Should you modify the diet of your cat once he reaches senior status? What dietary changes should you make if your cat has a chronic condition? Here are some tips on how to feed your senior cat.
This Post May Contain Affiliate Links. We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you. Please read our disclosure HERE
Cats reach an older age, generally at the age of seven, but this may vary slightly depending on the cat breed and other factors.
A proper diet, health, and any medical condition your cat is suffering all contribute to the life expectancy of your senior cat.
Depending on its health, the diet of an older cat may need an adjustment.When a cat reaches twelve years, it is the equivalent of a 64-year-old human being. A senior cat begins to suffer from many of the same health conditions as we do. So, how to feed your older cat?
Feeding an older cat requires adapting the diet with the help of your veterinarian to address any specific health problems your pet may have. The most common issues your cat may suffer in her older age are: obesity, diabetes, kidney disease, cancer, and dental disease.
How To Feed Your Senior Cat to Avoid Obesity
Age does not mean your cat will change her appetite or the amount of food she eats. But today, lots of cats live inside their house where there is not much room to move around, and the food bowl is easily accessible anytime they want to eat. This type of lifestyle has a considerable impact on the cat’s weight.
How Do You Prevent Your cat From Getting Fat?
Dry foods are high in calories, so a little extra calorie a day can add up quickly. Here are some tips for keeping your aging cat to keep her weight under control.
- Check out with your vet to find the senior cat food that has the best nutritional balance.
- Read the label on the cat food package.
- Do not feed your cat too many calories. About 50 calories per kilogram per day is enough for the typical indoor cat.
- Use portion control. To help your cat maintain or lose weight, you may need to measure the food and give it half the amount allowed twice a day. Keep adjusting how much you feed your older cat as her energy and calorie needs change.
Special Nutrition for Diseases Of The Aging Cat
Several diseases can affect cats as they age. Older cats with medical conditions need special nutritional requirements.
Cats with diabetes:
Obesity in cats generally triggers diabetes, and this is a big issue for older cats.
To control this disease, many veterinarians recommend a diet high in protein and low in carbohydrates. In some cats, with a quick treatment, diabetes has a complete remission.
Senior cats with kidney disease :
Many cats develop kidney failure as they age. Older cats with kidney disease may need a phosphorus-restricted diet. A proper diet for cats with kidney issues has less salt and protein than average cat foods.
Always consult with your veterinarian before changing your older cat’s food with a kidney disease.
Dental Disease:
Dental disease can also make it difficult for your cat to chew dry food, so you may need to switch to softer canned food.
Other common diseases in cats, such as cancer, can cause a cat to lose weight, and therefore, they may require dietary changes.
Finally, an adequate hydration is also indispensable for the older cat. Make sure your cat gets enough water throughout the day to avoid dehydration.
In conclusion, your older cat may seem a bit calmer than when he was young, but you still can share fun, loving, and rewarding moments with him as usual.
Always consult with your veterinarian before changing your older cat’s food.