Feeding old cats: This is how to feed senior cats
Everything has its time. This also applies to the care of cats in the different phases of their lives. In order for to feel well even in old age, the food must be adapted to the needs of older cats.
When is a cat old?
With a life expectancy of around 15 to 20 years, cats are considered seniors from around 8 years of age. From this point in time, the metabolism of the velvet paws begins to change. Of course, the ageing process is always very individual and the age can be used as a guide.
Why is adapted feeding necessary for senior cats?
As with us humans, the body and its processes slow down in our pets as they get older. The intestines become sluggish, the kidneys no longer work optimally and the teeth are also past their prime.
The urge to move as well as the sense of smell and taste diminish and chronic diseases such as diabetes or obesity make their lives even more difficult.
What food does an older cat need?
Special senior cat food is adapted to the changes of old age:
- Relief for the kidneys: high-quality protein and a reduced phosphorus content should support the kidney function . Phosphorus is important for cats, but an excess puts unnecessary strain on the kidneys of old cats .
- Support of the digestive system: Easily digestible ingredients in the food, such as chicken or fish, relieve the stomach and intestines. In addition, several small portions throughout the day can help the digestive system even more.
- Prevention of urinary stone formation: Cats often develop more urinary stones as they get older. An adjusted pH value and magnesium content in the food can help prevent urinary stone formation.
- Ensuring vitamin intake: As the sluggish intestine also means that vitamins are no longer absorbed as well , it should be ensured that there are enough vitamins in the food.
- Reduced energy requirements: Less exercise and the slower metabolism ensure that the energy requirements of retired cats are reduced. To avoid overweight, the intake of fewer calories is therefore essential.
Old cats prefer wet food
It often seems that cats become more demanding and picky about their food as they get older. This may well be the case , but factors such as bad teeth or a reduced ability to smell and taste often play a decisive role. Wet food offers many advantages, especially for senior cats:
- Tooth loss: Unfortunately, our cats' teeth deteriorate with age. Good dental care makes a significant difference here, but the cat is still not immune to tooth loss. Especially in very old cats missing teeth are a problem. Then it becomes more difficult for cats to chew dry food kibbles. In such cases, wet food is the food of first choice.
- Intensify the smell: If food suddenly no longer seems attractive, this may be due to an age-related reduced sense of smell. Wet food is in itself more odour-intensive. If it is still too little for the oldie, it can help to heat the food and thus ignite a more intense smell.
- Fluid intake: The former desert dwellers usually consume little water anyway. In old age the fluid intake often decreases again, which can lead to increased urinary stone formation. Wet food can be a viable solution here, as it contains around 80% moisture and thus covers part of the daily water requirement.
