Proper nutrition can help your pet kitty live longer. Since metabolism in cats usually slows down at age seven, at this time your cat will likely become less active and start showing signs of age-related health problems. It’s crucial at this time to give your pet the best food for elderly cats, which means food that meet his or her nutritional needs.
What are the Nutritional Needs of an Elderly Cat?
Cats need the same amount of calories throughout their lifetime, except in the case of extreme obesity. However, most senior cats have impaired abilities to absorb nutrients, so they will need higher levels of antioxidants, fats, minerals, and vitamins. You should keep in mind, however, to give your pet a balanced diet, which can’t be provided if you stick with only food.
There are many brands that produce senior cat food, but your cat’s diet should be tailor fit to consider their health condition as well as their current activity levels. Whatever the case, it’s best to consult your vet for a professional assessment of your cat’s condition and for dietary recommendation.
What Should I Avoid When Choosing the Best Food for an Elderly Cat?
Senior cats often suffer from different health problems brought on by old age so his or her diet should be adjusted accordingly. The following ingredients in their diet can also determine what kind of food you will need to find:
- Sodium: If your cat suffers from heart disease or high blood pressure, it’s a good idea to give him a diet that is low in sodium content.
- Protein: for example, if your kitty has chronic kidney disease, their diet should contain low levels of protein or proteins that can be easily digested.
How Can I Encourage My Senior Cat to Eat?
If you’re having trouble getting your elderly cat to eat, you should first consult your vet to make sure that there are no underlying causes for your pet’s lack of appetite.
- Moisten dry food with warm water to give it a stronger smell and a better taste.
- Serve food in a clean, shallow dish as some cats don’t like their whiskers to touch the side of the bowl when eating.
- Feed your cat more often, but in smaller quantities. Watching their portions is a necessity at this stage in their life.
- Check with your vet to see if your cat should be on a specially prescribed diet.
Like humans, cats get older and become more prone to diseases and a general weakening of the body that comes with aging. Nutrition plays a big role in how healthy your cat will be, which is why it’s important to make sure that you only choose the best food for elderly cats for your pet.
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