Your cat is considered “senior” from the age of 8 years. From then on, its body changes gradually, just like humans do as we age.
Therefore, your cat’s physical activity decreases, as does its appetite. These changes may be due to pain or a chronic illness. That’s why it becomes necessary to rethink your feline’s diet.
I recommend you make an appointment with your veterinarian if your cat reaches 8 years old. A senior cat consultation is necessary to take stock of its health and detect diseases related to aging cats.
Remember one word: prevention. Your senior cat needs a diet that suits its new needs to prevent the onset of diseases and pain.
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What are the nutritional needs of senior cats?
From 7 years
As your little companion transitions to an advanced age, there should be some changes in its habits, including its diet.
Between the ages of 7 and 11, your cat has lower caloric needs. However, from 12 years onwards, its energy needs increase. This is due to changes in the functioning of its digestive system with age.
Beyond 10 years of age, your senior cat needs a diet rich in calories and in highly digestible proteins.
Sluggish transit
Your feline’s transit may also slow down. That’s why I recommend you provide plenty of fresh water and regularly check if your companion is constipated.
Your veterinarian can help you determine your cat’s energy needs by doing certain calculations. These are necessary to make the right choice of kibbles for senior cats.
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What are the different types of kibbles for senior cats?
There are a multitude of kibbles for senior cats. But beware because not all are suitable for your cat.
Several parameters need to be considered in this choice. Is your little feline suffering from a chronic disease? Does it have joint pain? Is it overweight? This discussion should be held in consultation with your veterinarian.
An adapted diet allows the elderly cat to avoid the onset of certain diseases like chronic kidney failure or hyperthyroidism, for example.
Furthermore, in addition to kibbles, there are also pâtés for senior cats. Richer in water than dry food, they are also suitable for aging cats.
What do they contain?
Antioxidants
In general, kibbles for older cats are formulated to preserve the proper functioning of their bodies to counteract the effects of aging.
Thus, these kibbles contain antioxidants, like lycopene or vitamin E. These molecules limit cell aging and allow organs to continue functioning properly.
Omega-3
Other components such as polyunsaturated fatty acids, notably omega-3s, should be prioritized.
They help to protect your feline’s joints through their anti-inflammatory effect. These fatty acids are essential to prevent arthritis.
Flavor enhancers
With age, senses also function less effectively. This is the case for taste and smell.
Your cat may then “snub” its usual food, which seems less appetizing. Some kibbles for senior cats contain flavor enhancers to stimulate its appetite.
A suitable texture
In addition to the composition of the kibbles, their texture also needs to be considered. An older cat is more prone to dental problems, for example.
To facilitate food intake given its fragile teeth, some kibbles have a softer texture and are therefore easier to chew.
What are the benefits of kibbles for senior cats?
Prevent age-related weight loss
Firstly, your cat may gradually lose weight as it ages. Numerous reasons can explain this: the onset of a chronic disease, the presence of hairballs in the stomach, or even dental pain.
Senior cat kibbles are formulated to meet these changes in their body.
On the other hand, food consumption in senior cats may naturally decrease. I recommend feeding them more meals in smaller quantities and regularly monitoring their weight.
Improve Quality of Life
As they age, your cat’s organs become more fragile, as do their joints.
A diet adapted to their age maintains their good health. Osteoarthritis is one of the diseases to consider due to the pain it can cause.
To enhance your cat’s comfort, a proper diet can help prevent potential pain, whether in their joints or teeth.
A little tip to know if your cat is in pain: I advise you to closely observe their behavior and film their movements. A camera in your home can help you notice a decrease in mobility or difficulty jumping. Don’t hesitate to show the footage to your veterinarian.
Preventing the Onset of Diseases
Your cat may be more prone to certain senior cat diseases, including kidney, urinary, and heart diseases. For more information on senior cat risks and diseases, you can consult the guidelines of the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP).
Kibbles specifically designed for certain senior cat disorders are now available on the market.
Indeed, some therapeutic foods are fully part of the medical management of certain diseases. This underscores the importance of early disease detection by your veterinarian.
Lastly, keep in mind that cats age faster than humans. That’s why I recommend having a senior cat consultation with your veterinarian at least once a year, more if necessary, always for preventive purposes.
Scientific Sources and Studies
Bouzouraa Tarek, “The AAFP Recommendations for Senior Cat Care,” La Semaine Vétérinaire, n° 1924, 12/10/2021
Ray Michael et al., “2021 AAFP Feline Senior Care Guidelines,” Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, volume 23, July 2021, p. 613-638.
