How to find the best senior cat food?

It can sometimes be difficult to see your cat getting older, as there may not be any major changes in your cat's behaviour or eating habits. The best senior cat food is the kind that helps to maintain the cat’s health and fitness for as long as possible. Also, the nutritional needs of a senior cat should be addressed early.

Read this article to find out what it the best senior cat food and how to feed an old cat.

NUTRITION NEEDS OF AN OLD CAT

Age can bring changes for example to a cat's metabolism, sensory function, oral health, and digestion. Age-related joint problems can reduce a cat's activity, and the cat's need for sleep usually increases. Often an older cat will spend more time sleeping than before. Read more about caring for an old cat and what possible problems you should be aware of.

Individual needs are important when it comes to feeding an old cat, since each cat ages at its own pace. An 8-year-old cat may already have age-related problems, while a cat over 10 years old may be perfectly healthy. The key to feeding an ageing cat is to find the best senior cat food and diet to match your cat’s unique requirements and to try to slow down the changes ageing does to the cat’s body.

Tips for finding the best senior cat food

The digestive system of an older cat may not function as efficiently as before, which is why special attention must be paid to the quantity and quality of animal protein in the cat's diet. An ageing cat needs a nutritious, balanced diet that meets the cat’s natural nutritional needs. Learn more about the natural diet of cats.

Obesity is a common problem in ageing cats when the cat’s activity level decreases. Eliminate hidden sugar from your cat's diet and provide your cat a high-protein cat food. Check our tips for feeding an overweight cat. The best senior cat food contains lots of animal-based ingredients and either none or only moderate amounts of grains.

Senior cats' low level of exercise can also expose them to digestive problems, such as constipation. Read about stomach problems in cats and how to feed a cat with a sensitive stomach.

PrimaCat Classic cat food selection includes wet cat food for sterilized cats in two different flavours. This cat food supports your cat's weight control and urinary tract health. PrimaCat Classic is a meaty, complete food that gives your old cat plenty of animal protein and hydration. Learn more!

An old cat may lose its appetite. This may be due to a reduced sense of taste and smell, a medical condition, or a painful tooth problem. If your old cat eats poorly, you should take the cat to the vet to rule out possible illnesses and other medical conditions. The best senior cat food will provide enough protein, fat and other nutrients to support the old cat’s wellbeing. Read more about the cat's lack of appetite.

An old cat needs Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, as the skin of an ageing cat might become dry, and the coat can get thinner. Salmon oil, for example, is an excellent source of essential fatty acids to support healthy skin and coat.

Among the PrimaCat dry foods, especially the grain-free PrimaCat Salmon for adult cats is rich in good fatty acids, as is the tasty wheat-free and corn-free PrimaCat Salmon for adult indoor cats.

An ageing cat can also benefit from an Omega-3 supplement that helps to support the cat’s joint health.

Do you know how to assess the quality of cat food? Read our tips on identifying high-quality cat food and make it easier to find the best senior cat food.

Make sure your old cat gets enough water. Cats have a naturally weak sense of thirst, which can even weaken as they get older. Too low fluid intake can put them at risk of health issues such as urinary tract problems and kidney disease.

High-quality, meaty, and tasty wet food, along with supplementary foods suitable for your cat, are good ways to support your cat's hydration. Furthermore, read our article on how to encourage your cat to drink more water. Also note that the cat’s increased drinking may indicate kidney failure or other illness.

If your cat has a medical condition, plan your cat's diet with your vet. For instance, a cat with kidney failure may need a special diet. It is recommended to take an older cat to the vet for regular check-ups to ensure that the cat receives timely treatment for any illnesses and maintains a good quality of life.

The best senior cat food tastes good to your cat, suits its stomach, and helps keep your cat in good condition.