Feeding an Older Cat

For senior cats – those over the age of 11 – pet nutrition is more important than ever, with many aging felines at risk of either loosing or gaining a great deal of weight.

If you notice that your cat is eating the same amount but put putting on weight, this could be due to the natural slowing of your cat’s metabolism, as well as decreased activity levels. This is a common problem in older cats but needs to be taken seriously as obesity in cats can lead to serious medical conditions from heart disease to respiratory, urinary tract, skin and joint problems. To help keep your cat lean, consider switching to smaller portions as well as a low-calorie pet food designed for older cats. Senior cat foods tend to also contain high quality protein and extra vitamin E to help strengthen their natural defences.

Alternatively, if you have noticed your cat losing weight, it is important to determine whether or not this is due to a reduced intake of food. If your pet is eating the same amount but looking thinner there could be a serious underlying medical problem and therefore you should consult your vet immediately. However, if your cat is slimming down simply because it is not eating as much, this is more likely to be associated with sore gums and sensitive teeth or the natural loss of appetite found in older cats, due to factors such the loss of taste and smell. In this case, softer, meatier food and smaller portions may encourage your cat to increase its calorific intake since meals will be more appealing.