senior cat?

Senior cats need more taurine, a heart-healthy ingredient found in cat food proteins such as fish, poultry and beef. Feed senior cats a dry food that's 10% fat to 28% protein, or a wet food that's 4% fat, and 8% protein. All animals slow down, as they grow older, thus needing fewer calories and less fat in their meals.

Do senior cats need special food?

Most senior cat diets are formulated with appropriate nutrient limits and are less calorie-dense (fewer calories per cup/can) than rations for kittens and young adults; however, there are currently no established specific nutrient requirements.

Is wet or dry food better for senior cats?

Wet food is easier for many senior cats to manage, and the increased moisture content is important for digestion and kidney health as well. If your cat insists on dry food, try using moisture-rich wet food as a topper.

What wet food should I feed my senior cat?

Best Wet Food for Senior Cats Purina Pro Plan Prime Plus Adult 7+ is our favorite wet food for senior cats. There are a few reasons this is the case. First is the food's proprietary nutrient blend, which is specifically formulated to maintain and improve the health of cats 7 years of age or older.

Is canned tuna good for cats?

Some tuna now and then probably won't hurt. But a steady diet of tuna prepared for humans can lead to malnutrition because it won't have all the nutrients a cat needs. And, too much tuna can cause mercury poisoning.

What is the average lifespan of a house cat?

12 – 18 yearsCat / Lifespan (Domesticated)

How old is a senior cat?

11 yearsIn recent years, feline ages and life-stages have been redefined, cats are considered to be elderly once they reach 11 years with senior cats defined as those aged between 11-14 years and super-senior cats 15 years and upwards.

How often should you feed a senior cat?

Once the cat becomes an adult, at about one year, feeding once or twice a day is appropriate in most cases. Senior cats, age seven and above, should maintain the same feeding regimen.

Should you mix dry and wet cat food?

The short answer is, yes, you can mix wet and dry cat food. There are plenty of reasons to do so. Many cats prefer wet food, so it makes a good treat and encourages them to eat healthily. Wet food and dry food also offer unique health benefits when fed together.

What is the difference between senior cat food and regular cat food?

The only real difference between regular adult formula and senior formula foods is that senior foods tend to be lower in calories and have a little less protein–because too much protein can lead to some health issues in older cats.

Can my senior cat eat adult cat food?

What to feed senior cats. It's generally recommended to move older cats onto a specially formulated senior cat food in preference to a normal 'adult' cat food, as long as they don't have any underlying medical conditions or your vet has advised you otherwise.

What age is considered a senior cat?

11 yearsIn recent years, feline ages and life-stages have been redefined, cats are considered to be elderly once they reach 11 years with senior cats defined as those aged between 11-14 years and super-senior cats 15 years and upwards.

When to switch to senior cat food?

At an approximate mid-life point, when a cat is considered mature (7-10 years old), it is common for cats to gain some weight and exhibit age-related physical and behavior changes. But before you consider switching to a senior cat food formula, it is important to first consult with your cat's veterinarian for a thorough physical and metabolic evaluation. Since many of the diseases commonly found in older cats can be detected early on, your cat's veterinarian may recommend a nutrient profile to deal specifically with any current medical concerns.

What is the most important nutrient for cats?

Water is the single most important nutrient for cats of any age. Aging, however, interferes with a cat's sensitivity to thirst which is already low in cats and predisposes them to dehydration.

When is a cat considered to be senior or geriatric?

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.

How old are cats considered senior?

When is a cat considered to be senior or geriatric? 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.

How to keep cats from drinking water?

Some cats prefer to drink running water – if your cat prefers water from the tap, invest in a water fountain for them. Clean and freshen water bowls regularly to eliminate built up debris that may deter your cat. Feeding more canned food will also increase water intake.

Why is it important to monitor your cat's body condition?

It is important to closely monitor your cat’s body condition and muscle condition and keep both in a good range as discussed in the handout “Obesity in Cats.”. Maintaining healthy body condition and muscle mass reduces the risk for many diseases including cancer, kidney disease, osteoarthritis, and immune-mediated disease.

Why is portion feeding important for cats?

Portion feeding plays an important role in controlling calorie intake and decreasing your cat's chance of becoming overweight or obese. On the other hand, portion feeding also helps you identify a decreased or absent appetite early on, which could signal underlying medical problems.

What to feed a senior cat?

Hofve advises that “all cats, at all life stages, need good quality protein and lots of it. Many health conditions, including urinary tract problems, obesity and diabetes, can be prevented by feeding a high-moisture, high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet for the cat’s lifetime. This becomes even more important with age, when cats’ ability to digest and assimilate food declines.”

When should you start worrying about what to feed a senior cat?

A fat overweight cat showing off his belly. Photography ©sdominick | Getty Images.

Why is it important to keep cats lean?

“Keeping lean throughout life should extend both the quality and quantity of life in cats who join human’s lives for already too little time. In older cats, weight can be a growing concern as the cumulative impact of feeding excessive calories over many years can literally add up,” Dr. Delaney says. Weight management is important for senior and geriatric cats, but that doesn’t just mean ensuring cats don’t become overweight. Dr. Hofve reminds us that cats can lose weight quickly and that it also can be medically concerning.

What is the best food for cats?

Do some research, don’t only depend on a manufacturer’s claim as proof that the food is high quality. She suggests that meat, poultry and eggs are best for cats. Surprising to me, she’s not a fan of feeding cats fish because she is concerned that so much of it is farm raised, and if there is poor quality feed in heavily polluted pens. And she’s concerned that even wholesome wild-caught fish may cause urinary problems for some cats.

How to help a cat lose weight?

“A proper high-protein, high-moisture diet fed in discrete meals (rather than a bowl of dry food available 24/7) will limit excess weight gain in the first place. It can also be used to reduce weight in adult cats,” Dr. Hofve cautions.

What is cat food?

Cat food is food for consumption by cats. Cats have specific requirements for their dietary nutrients.

How old are senior cats?

Senior cats are defined as those who are 11 years old to 14 years old , and geriatric cats are those who are 15 years old and older.

What fatty acids are good for cats?

Omega-3 Fatty Acids. Most older cats suffer from some degree of arthritis. Omega-3 fatty acids are thought to be beneficial in the treatment of arthritis by reducing inflammation and the activity of enzymes that break down joint cartilage.

How old can a cat be to digest fat?

Moderate to High Fat Levels. Around the age of 11 or 12, a cat’s ability to digest fat starts to decline. Fats contain more calories per gram than either proteins or carbohydrates do, so this can have a major effect on an older cat’s ability to extract calories (energy) from food. Diets for older cats should contain a moderate to high level of fat, ...

Why is my cat's food low in phosphorus?

High blood-phosphorous levels can leach calcium from the bones, make cats feel unwell, lead to more kidney damage and cause other problems within the body. For these reasons, senior cat foods generally contain reduced levels of phosphorus. High-quality protein sources contain less phosphorous than do those of low quality.

Why is muscle loss so bad for cats?

The loss of muscle mass is especially concerning because these individuals are at increased risk of illness and death. 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. Senior cat food must contain enough ...

What does it mean when a cat is older?

Jennifer Coates, DVM. Digestive, physiology and nutritional needs change as cats gets older, which means that what they ate when they were younger may no longer be ideal. And with our cats living longer than ever, finding the best nutritionally formulated food ...

How do experienced vets answer your pet questions?

Experienced vets answer all your pet questions via chat or video.

Can cats become finicky?

Cats can become extremely finicky as they get older, so I consider it a great success if we can get them to eat a nutritious diet. If we’re talking about cats who are truly nearing the end of their lives, I think the ideal food for them to eat is whatever they will actually eat.

What to feed a senior cat that has been neutered?

It’s made with protein-rich chicken, along with corn, wheat, pea fiber and beet pulp, along with a healthy blend of vitamins, minerals and amino acids. The recipe includes antioxidants like green tea, marigold and rosemary extract, too, for a healthy immune system. Adapted phosphorous levels also help to support renal function.

What is the best wet food for senior cats?

On the hunt for the best wet food for senior cats? This diet features salmon and tuna in its recipe, along with a blend of vitamins, minerals, healthy omega-3 and omega-6 fats, and fiber-rich chicory root to aid in digestion. The antioxidant-packed meal is designed to support a strong immune system and maintain a lean body mass. Plus, it contains a higher moisture content than dry food, giving your cat the extra water they need.

What Is “Senior” Cat Food?

Because AAFCO’s nutrient profiles don’t distinguish between “adult” and “senior,” it turns out that senior diets are not all that different from everyday adult cat food, says Joseph Bartges, DVM, Ph.D., DACVIM, DACVN, a professor of medicine and nutrition in the department of small animal medicine and surgery at the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine in Athens, Georgia.

What is a wet cat diet?

Formulated especially for older senior cats 12 years old and up , this wet diet is designed to provide a balance of protein, fat and carbohydrates. It contains a blend of healthy fats and glucosamine to support joint health, along with vitamins and minerals, antioxidants and reduced phosphorous to help support kidney health. The chunky slices in gravy make it easier for older cats with sensitive teeth and gums to eat. Serve it mixed with crunchy kibble or serve it alone.

What to do if your cat is having trouble remembering things?

If your senior cat is having trouble remembering things—such as where their litter box is, how to eat or drink or how to play with their favorite interactive toy— or displaying senile-like behaviors like staring into space, altered sleep/wake cycles, meowing loudly (especially at night), or spatial disorientation, you could choose a diet with antioxidants and healthy fats.

What is the best food for a cat?

Proteins and Amino Acids: Because cats are carnivorous animals, they should derive most of their protein from meat, fish and other animal products. Dietary protein contains 10 specific amino acids, including arginine and taurine, all of which cats require but can’t make on their own. The NRC recommends an adult cat’s diet contain at least 12.5 grams of crude protein (for an adult cat weighing 9 pounds and consuming 250 calories).

How much water should I give my cat?

They typically drink 2 milliliters of water for every gram of dry food they eat. When it comes to selecting a particular diet, Dr. Fascetti says that quality does differ across various brands, but a consultation with your veterinarian can help you choose the right one for your individual cat.

Digging deeper

As your kitty completes another trip around the sun, enjoys their birthday cakes with delight, and reaches an older age, their dietary needs change just as their interests do.

How to feed them right?

As mentioned before, the contents of your dear friend’s diet cannot be introduced to them all at once. The food should be served at room temperature to ensure that the cat can taste and smell it properly, with its freshness intact.

Quality over quantity

And that’s why it is important to consult your vet to make sure how much quantity will suit the needs of your kitties given their age! Vets can also help you craft the diet that suits their nutritive needs, lifestyle, age, and their health conditions.

In a nutshell

It is important to ensure that your cats are active at all times, to not only ensure a strong bond and that they are in their cheerful mood, but also that they are physically active, have their muscles and joints exercised, and boredom doesn’t affect their happy lives.

What Should I Look for in Senior Cat Food?

Now that we understand how the dietary needs for senior felines tend to change, it's time to talk about the main “dish,” so to say: Senior cat food.

How to mix cat food?

Start by mixing 25% of your cat's new food in with 75% of her old food (for a total of 100% of the calories she usually gets). After 3 to 4 days, adjust the ratio to 50/50: half old food, half new food. After 3 to 4 days of this, adjust the ratio again so she's getting 75% new food and 25% old food.

Why do cats need food?

They need the right amount of food. Cats need enough food to support play and exercise, but not too much to promote getting on weight and obesity. Kitty obesity is a big problem (no pun intended) that can increase an animal's risk of diabetes, arthritis, and many other health problems.

How many times a day should a senior cat eat?

Now, most senior cats do best eating one to two times per day. In fact, your kitty will probably be able to keep eating as often as she did when she first became an adult—the portions may just need to be smaller.

How old is a cat when she is in her senior years?

And for good reason: by the time your sweet feline reaches her senior years —typically, around 7 to 11 in human years—it's all you can do to not swoon over her every day. After all, there's something so special and sweet about animals in their golden age and we want to provide them with the best care we can.

Why do kittens lose interest in food?

This is often because they can't see, smell, or taste quite as well as they used to. You can probably imagine how not being able to experience your food fully will make it less appealing to you!

What is the proper care of a cat?

Proper care of your cats includes the proper understanding of her diet needs because this is an essential part of her life. That way, she'll be able to show off her unique personality and enjoy her life with you for as long as possible!

What is the best food for a senior cat?

We recommend Wellness Complete Health Chicken & Deboned Chicken Grain-Free Senior Dry Cat Food for most senior cats. This formula covers many of the common health problems afflicting senior cats. It is made with added omega fatty acids, fiber, and a variety of other nutrients.

What is the best food for cats with hairballs?

Salmon is the first ingredient. This meat is exceptionally high in omega fatty acids, improving the cat’s brain and coat health. Plenty of natural fiber is added to control hairballs, and this food is surprisingly high in antioxidants.

What is the ingredient in Royal Canin Aging 12+?

However, the next ingredient is pork by-products , which are less digestible and nutritious than whole meat.

What is the first ingredient in a cat food?

It includes chicken-based ingredients primarily. Chicken is the first ingredient, followed by chicken broth and chicken liver. These additives provide lean protein for your senior feline and all the amino acids that they need to stay healthy.

What to do if your cat stops eating?

If your cat stops eating, you should take them to the vet. Many cats are magnificent about hiding their illnesses. Therefore, you may not get many clues that they are sick. Many times, fatigue and appetite loss are your only signs.

Can senior cats eat canned cat food?

Many senior cats benefit from wet cat food. Those with dental problems may have a hard time eating kibble, making canned cat food necessary. The added moisture can also help prevent urinary tract problems, which can be standard in felines.

Do older cats need senior food?

Not all older cats need senior cat food. Sometimes, they’re fine with the adult food that they’ve been eating for years.

How Much Should I Feed an Older Cat?

Portion sizes for older cats are very much dependent on the size and weight of your older pussycat! All cat foods vary in their calorific content so you need to be very aware of how much you are feeding them and its nutritional value.

What is the best grain free food for cats?

Wholehearted Grain Free Senior (Best Grain Free Food for Older Cats) Wholehearted Grain Free Senior is a dry food that helps cats maintain their health as they grow older. It is recommended for cats aged 7 and up. It is a natural dry food that is grain-free and lists animal protein as the number one ingredient.

What is Royal Canin Aging 12+?

The Royal Canin Aging 12+ wet food was formulated specially with aging cats in mind. Royal Canin states that all of their foods, not just this particular blend, has a scientifically proven blend of ingredients that appeal to any and all cats’ taste buds. Even picky eaters like this wet food.

What is the best food for cats with tooth problems?

Turkey, potato, and cranberry flavor is appealing to picky eaters. Includes no corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives. Small bites are great for cats with tooth or gum problems. Cranberries aid in urinary health as well as their immune system health. Omega fatty acids support healthy coats.

Why are cats lazy?

As cats get older they become far more susceptible to dehydration. This causes fatigue and is largely down to their energy levels being lower as they are less proactive in on-boarding fresh water. Cats are lazy at the best of times!

Why do cats like soft wet food?

Soft wet foods have a couple of core advantages. Firstly, they hold far more moisture than dry foods so assist in the hydration process. Secondly, older cats may suffer from deteriorating teeth so softer foods will be easier for them to feed on.

Is Iams good for older cats?

Not to mention, the kibble helps clean cats’ teeth and removed plaque but isn’ t too crunchy, which is great for older cats with tooth issues. One of the best things about Iams Proactive Health Healthy Senior dry food is that it is very flexible and easy to integrate into any cats’ diet.

What is the best food for a senior cat?

Real salmon and tuna provide fatty acids that encourage both healthy skin and a shiny coat. Each serving of wet food offers 25 essential vitamins and minerals, beneficial Taurine, and beneficial amino acids that will keep senior cats healthy and active for their lives.

What to feed indoor cat?

Give your indoor cat a formula meant for their age and activity level by feeding them Merrick Purrfect Bistro Indoor Pate.

What is the best diet for cats?

Keep your cat as healthy as possible by feeding them the nutrient pack diet offered by Purina Pro Plan Prime Plus Chicken Formula.

Why do cats need taurine?

Taurine and DHA have been added to support cognitive development and keep senior cat’s hearts healthy. The smooth texture is irresistible to eat, easy to eat, and simple to digest and pass with no strain on a senior cat’s digestive system. Your aging cat will feel as close to their ancestor’s diet as ever no matter what age they are.

What is the Blue Wilderness cat diet?

This diet from Blue Wilderness uses real chicken as the first ingredient to promote lean and healthy muscles and comfortable for senior cats to digest.

What happens when a cat is seven?

When cats hit seven years of age, their bodies start to change, so their diet will also need to change to support their older states. Fancy Feast makes this formula with the ideal nutritional requirements that will help your aging cat inside and out.

How long do cats live?

Owning a cat is a lifelong commitment, especially since cats have an average lifespan of 13-18 years, with some cats pushing their lifespan to their 20s ( 1 ). As cats get older, their diets may need to be adjusted or changed to accommodate their older and less active bodies.