Tips on Choosing the Best Senior Cat Food for Elderly Cats

Senior cat food is exactly what it says on the tin…or pouch. It’s been developed to maintain your older cat’s dietary needs and provide them with the right nutrients, keeping them happy and healthy as the years pass by.

Generally speaking, cats are considered senior between the ages of 12 and 14. Thanks to a combination of modern veterinary medicine and improved cat food, this age classification has moved in recent years, asit used to be that a cat was classed as senior at 8 years old. Most senior cat food will specify that it’s for cats of 7+, so you don’t need to worry as long as your moggy is in that bracket.

The eating patterns of cats vary hugely, and often change again during their mature (12 to 14) and geriatric (15+) years. They may not require as much food, or start to prefer wet food to dry, as they might have experienced dental issues in the past. (Losing teeth or suffering from gum disease both make it difficult to chew as the years go on.) You should keep an eye on their habits, as you’ll soon see if there are bowls of food going untouched and you can change their meals up.

It’s also important to provide your cat with fresh water if you’re exclusively feeding them dry food, as this helps to keep them hydrated and prevent urinary tract infections. Often, indoor cats can become dehydrated because, unlike outdoor kittys, they don’t have any organic access to water (like puddles), should they become thirsty. Place multiple bowls of fresh water around the house for them so they don’t have to climb stairs to get a drink, for example. This is especially important in hot weather, when older moggys are likely to feel the heat keenly.

You might find that allocating specific bowls for both water and food will help to remind you to put both out. If your kitty is getting a little untidy in their grand old age, invest in an anti-slip food mat to protect your floors and contain the mess!

Although plenty of dry foods contain an excellent and complete range of vitamins and nutrients, wet cat food offers vital hydration, as its composition is usually 70 to 80% water.

Wet food also has the benefit of being softer, and thus easier for cats to eat. Bear this in mind if your cat has lost teeth over the years! It might just be the case that your cat finds wet food more palatable, which is fine - but be mindful of them overeating. Sometimes a less appetizing meal will actually ensure your mog isn’t overindulging.

Felix’s As Good As It Looks Senior Mixed Selection offers a variety of meat and fish combined with succulent jelly in handy 100g sealed pouches, to help you keep on track of how many calories you’re giving your cat. Each meal balances minerals, vitamins, proteins and antioxidants to maximize their nutrition value.

Alternatively, Natures Menu Senior Cat Pouches use flakes of chicken, salmon and cod to provide a great protein hit for your moggy, without any added fillers! If you’re a purist about carnivorism, this is the brand for you. The pouches also include taurine, which promotes a healthy heart and eyes.

A major benefit of dry cat food is its longevity. As it’s in a solid biscuit form, it’s far more likely to last longer and stay fresh for your moggy throughout the day. It’s also less smelly, which is worth considering if you and kitty are sharing a compact space together. Plus, it’s typically cheaper than wet food, which is great if you’re trying to make budget-friendly choices.

If your cat is a fussy drinker, you may want to consider mixing wet and dry food to let your cat absorb the water wet food offers, whilst still reaping some of the benefits of dry food.

Alternatively, the James Wellbeloved Senior Cat dry food does not include any additives or dairy products. Unlike many dry cat foods, the mix uses hypoallergenic meal to prevent stomach problems and reduce allergic reactions, plus cranberry extracts to prevent urinary complaints. Pop down a bowl of this turkey and rice combination and watch your cat’s eyes light up!

Mature cats might sleep a little more, be less playful than they used to be, or change up their favourite chill out spots to more accessible areas. (If they do have a preferred windowsill to gaze out of, consider creating steps or a ramp to help them up.) The most noticeable change you’ll need to negotiate as an owner is their changing appetite and dietary needs. Invest in a food bowl and shop the extensive range of wet and dry cat food at Jollyes today, to cater to your kitty’s maturing taste buds. Simply select the ‘Senior’ option under the ‘Life Stage’ dropdown to find meals suitable for your moggy, and treat them to a tasty twilight.