Your cat’s nutritional needs will change as she grows older, and it can make feeding time a challenge for both of you. Like humans, cats undergo significant physical changes with age. Understanding some of these changes and altering your senior cat’s food can help maintain her weight and health.
Obesity in cats occurs most commonly in middle age. If you notice that your cat is eating less but still gaining weight, it could be attributed to decreased metabolism or decreased activity levels. Because cats often lead a fairly sedentary lifestyle, their foods are often dense with calories that can result in overeating and weight gain. This can lead to chronic medical conditions, including heart, respiratory, skin, and joint problems, especially in older cats. Giving your cat smaller quantities of food or gradually switching her to a lower-calorie food may pare down the pounds.
Although weight loss is sometimes attributed to the aging process, it can also be the result of an underlying disease. If your senior cat has a healthy appetite but is still losing weight, consult your vet for symptoms of heart disease, thyroid dysfunction, cancer, or diabetes. A decreased appetite could be associated with periodontal disease (gum and tooth problems), gastrointestinal disease, kidney failure, or a reduction in taste sensation.
When determining how much to feed your cat, follow these guidelines for proper senior cat nutrition:
Choosing the best cat food for your senior cat will provide her with a higher quality of life. Cats have shown health benefits from a food supplemented with antioxidants, fatty acids, and a prebiotic source. Thanks to an easy-to-digest formula, along with an exclusive blend of antioxidants, Omega-3 fatty acids, and other nutrients, Science Diet® Adult 11+ Age Defying pet food, with its natural ingredients, can help:
Find out more about transitioning your cat to Science Diet® Adult 11+ Age Defying cat food.
If you have an older indoor cat, we also offer Science Diet Adult 11+ Indoor Age Defying dry cat food. It offers precisely balanced nutrition tailored to senior cats with an indoor lifestyle. This senior cat food contains balanced nutrients that help:
Choosing the right kind of food for your senior cat can help her to lead a long, healthy life. For more information on what’s best for your senior cat’s food needs, consult your veterinarian. Read more about wellness visits for senior cats.
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of savory minced chicken to help fuel the energy needs of cats during the prime of their life
Feline Adult Perfect Weight Variety Pack
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Over 70% of cats lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Discover the benefits of Hill's line of kitten foods and how they provide complete and balance nutrition for growing kittens.
Discover how to identify cat sensitive skin and what you can do to help your cat thrive from head to paw.
How do you get a cat to lose weight? Learn all about cat foods for weight loss, including how to choose weight control cat food and exercise tips.
Discover which cat toys games your feline friend might like, and how they are great sources of exercise. Explore our library of articles to learn more.
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
