Senior Cat Diet:

Once cats grow older their metabolism slows down and their nutritional requirements begin to change.



It is therefore necessary to make sure that senior cat food contains less fat, minimal amounts of calories and easy to digest good quality protein. Minerals and vitamins to keep the joints strong and to fight off infections also need to be part of old cat diets. Senior cat food is available in the market and they are usually rich in protein and low on phosphorous which will reduce the strain on the kidneys.



It is usually fortified with Vitamin E to ward off infections. Since senior cat food is low on calories, it helps your pet keep an optimum weight even as its activity levels reduce. As your cat grows older, its ability to taste and smell begin to fade a little and it may be difficult to chew larger pieces of food.



And as the cat may lose teeth with advanced age, their mouths become sensitive and softer morsels of food are always best. While switching to old cat food, do not make the change drastic. Add a little bit of the new food to the food the cat usually eats and slowly increase the quantity till your pet is only consuming senior cat food. Do not change the place where the cat usually has his/her meals as this change coupled by a change in food may upset it. Try to feed your older cat frequently but in small quantities and it is best to give them food at room temperature. Food that is too hot or too cold may put them off. If the cat is reluctant to eat the new senior cat food, add the juice from a sardine can or a little warm water to a treat so as to get it attracted to the food. Wet food is always best for the cat due to its high water content. If cats do not drink sufficient water, they may be prone to kidney disease and constipation among other things. Offering various sources of water and perhaps flavoring them a little will help the cat drink more.

The nutritional requirements for every senior cat would depend upon health and age and it would be best to first consult your veterinarian before settling on any kind of diet. Cats suffering from diabetes, constipation, colitis and anal gland disease would benefit from a diet that is rich in fiber.