Elderly cats may are susceptible to a lot of old age diseases such as heart problems, arthritis or obesity, which will dictate the need for a change in diet. The senior cat food is created bearing in mind the special needs of older cats; there are different types of senior cat food that are suitable for cats with heart or kidney problems or food for senior obese cats.
Senior Cat Food
Cats are considered senior after the age of 7 or 8.
Older cats have a more sedentary lifestyle, which means that they won’t require the same amounts of calories. If an inactive cat with a diet high in calories will become overweight. Consult your vet and determine the right amount of food your senior cat requires. You may stick to the same brand of food, if the cat has no health issues. If your cat gets dry food, you could switch to a food with smaller sized kibble; a lot of senior cats have dental problems, missing teeth or gum issues, so the chewing can be problematic. You may also moisten the kibble using some water or tuna sauce. Don’t forget about the occasional treats that help removing the plaque.
If the cat has a medical condition, the diet should be altered accordingly. For instance, a cat with a kidney problem should get liquid food that is lower in protein. A prescription food with up to 14% protein is ideal to protect your cat’s kidneys. Wet food is also much easier to digest, so it will take some work load off the kidneys.
There are prescription foods available for cats with diabetes or other medical conditions related to old age.
Senior Cat Nutritional Needs
Senior cats need a balanced diet that contains about the same percentage of essential nutrients (i.e. at least 18% protein and at least 10% fat) but in lower amounts. However, the amount of fibers can be increased, as senior cats are more susceptible to getting constipation and the fibers will help the digestion. Choose foods that are high in fibers or get some supplements of wheat bran, which can stimulate digestion.
Some vets recommend decreasing the amount of fats, as the cat is less active.
Senior Cat Feeding
Senior cats may have smell or vision problems, so they may not eat. You will have to help your cat find the food. When it’s feeding time, take some food on your finger and allow the cat to taste the food, so he will be able to eat the rest.
However, if your cat refuses to eat for more than 48 hours and you can rule out vision or smell problems, you should consult the vet, as the lack of appetite may be a symptom of an illness.
Senior cats may have a decreased appetite, but this may also be due to health problems.
Supplements for Older Cats
Your vet may recommend you a few supplements for your senior cat, especially if the cat has a medical condition.
Supplements can help a cat with no appetite and may also support the immune system of a senior cat, which is weaker.