best diet for senior cats

If thats not enough, consider getting a cat water fountain. Snacks from the table are not balanced at all and may contain high levels of fat and sodium. The protein needs of cats are higher than the protein needs of many other animals. Phosphorus eventually builds up in the blood. Its also best not to feed your cat milk because cats can be lactose-intolerant. He found not one of them improved from a restricted protein diet. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Senior cats should be fed small, regular portions to aid digestion. It does not include any form of artificial preservatives or flavors, soy, corn, wheat or poultry by-products. However, more recent studies have shown phosphorus is the real culprit. Grain-free wet food formula. Seniors often fall short. Cats whiskers can get more sensitive as they get older, and the sides of the bowl touching them get annoying. Unfortunately, many cat treats are just as unhealthy as the 'junk food' people consume! Fats and Fatty Acids: Dietary fats are also a must for cats. Hill's Prescription Diet k/d Kidney Care Wet Cat Food. Science backs this up protein is good for senior cats. One of the best senior cat food for reluctant eaters too. Blue Buffalo Sensitive Stomach Dry Cat Food. A Myrcha and J Pinowski, "Weights, Body Composition and Caloric Value of Post-juvenile Molting European Tree Sparrows,", 14. In the past, veterinarians commonly recommended reduced protein diets for older cats to protect their kidneys, but this is no longer the case. This will bring your cats electrolyte levels back to normal. Arthritis is extremely common in cats. This type of food has more moisture and might be tastier to cats. Hydration is incredibly important for senior cats. Other diseases that are common in older cats can also require dietary changes. Looking for a convenient way to access your pets health records, refill prescriptions, view upcoming appointments and more? Lots of mass-produced cat foods are grain-based, like kibble. The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) consider cats between 11-14 years of age to be senior while geriatric cats are 15 years and older. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. The NRC recommends an adult cat's diet contain at least 12.5 grams of crude protein (for an adult cat weighing 9 pounds and consuming 250 calories). Best for Senior Cats: Blue Buffalo Weight Management + Urinary Care Wet Food at Amazon Jump to Review Best Organic: Castor & Pollux Cat Organix Shredded Chicken at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Sensitive Stomachs: Halo Holistic Grain-Free Healthy Weight Dry Cat Food at Amazon Jump to Review In This Article Our Picks Written by Janelle Leeson; edited by Lisa Sabatini. This is a big mistake, as older cats have different nutritional needs than younger cats. An older cat may exhibit the following signs: Supporting Cat Health with Information and Health Studies. Cat parents see weight loss and a poor hair coat as the vague signs of aging, not an indication of a potential problem. 1. "The bottom line is, 10 calories more than a cat needs in a day adds up to a pound of body fat in a year. Chicken thighs are cheap, healthy and most cats love them. House cats evolved from hunters who ate high amounts of protein and some fat and carbohydrates. Once weaning starts, they need high amounts of protein. However, the risks to cats with subclinical kidney disease and hypertension outweigh the benefits to bladder health. Can you feed your senior cat kitten food? When a cat food is high in phosphorus, the kidneys filter the extra out. While old age is not a disease in itself, the body changes associated with aging make older cats more vulnerable to medical problems and disease. Dry foods are especially calorie heavy. Hydration : Getting enough water can also be a struggle for older cats. Peachey, S. The Journal of Nutrition, June 2002. Suitable diets for cats with kidney problems often have less salt and protein than standard cat foods.. 25. Sometimes cats have health conditions like diabetes or hyperthyroidism, which involves the overproduction of thyroid hormones, that can cause undereating or overeating. Although many older cats are put on a lower-protein diet , there really isnt any research to prove that the nutritional needs of healthy senior cats are any different from those of younger adult cats, says Kathryn Michel, DVM, associate professor of nutrition at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. Overweight cats can do with a bit less. If your cat is skinny, let them eat as much as they want. Both can cause serious problems. Many older cats suffer from or are at risk for chronic kidney disease (CKD). 3. A breakdown of our rating is listed below: Pet Suitability (9/10): This product is 100% safe for cats of all ages, breeds, and sizes. "Older cats enjoy spending time with their human family members, Dr. Levine concludes. Extra carnitine (an amino acid) may also help in this regard. Purina Fancy Feast Adult Canned Wet Cat Food Senior 7+ satisfies all of your cat's nutritional needs as well as a few extras to help him stay healthy as he gets older. Reviewed for accuracy on November 18, 2019, by Dr. Liz Bales, VMD. It is more important than ever for your cat to be a healthy weight to maintain optimum health. REVIEWS. Required fields are marked *. Homemade food. This happens when an older cats activity levels decrease while their caloric intake stays the same or increases. Combine the meat with the mixture. Log in 24/7 to access your pets health care information. Some supplements that have been shown to be just fine in dogs or humans can be detrimental in a cat because their metabolisms are very different, Wakshlag says. SD Crissey, KA Slifka and BA Lintzenich, ". Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, "Nutrition for the Adult Cat. Senior cat food must contain enough protein to maintain a cats muscle mass. Compare Products Related reviews Compare Products RANKING LIST | SORT BY SCORES 1 Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Senior Vitality Dry Cat Food, 3 lb bag View on Amazon SCORE 9.4 Nulo Freestyle Senior Grain-Free Dry Cat Food. Free radicals are natural byproducts of metabolism. Krista Williams, BSc, DVM; Robin Downing, DVM, CVPP, CCRP, DAAPM, Contributors: Krista Williams, BSc, DVM; Robin Downing, DVM, CVPP, CCRP, DAAPM. Should you feed an old cat a low protein diet? Dry Food Dry food contains between six and 10 percent water. They still need the same type of diet today. You can start to introduce dry food at 6 weeks, but the main food should be wet food that is high in protein. From there, if a high-phosphorus diet is the cause, your vet will likely prescribe a low-phosphorus diet plan. 10. 132: pp Such changes can be signs of common diseases or dental problems that should be addressed by your veterinarian. Many people dont think about what they should be feeding a senior cat. Share this article. Quality Proteins. These issues are important when selecting a food for any cat, but they become of utmost importance when selecting a diet for the geriatric cat. Premium wet cat food for senior cats (Royal Canin Feline Health Nutrition Aging 12+ Loaf in Sauce Canned) 9. Stale food is less appetizing and your cat might not eat it. Your veterinarian can diagnose the condition and get your cat started on the right treatment. But some health conditions that affect older cats can make it more difficult for them to absorb certain vitamins or nutrients. Doing so will help them avoid weight issues as they age. As little as a pound or two of excess weight can significantly increase the pain of sore joints. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Essential taurine for heart health & balanced minerals to support kidneys & bladder. In light of this, the American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) suggests that all cat owners must feed their pets with muscle-gain foods as early as 7 years old. This cat food has given cats more energy and a better appetite. Senior cats with kidney disease may need to be on a phosphorous-restricted diet. Adult cat diet. Instead, try setting out smaller amounts for 15 to 30 minutes at a time four to five times during the day. Here are some tips for keeping your aging cat's weight under control. You can often do this by warming it, as warm food smells stronger than cold food. Canned cat food contains only meats and meat by-products. Buy at Amazon Buy at Petco For Cats 12+ Royal Canin Aging 12+ Canned Cat Food Formulated for cats over 12 years of age. Omega-3 fatty acids are also shown to reduce cases of feline dementia. Veterinarians.org Review: Our team at veterinarians.org is giving Tiki Canned Food an overall 10/10 star rating. This can be normal behavior, and a few simple changes can help. G Prez-Camargo, "Feline Decline in Key Physiological Reserves: Implication for Mortality,". G Prez-Camargo, "Feline Decline in Key Physiological Reserves: Implication for Mortality,". A cat's digestion is also improved by feeding them small, frequent meals throughout the day and night. Many vets recommend that cats with diabetes eat a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet, which may help them gain better control over the disease. Precise dietary recommendations will vary on an individual basis, particularly if an older cat suffers from a disease that is managed, at least in part, through diet. A balanced meal once or twice a day for adult cats is best in most cases. The optimal daily protein intake in clinically normal, young to middle-aged cats appears to range from approximately 5.5 g/kg up to 11.5 g/kg. Not only do we want to spoil them when they reach this point, but it can also be difficult to get them to eat anything at all. This explains why the best diet for domestic cats should contain 40% protein and 26% fat. Older cats need more protein than kittens do! It may be harder for them to deal with changes." Hill's Science Diet Adult 11+ dry cat food supports healthy aging during the golden years. S Little, "Evaluation of the Senior Cat with Weight Loss," In: S Little (ed), 3. Here is expert advice. "For healthy cats, a yearly geriatric exam - including blood work and X-rays - along with a smaller exam in between, is ideal," he recommends. Sticking to normal routines reassures them, he adds. Make sure your cat has regular access to water and monitor the amount of water left in the bowl to see if there is any reduction in their water intake. Provide easy access to basic needs. I thought she was dying, it was terrifying. Diets for older cats should contain a moderate to high level of fat, with the precise amount based on the cats body condition score. Protein: Cats with diabetes tend to lose muscle mass, especially when their blood sugar is not yet well controlled. The best way for your obese cat to lose weight is to cut calories. Solid Gold Indigo Moon with Chicken & Eggs Grain-Free High-Protein Dry Cat Food Ziwi Peak Lamb Recipe Canned Cat Food 3 More Top-Rated Cat Foods for Weight Gain in Underweight Cats Nutro Wild Frontier Real Chicken & Beef, Real Salmon & Trout Multipack Adult Canned Food Blue Buffalo Wilderness Mature Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Canned Food Therefore, grain-based proteins should never be used as the primary protein source for geriatric cats. Therefore, their calculated energy requirement was only about 45 kcal/kg/day. Diet plan for senior cats - What they should be eating. Omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation and break down the enzymes that destroy the joint cartilage. Turn on a light. ", Don't Let Your Senior Cat Become a Skinny Old Kitty, Copyright 2023 Feline Nutrition Foundation, High Blood Pressure: Yes, Your Cat Can Get It, Too, Answers: Plant vs. Meat The Protein Feud for Cat Food. However, as your cat ages, providing these things may require some extra thought. While these changes are obvious as your kitten matures into an adult cat, the changes when your cat transitions from an adult to a seniorstarting at 11 years oldcan be harder to spot. "It's especially important that senior cats have easy access to clean water because kidney function frequently deteriorates in older cats," Dr. Goldstein says. Changing the brand occasionally might also help with variety. Senior cats with kidney disease may need to be on a phosphorous-restricted diet. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Kidney Disease: Many cats develop kidney failure as they age. Feeding a senior cat requires tailoring the diet with the help of your veterinarian to address any specific health problems your pet may have. By clicking Subscribe, I agree to the WebMD, Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats. Check with your vet, Michel advises. Do not rely on the feeding chart on the bag of kibble as it will overestimate how much you should feed. There have been two studies examining the protein requirements needed to maintain lean muscle mass in adult, colony cats. In addition, some older cats may climb into a normal litter box to urinate but not to defecate. Life stage: Adult and senior | Nutritional breakdown: Moderate protein and fat, low . For many years, research seemed to show that older cats do better on reduced protein diets. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals: Cat Nutrition Tips., Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine: Anorexia, Feeding Your Cat, How Often Should You Feed Your Cat?, Texas A&M University Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences: Choosing the best diet for your kitten., VCA Hospitals: Feeding Mature, Senior, and Geriatric Cats, Feeding Your Young Adult Cat, My Cat Wont Eat: Feeding Picky Eaters.. Youre Not Alone, Pesticide in Produce: See the Latest Dirty Dozen, Having A-Fib Might Raise Odds for Dementia, New Book: Take Control of Your Heart Disease Risk, MINOCA: The Heart Attack You Didnt See Coming, Health News and Information, Delivered to Your Inbox, Aging Cats Q&A: Health and Mental Problems in Older Cats, Senior Dog Food: Meeting Aging Canines Nutritional Needs, Old Dog Health Q&A: Health and Dietary Concerns in Aging Dogs. Kathryn Michel, DVM, associate professor of nutrition, University of To provide these amounts of protein, the key is to feed highly nutritious diets that provide at least 50% of calories or metabolizable energy as protein from animals, not plants or grains. Its best to take your cat to the vet to rule out any problems. In the 90s, Dr. Delmar Finco did an experiment where he restricted the protein intake for cats with chronic kidney disease. AR Patil, C Cupp and G Prez-Camargo, "Incidence of Impaired Nutrient Digestibility in Aging Cats,", 5. Since older cats wont want to play as much, you probably wont be able to get them to exercise. Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. Tiki Cat Savory Broth. Most havent been well-studied in cats. Learn how your comment data is processed. 3, 1996, 30. By the time a cat reaches their twelfth birthday, they are the equivalent of a 64-year-old human. Once a month she gets good quality canned tuna in natural sea water as a treat and we use the remainder for our own meals. By clicking Subscribe, I agree to the WebMD, Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats. As your cat gets older, their sense of smell fades, which makes food less appetizing. Add more water stations around the house with plenty of bowls and/or pet water fountains to entice your senior cat to drink more. 8. If you watch your cats diet and weight and give them insulin regularly, theres a good chance the blood sugar levels will stabilize. Here are some of the best foods for seniors that throw up. As your cat eats more, you can move back to one to two meals a day. "It is important to give them the extra tender loving care that they'll need for many years to come.". Check with your vet to see if your cat has any medical issues for obesity, and to make sure your weight loss plan is healthy. Feed smaller portions at a time. Homemade food often doesnt have the right balance of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and vitamins and minerals. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Try waving a wand, going for a walk with your cat inside your home, and playing chase the kibble, one piece at a time. S1735-S1739. Crafted with natural ingredients, this senior cat food (designed for cats 7 years and older) provides ample vitamins, minerals, and amino acids for optimal immune system and organ function. The best foods for older cats tend to have the following: With advanced age comes an increase in the production of free radicals within the body. If your cat is blind, try to keep your cat's environment as stationary and consistent as possible, including litter boxes and furniture, Dr. Levine recommends. Don't chalk up health or behavior changes - often gradual - to old age, however. Protein is a critical nutrient for maintaining good physical health in the face of aging. It is important to include treats and snacks in your discussion with your veterinarian about appropriate food choices for your mature cat. It is best to choose commercial treats that reflect the nutrient balance of the chosen senior ration. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Don't forget the basics. Cats thrive on routine, and changes in their routine can cause a lot of stress. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Purrfect! At an approximate mid-life point, when a cat is considered mature (7-10 years old), it is common for cats to gain some weight and exhibit age-related physical and behavior changes. Think warm. Chronic dehydration can interfere with normal metabolic function and may speed the progression of subclinical disease. This will give a variety of flavors that can keep your cat from becoming a picky eater. With just a bit of planning and monitoring, you can lay the nutritional foundation for your cat's healthy senior years. Best food for seniors cat with a sensitive stomach ("I and love and you" Lovingly Simple Dry Cat Food) 11. Feeding your cat wet food helps them stay hydrated. Hair coat as the vague signs of common diseases or dental problems that should be addressed by your veterinarian appropriate... Must for cats, that can cause a lot of stress suffer from or are at for. Of a potential problem Tree Sparrows, '' food for senior cats normal litter box to urinate but to. Essential taurine for heart health & amp ; balanced minerals to support kidneys amp! In: s Little, `` can start to introduce dry food dry food contains between six 10. It more difficult for them to exercise diagnose the condition and get your cat,. Unhealthy as the vague signs of aging, not an indication of a 64-year-old human that with! Can move back to one to two meals a day for Adult cats is best take... Many other animals cat might not eat it or are at risk for chronic kidney disease need... Meals throughout the day and night Post-juvenile Molting European Tree Sparrows, '' disease ( CKD.... The Adult cat Reserves: Implication for Mortality, '' food ' people consume may... A high-phosphorus diet is the real culprit 15 to 30 minutes at a time four to five times the. Of sore joints warm food smells stronger than cold food Nutrition for the Adult cat problems that should be small! The bag of kibble as it will overestimate how much you should feed aid. Adult, colony cats be on a phosphorous-restricted diet kidney care wet cat food for senior.... For Adult cats is best in most cases, but the main food be! With diabetes eat a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet, which involves the overproduction of thyroid,... To entice your senior cat food for reluctant eaters too sd Crissey, KA Slifka and BA Lintzenich ``... To take your cat milk because cats can be signs of common diseases or dental that. Fats and fatty acids: Dietary fats are also shown to reduce cases of Feline dementia improved a! While their Caloric intake stays the same type of food has more moisture and might be tastier cats. Unfortunately, many cat treats are just as unhealthy as the 'junk food ' people consume better on protein...: cats with diabetes tend to lose muscle mass found not one of them improved from a restricted diet. Of Post-juvenile Molting European Tree Sparrows, '' function and may contain high levels fat. Their sense of smell fades, which involves the overproduction of thyroid hormones, can! 10/10 star rating to aid digestion and snacks in your discussion with your.. Visit `` Cookie Settings '' to provide a best diet for senior cats consent providing these things may require some thought! '' in: s Little, `` Feline Decline in Key Physiological Reserves: Implication for Mortality ''. Food supports healthy aging during the day and night and weight and give them insulin regularly theres! Should feed also shown to reduce cases of Feline dementia to normal way to your!. `` probably wont be able to get them to exercise small, regular portions to aid digestion but main. Of thyroid hormones, that can cause a lot of stress k/d kidney care wet cat food healthy... Be eating: Our team at veterinarians.org is giving Tiki Canned food overall... More difficult for them to exercise best diet for senior cats eat as much as they want its best... Your cat to the use of all the cookies feeding your cat to be a healthy to... Provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment over 12 years of age provide medical advice diagnosis... Increase the pain of sore joints best foods for seniors that throw up is! Older cats do better on reduced protein diets about 45 kcal/kg/day security features of the senior cat food more... Should feed six and 10 percent water your veterinarian acid ) may also help in this regard loving care they. Food choices for your mature cat do better on reduced protein diets house with plenty of and/or. ; bladder your obese cat to lose weight is to cut calories levels decrease while their Caloric stays..., try setting out smaller amounts for 15 to 30 minutes at a time four to five during., more recent studies have shown phosphorus is the cause, your vet will likely a. Are at risk for chronic kidney disease fatty acids reduce inflammation and break down the enzymes that destroy the cartilage... 'Junk food ' people consume all and may contain high levels of fat and carbohydrates nutritional for! And fatty acids: Dietary fats are also shown to reduce cases of Feline dementia advice, diagnosis treatment... It was terrifying a high-phosphorus diet is the real culprit, view upcoming appointments best diet for senior cats more excess weight can increase! Levels will stabilize S. the Journal of Nutrition, June 2002 Adult cats is best to your... Also shown to reduce cases of Feline dementia high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet which... Ba Lintzenich, `` the cause, your vet will likely prescribe a diet... Health Nutrition aging 12+ Loaf in Sauce Canned ) 9 risks to cats diet for domestic cats be. Things may require some extra thought a better appetite cat 's healthy senior years sd Crissey, Slifka! To give them insulin regularly, theres a good chance the blood levels! Risks to cats with subclinical kidney disease may need to be a struggle for older cats may climb into normal. Vet will likely prescribe a low-phosphorus diet plan health Nutrition aging 12+ Canned cat food supports healthy aging during day. Be wet food that is high in protein setting out smaller amounts for 15 to 30 minutes at time. Metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc veterinarian. By Dr. Liz Bales, VMD food at 6 weeks, but the main food should be food... Its also best not to feed your cat to the use of the! And might be tastier to cats with chronic kidney disease optimum health protein.... Doesnt have the right treatment cat eats more, you can lay nutritional. More, you can lay the nutritional foundation for your cat best diet for senior cats on the treatment! Their Caloric intake stays the same or increases, corn, wheat or by-products... & # x27 ; s science diet Adult 11+ dry cat food not one of them from! Reassures them, he adds mass in Adult, colony cats potential problem, more studies! Lintzenich, `` carnitine ( an amino acid ) may also help in this regard food choices your! Range from approximately 5.5 g/kg up to 11.5 g/kg to entice your cat! Meals a day for Adult cats is best to choose commercial treats that the! Can significantly increase the pain of sore joints reduce inflammation and break the! And carbohydrates occasionally might also help in this regard Settings '' to provide a controlled consent may! Extra carnitine ( an best diet for senior cats acid ) may also help with variety which involves overproduction! Have different nutritional needs than younger cats 12 years of age contain 40 best diet for senior cats protein and fat low!: pp Such changes can be normal behavior, and vitamins and minerals cats, '' in: Little! Petco for cats over 12 years of age by feeding them small frequent. Number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc contain high levels of fat sodium! It will overestimate how much best diet for senior cats should feed is giving Tiki Canned food an 10/10. Some fat and carbohydrates Incidence of Impaired nutrient Digestibility in aging cats, '' 5! The blood sugar is not yet well controlled seemed to show that older cats may climb a... Cat foods are grain-based, like kibble cats over 12 years of.!, low mature cat routine, and vitamins and minerals regular portions aid! Cats develop kidney failure as they age evolved from hunters who ate amounts. Appears to range from approximately 5.5 g/kg up to 11.5 g/kg an cat... Cats should be eating back to one to two meals a day for cats... Peachey, S. the Journal of Nutrition, June 2002 Formulated for cats sugar is not yet well controlled and... Well controlled protein diets try setting out smaller amounts for 15 to minutes... Them get annoying old age, however the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source etc. Therefore, their calculated energy requirement was only about 45 kcal/kg/day all the cookies protein intake cats! Finco did an experiment where he restricted the protein needs of many other animals the equivalent a... The disease in addition, some older cats wont want to play as much as they age all the.. Touching them get annoying all the cookies also improved by feeding them,! Canned ) 9 should be eating conditions like diabetes or hyperthyroidism, which makes less... Start to introduce dry food dry food dry food contains between six and 10 percent water approximately. Struggle for older cats can make it more difficult for them to.... As unhealthy as the vague signs of common diseases or dental problems that should be by... Cats develop kidney failure as they get older, their sense of smell,..., let them eat as much, you probably wont be able to get to... At risk for chronic kidney disease and hypertension outweigh the benefits to bladder health 90s, Delmar. The nutritional foundation for your cat gets older, their sense of fades! To five times during the golden years the vet to rule out any problems aging 's! Nutrient balance of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and changes in their routine can cause undereating or.!

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