What is The Best Food to Feed My Senior Cat?
Old age usually denotes the last stage of life and while certainly everything has been done to ensure our kitty-cat ages well, the effort to keep him healthy should not stop once the golden years kick in.
At the senior life stage ensuring the cat is healthy is important especially in slowing down or stopping some of the health risks that are accompanied by old age for improved quality of life. This will help keep him around for a little longer.
A good diet is one of the tools you can use to keep your older cat healthy. Here are some recommendations to help you choose the best cat food for your senior bud.
#1) Blue Buffalo Healthy Aging Senior Cat Food
Blue Buffalo Healthy Dry Cat Food is exclusively made for older felines starting with real deboned chicken to supply energy and support strong muscles. Blue Buffalo foods use a unique blend of minerals, vitamins and antioxidants for overall good health. In this tasty kibble is taurine to support eye, heart and digestion.
There is a good balance of omega fatty acids sourced from plant and animal sources for a healthy skin condition. Urinary tract issues are kept away through the use of essential nutrients from fresh fruits such as cranberries.
Powdered cellulose features in this food help with the formation of firmer stool. Also, cellulose helps pass down hair ingested during grooming, down the gut for excretion instead of the cat vomiting it up.
Features
- Starts with protein from real meat for the formation of strong muscles
- Complete and balanced with a nutrient-rich blend of ingredients
- Supports healthy urinary tract systems with the addition of taurine to support vision, heart and cognitive function
- Fiber-rich to aid digestion
#2) Hartz Delectable Lickable Treat Bisque Senior Cat Food
Any pet’s diet is never quite complete without the inclusion of treats. Treat your senior cat to this scrumptious delicacy that is made with succulent tuna and chicken dipped in a flavorful sauce. The moisture content in this food will keep your cat well hydrated. Vitamin B and E ensure oxidative balance in the body and strong immunity.
Tapioca starch has been used in making the food. This ingredient is a great source of easily digestible carbohydrates and helps to improve the texture of the food. Keep mealtimes interesting with this sweet treat by grabbing this treat for your fluffy friend.
Features
- Delicious wet treats for senior cats made with tuna and chicken
- Antioxidant-rich diet to boost the immune system
- Sufficient moisture for a well-hydrated body
- Contains easy digest carbohydrates
#3) Wellness Complete Health Grain Free Senior Cat Food
Wellness Complete Health Grain Free is the best-selling cat food for older cats. It derives its bigger share of proteins from deboned chicken that is complemented by that from other ingredients such as chicken and herring meals. Whole-body health is maintained by the precise blend of ingredients that make up this food.
If your cat’s joints are growing feeble you need not worry as the food comes packed with glucosamine that keeps joints healthy. L-carnitine aids metabolism for maximum absorption of nutrients in the body.
This cat food for older cats has salmon for the supply of omega acids for healthy skin and cats. Some natural herbs like spearmint extract have been used to enhance flavors in the food while others like green tea extract help the body with their anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic properties.
Minerals are also abundant in the food to keep body functions running perfectly even in old age. Gift your pal a lifetime of happiness with this healthy package from Wellness Complete.
Features
- Uses quality protein from the deboned chicken as its first ingredient
- Packed with glucosamine for joint health and L-carnitine for smooth digestion
- Fortified with minerals and vitamins for whole-body health
- Uses natural flavors and preservatives
#4) Iams ProActive Health Healthy Senior Cat Food
The next best food for older cats is this product from Iams. Its crunchy kibble draws protein from chicken for strong muscles and essential amino acid supply for the body.
In comparison to the Iams Healthy Adult Original with Chicken formula, this cat food features twice the number of antioxidants assuring your pet a strong immune system. Iams ProActive Health Healthy Senior Dry Cat Food offers your bosom buddy a great deal of nutrition at an affordable price.
Weight gain is a common occurrence in the senior life stage but with L-carnitine in this meal, your kitty can maintain ideal body weight. Ground whole grain and grits made from cornmeal supplemented with probiotics keep the gastro intestine healthy.
Glucosamine and chondroitin work alongside minerals such as calcium to keep the skeletal structure strong. Natural oils keep skin glowing and boost immunity as well.
Features
- Protein-rich kibble to supply the body with amino acids for strong muscles
- Features L-carnitine for maintenance of ideal body weight
- Furnished with glucosamine, chondroitin and minerals for healthy bones
- Contains grains and is made without artificial additions, preservatives, or byproducts
#5) Hill’s Science Senior Cat Food
Enriching and lengthening the special bond between people and their pets has been always been Hill’s Pet’s mission, delivered through specially crafted foods to maintain vitality in cats.
This particular food is made for senior cats that spend a bigger part of their lives indoors. Chicken is the first ingredient in this food and comes backed by select ingredients for complete balanced nutrition.
Hill’s Science cat food for older cats is formulated with whole grain from wheat that is a source of plant protein with low fat and cholesterol. Wheat gluten and corn gluten meal are a healthy addition to the food and acts as agents that help bind the food together into the tasty kibble it is.
Flavored with tasty chicken liver this recipe provides fiber from dried beet pulp to smoothen out digestion for your senior feline. Fresh fruits and veggies are antioxidant-rich to ensure the body, old as it is, can fight off infections.
Also, with every purchase of Hill’s Pet product, you contribute to assisting the brand feed pets in shelters. Choose this best cat food and treat your companion to a worthy meal for a worthy cause.
Features
- Contains high-quality protein from chicken
- Dry cat food that contains whole grains
- Specially put together for older cats that spend a lot of time indoors
- Low cholesterol nutrient-rich food
Related Post: Best Semi-Moist Cat Foods
Best Cat Food for Older Cats Buying Guide & FAQs
Tips for Choosing Best Cat Food for Older Cats
Basic Nutrition
Senior cat food should always give complete and balanced nutrition. The ingredients used should bring in all required protein, carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins, amino and fatty acids in sufficient quantities for healthy body function.
Elimination of artificial fillers, flavors, or preservation is also key. Always check for compliance to set manufacturing standards before making any cat food purchase. This way you get value for your money along with quality nutrition for your kitty.
Cat’s Age
It is important to know when exactly your feline friend turns into a senior for timely transition in foods. Cats are considered elderly once they are 11 years of age with that bracket extending to 15 years.
Senior cats require a change in their diet to keep with the changes occurring in their bodies. A good diet for a senior cat should provide abundant protein alongside low calories for strong muscles and maintenance of healthy weight.
The food should be teeming with vitamins to keep body defenses strong. Some pets struggle with smell or chewing at this age therefore you should choose food that will help them manage their condition. Transitioning slowly is always recommended to avoid shocking the digestive system that could result in health complications.
Cat’s Activity Level
While most cats slow down as they grow older, others retain their energetic nature. With this in mind, you can choose the best cat food for them. For instance, for less active indoor cats you can select indoor formulas that have less fat to keep them from becoming overweight. For the very active ones, you can feed formulas with high protein and calories to keep up with their high body demands.
Related Post: Best Dry Cat Foods for Indoor Kitties
Health Issues
During the cat’s course of life, he may develop health issues or has had to live managing conditions he was born with. Many pet food producers have formulas that help with this you just need to pick what is right for your cat.
There are formulas to deal with obesity, sensitive digestion, urinary tract diseases, or even hairball complications. Always be sure to diagnose the condition correctly before settling for any particular food.
Budget
Quality should always precede quantity. While this is true, going for quality might need you to dig a little deeper into your pockets. Better quality foods are mostly made with high-quality meats, natural flavors and preservation.
However, expensive does not guarantee good quality. Checking reviews before purchasing, asking around, or consulting nutritionists and vets goes a long way in ensuring your feline gets quality nutrition without breaking your wallet.
Related Post: Best Wet Cat Food
Helpful Tips for Caring for Senior Cats
Various factors go in hand with a good diet to give an all-rounded approach to senior cat health. Let’s take a look at some of ways of keeping your cat in good shape:
- Be Observant
Pay attention to their diet addressing any changes that come up with relation to feeding for instance picky eating. You can keep mealtimes interesting to encourage food intake. Be on the lookout for any behavioral or physical changes such as strained movement or sudden weight gain.
As some cats age, they begin to excessively meow with others beginning to shy away from all forms of social interaction. Offering assistance to counter these negative signs will help your kitty live longer.
- Keep Physical Activity Going
Do not eliminate exercise from the daily routine as it is important for your pet to stay fit. Daily exercise is crucial for mental stimulation as well. Reducing the level of exercise is the only adjustment you may need to make because the body may not be able to handle the exercise the cat engaged in previous life stages.
- Ensure Unlimited Access to Water
Hydration is very important for senior cats to keep away constipation and related health complications on the urinary tract. Some cat parents prefer to offer canned food due to its moisture content.
If serving dry food however try and encourage fluid uptake. Stationing water bowls in easy-to-access stations helps or even flavoring the water with the use of safe ingredients.
- Annual Visits to the Vet
You should not only visit the vet when there are complications involved. Regularly visiting for checkups helps to confirm your cat’s health is perfect. It might also help you catch a condition early and cure it on time.
See Also: Best Canned Cat Food
Frequently Asked Questions on Best Cat Food for Older Cats
Q: What Makes Senior Cat Food Different?
The food is made with key consideration of the gradual changes taking place in the cat’s body. Most food for older cats contains plenty of protein and lower calories because of decreased activity levels. The foods are usually packed with supplements saving you the inconvenience of sourcing for extra ones to add to the food.
With these, your pet can manage existing conditions and any that may come up due to advancement in years. Choosing food according to life stage is therefore important to ensure your pet gets the most of it for that particular season in his life.
Q: How Many Times a Day Should an Older Cat Eat?
Routine is the way of life for many cats therefore consistency should be maintained for mealtimes. Unless a health condition warrants adjustment in the frequency of meals or their portioning, abrupt changes should be avoided. Older cats often just require you to make the meal palatable for them and easing access to the feeding bowl.
Q: Is It Okay to Feed My Kitten Senior Cat Food?
It is not recommended because food for older cats has fewer calories yet kittens require much calorie count to keep up with their growing energy demands in their bodies.
If bought erroneously, you can mix it up with the old food in little portions so that the cat’s body is not left overwhelmed by the abrupt change. Otherwise, stick to age-specific food each time you make a purchase.
Read: Dietary Supplements for Senior Cats
Conclusion
Old age is no death sentence and your furry friend should enjoy his golden years in perfect health. Selecting the best cat food coupled with other forms of care will bring this to fruition.
Besides balanced and healthy nutrition, need fluffier beds and regular checkup by a vet to maintain their spark even in old age. Feeding your senior cat the right food is undoubtedly the determinant when it comes to the longevity and vitality of your old feline friend. We hope the guide was helpful and you were able to find the best cat food for your feline.