Got an old kitty at home? Start thinking about changing to a diet that is better suited to an old cat. They require different food from when they were younger because their bodies are also changing. More nutrients are also needed to keep up with the demands of an aging body.
When Is a Cat Considered Senior?
So, when does your cat officially join the senior club? Generally, cats hit their senior years around age 7. Some might not act their age right away, while others slow down a bit earlier. Either way, it’s smart to start thinking about senior cat food when they reach this milestone.
Why Do Senior Cats Need to Be Fed Differently?
Cats' bodies vary as they get older, just like ours do. They become less active and as a result develop slower metabolism. Older felines have numerous health issues. These include diabetes, arthritis, kidney disease, etc. This means they need food that supports these changes – fewer calories, more protein, and ingredients for joint health and digestion. According to Catfriendly, senior cats tend to drop weight and are generally not interested in eating because they lose their sense of taste and smell.
What to Feed Senior Cats?
When choosing the right food for senior cats look for these key things in their food:
Key Factors in Senior Cat Food
Superior protein
Older cats have weaker muscles. They need more protein to maintain their muscles’ strength. Look for food supplies with meat sources like chicken, fish or beef.
Less calories
Since senior cats aren’t as active, they need fewer calories to prevent obesity.
Joint care
Pick a food source that has both glucosamine and chondroitin. They are very important for healthy joints. Zoetis informs that most cat owners are slow to pick up on the signs of arthritis. Typically, they only notice it when it is already too late.
Digestibility
When the digestive system is delicate, like in old cats, they need food that is light. Heavy food cannot be absorbed by older cats and leads to digestive issues.
What Is a Nutrient Profile?
Basically, it is a list of all the great stuff that is packed into the food. Think of it like a nutrition label for humans but precisely designed to make sure that our felines get everything they need to stay healthy.
Choose any packet of food for older cats. The quantities of proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals it contains will be listed on it. A balanced mix of these nutrients help the cats maintain their shiny fur and their energy levels. These help in keeping their overall health in top order. This way your cat's meals are not just tasty but also packed with all the right hearty ingredients.
How Do I Ensure Proper Hydration?
The significance of hydration for cats cannot be ignored. They’re more prone to kidney problems and hydration helps with it. Senior wet cat food is great because it has high moisture content. If they prefer dry food, make sure they have fresh water all the time. Pet fountains can also encourage them to drink more.
How to Feed Senior Cats
Feeding senior cats involves more than just the right food. How you feed them is also important. Give them small and frequent meals. Older cats might do better with several small meals a day.
Easy access: Make sure food and water are easy for them to reach. If they have arthritis, raise the bowls a bit to make it more comfortable.
Monitor their weight: Keep an eye on their weight. Changes can signal health issues. Regular vet visits are a good idea to keep track of their health.
Conclusion
Finding Grade A senior cat food is not that hard. Just look for food with high-quality protein and lower calories. It should also have ingredients that support their aging bodies. Their water intake throughout the day should be abundant so that the cat does not become dehydrated. Your senior cat can enjoy their golden years in good health if you give them proper care.
