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Does Your Older Cat Need Senior Cat Food?

Does Your Older Cat Need Senior Cat Food?

As a cat parent, you have gotten to know exactly what types of foods and treats your cat loves over the years. And, their preferences often help guide your decisions on what food your cat should eat.

But, when your cat reaches their senior years—typically defined as age 12 or older—it's time to consider a switch in food. Just like our needs change as we get older, your cat’s nutritional needs may begin to shift, depending on their overall health and any unique concerns.

Understanding your older cat’s food needs

So, what is important when it comes to your cat’s diet as they age? Dr. Shelly Ferris, Regional Medical Director at Veto Total Care, shares:

“When your cat becomes a ‘senior,’ you may need to select a formula based on health or lifestyle changes caused by aging. The digestive system of an older cat takes more effort to digest and absorb nutrients from food.”

In addition to the difficulties your aging cat might have around nutrient absorption, Dr. Ferris goes on to talk about other underlying health issues that can affect an aging cat’s dietary needs:

“Dental issues may make it tougher for them to properly chew, and a decreased ability to smell and taste may impact their appetite.”

While there’s no one-size-fits-all approach for feeding an aging cat, senior cat foods are designed to meet the common needs of older cats. For example, a senior formula might offer one or more of the following benefits:

  • Calorie control: In some cases, as cats age, their risk of obesity (link to cat obesity article) goes up. A lower-calorie diet can help cats who are struggling with a slower metabolism and decreased activity levels while still keeping them feeling full.
  • Increased hydration: Kidney disease is a common issue for senior cats. Wet foods and toppers provide increased hydration, which can help support a healthy kidney.
  • Added nutrients: Many senior cat foods focus on the right balance of vitamins and nutrients to support joint health, low energy levels and overall vitality.
  • Solution-based: In some cases, your senior cat might have an underlying health issue, and your vet might recommend a solution-based diet. These diets target specific health concerns that arise as cats age, such as kidney disease, urinary tract issues and gastrointestinal problems.
  • Easier to eat: For some older cats, aging also means facing dental issues, such as tooth loss or gum pain. A soft senior cat food may help make eating easier.

Cat Food for Seniors

Recognizing that your cat needs a senior diet is the first step. Next, you need to pick the right senior cat food to help contribute to a healthy stage of life.

The ideal place to begin is by talking to your veterinarian. Your vet can help you determine what type of senior food is best for your cat. Over the years, the food they need may change depending on their overall health.

Not sure where to start? Check out these recommended senior cat food brands and discuss these options with your vet.

Royal Canin Vet Diets

Royal Canin Vet Diets are a wonderful choice for older cats with an underlying health concern that can be helped through nutritional changes. Because these must be prescribed, you’ll need to discuss a prescription for these foods with your veterinarian.

Hill’s Science Diet

For older cats, Hill’s Science Diet offers a lineup of options that can support their health. From Senior Vitality formulas to hairball and indoor recipes, Hill's offers an array of choices appropriate for your aging cat.

How to feed your older cat

In addition to changing the food your aging cat eats, you also might want to change the way you feed them. 

Try out a few of the following ideas:

  • Include soft toppers or switch to wet food and mousses for meals that are easier to chew 
  • Use elevated food bowls to make meal time easier on their aging joints 
  • Move your cat’s food bowl into an area that is easier to access if mobility is an issue

Conversely, if your pet struggles with obesity and may need to be slightly more active, try this tip from Dr. Maloney, a veterinarian at THRIVE from Cary, North Carolina:

“If you raise the[ir] bowls and put them on the top level of a cat tree or somewhere they have to ‘work’ to get to, they are less likely to spend all day snacking. You can also search for puzzle feeders or interactive bowls, so your pet doesn’t eat for 'free.’

How to change from an adult cat food to a senior cat food

When changing your cat’s food from an adult diet to senior cat food, make sure to take things slowly. A slow switch can help reduce the risk of stomach trouble or gastrointestinal issues. Use the following guidelines as you carefully transition your cat from one food to the next:

The food your cat eats plays a big role in their overall health, and as your cat ages, nutrition will continue to be important to their wellbeing. In addition to changing your older cat’s diet, learn more about how you can help your cat enjoy healthy, happy golden years.

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