Dietary advice for senior cats – What you need to know

Kittens burn through calories in order to fuel muscle development, so high-calorie diets are recommended for these energetic early months.

As they get older, and their growth slows down, a complete and well-balanced diet is aimed at maintaining a healthy weight.

Cats are generally classed as senior when they turn seven. Now, a decrease in activity levels, and a slowing metabolism, bring further nutritional changes.

Here’s what you need to know:

Diet plan for senior cats – What they should be eating

When putting together a diet for senior cats, there’s plenty to think about, including which food types are best.

We break down the benefits of each one, so you can begin to plan the perfect diet for your cat.

Wet Food

Some older cats with dental difficulties may have a tough time crunching through dry food, and will find the softness of wet food comforting on their teeth and gums.

The high moisture content found in wet food can also be beneficial to senior cats with digestive or urinary tract issues, or whose hydration levels are lower than you’d like.

Cats can become fussier as they age.  Wet food is closer to a cat’s natural diet so may be more appealing to a senior cat who has lost their appetite.

All of Reveal’s wet cat food recipes are designed to provide maximum flavor, and they also contain no artificial colors, additives or preservatives.

Reveal’s Chicken Breast in Broth Can and Chicken Breast with Duck in Broth Pot recipes are grain-free, made using real protein, and will help contribute to the health of a senior cat as part of a complete diet.

Broth

Bone broth is a nutrient-packed wonder food for senior cats. Forgetting about the mouth-watering taste for one minute, broth is rich in minerals like magnesium and calcium, so will strengthen bones. It can settle stomachs, soothe ageing joints, and provides much-needed hydration.

The bone marrow present in broth will also bolster your cat’s immune system.

If your senior cat’s appetite has waned in their later years, broth boasts a tempting taste and smell that could entice them back to the bowl.

Reveal’s Tuna Fillet with Seabream in Broth Can and our Chicken with Pumpkin in Broth Can are both grain-free recipes, made with natural ingredients. While not made with actual bones, these recipes are still rich in nutrients, moisture and taste, and are an ideal meal for senior cats.

Dry Food

High-quality dry food, also known as kibble, plays a vital role in a senior cat’s diet. It’s packed full of concentrated goodness, and should be part of a complete, wholesome, varied diet.

It is not uncommon for senior cats to suffer from issues surrounding their weight.

Dry food portion control will allow you to comfortably adjust the amount you’re feeding your cat depending on how much or how little they need.

And because dry food will not spoil quickly, it can be left out throughout the day allowing a grazing senior cat to choose when they eat.

Warm water will soften kibble making it easier to eat if a senior cat is struggling with teething problems.

Raw Diet

A raw food diet can have significant health benefits for senior cats. Cats have evolved eating a prey-based diet; one that’s raw and full of fresh, natural nutrients.

High-quality animal meat is an incredible source of protein. As well as keeping your senior cat strong and healthy, it may improve digestion and deliver an energy boost to a lethargic feline.

If you are thinking about introducing raw food into your senior cat’s mealtime, like with any diet change, make sure the transition is gradual . Always conduct thorough research when considering a raw food diet, to not only understand whether it is suitable for your pet’s needs, but also so you’re aware of the potential at home risks for family members.

How often should you feed an elderly cat?

Senior cats need to be fed a high-quality diet with a careful balance of nutrients. They require a similar amount of calories to adult cats, so one meal a day should prove sufficient. If you find one large serving overwhelms them, split into smaller portions and serve at different points throughout the day. Every cat is different though so use this as a guide and adjust accordingly.

If your senior cat has health problems then speak with a vet first to discuss the best course of action.