As cats get older, their nutritional needs change. Metabolism, digestion, activity, teeth and sense of smell all change with age, and many older cats develop health problems that affect how and what they eat. Here’s how to feed a senior cat to help it stay healthy and comfortable in its later years.
When Is a Cat a Senior?
Vets generally consider cats “mature” from about 7–10 years and “senior” from about 11 years, though every cat ages differently. Many cats now live well into their late teens and beyond.
How Nutritional Needs Change with Age
- Middle-aged cats (about 7–11 years) often become less active and tend to gain weight, so they may need fewer calories.
- Older cats (from about 12 years) often have the opposite problem. Their ability to digest protein and fat decreases, and many lose weight and muscle. They often need a highly digestible food with good-quality protein and enough calories.
- Protein shouldn’t be restricted in healthy senior cats; they need it to maintain muscle. Lower-protein and lower-phosphorus diets are for specific conditions, such as kidney disease, and should be used only on your vet’s advice.
- Senior foods often contain added omega-3 fatty acids for joint health, and antioxidants.
Read more: how to choose food for cats aged 7 and over.
Water Intake
Older cats are more prone to dehydration and kidney problems, so it’s important to help them drink:
- feed some or all wet food;
- place several water bowls around the home, away from the food bowl and litter box;
- try a water fountain, as many cats prefer running water;
- keep bowls clean and filled with fresh water.
If your senior cat is drinking or peeing more than usual, losing weight despite a good appetite or eating less, see your vet. These can be early signs of kidney disease, hyperthyroidism or diabetes, which are common in older cats and often respond well to early treatment.
Common Eating Problems in Older Cats
- Dental disease, which can make eating painful. Signs include drooling, bad breath, dropping food or chewing on one side. Read more about gingivitis.
- A reduced sense of smell and taste, which makes food less appealing. Gently warming wet food to body temperature can help.
- Arthritis, which makes it harder to bend down or reach food. Raised bowls and keeping food on the ground floor can help.
- Weight loss, which is common in older cats and always needs a vet check.
- Constipation, which becomes more common with age. Read more about constipation in cats.
Feeding Tips for Senior Cats
- feed small meals more often;
- use wide, shallow bowls in a quiet, easy-to-reach place;
- weigh your cat regularly, for example once a month, and note any change;
- switch to a senior food gradually, if your vet recommends it;
- don’t give supplements without your vet’s advice;
- take your senior cat for a checkup every 6 months: many vets recommend twice-yearly visits with blood and urine tests for cats over 10.
Read more: how to switch your cat to a new food.
