.jpg?ts=1758114913)
How to feed senior cats
Optimum care for old cats
Everything has its time. This also applies to the care of cats in the various phases of their lives. In order to feel comfortable even in old age, it is important to adapt the food to the needs of older cats.
When is a cat old?
With a life expectancy of around 15 to 20 years, cats are considered senior citizens from around 8 years of age. From this point in time, the metabolism of 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 an adapted diet necessary for senior cats?
As with us humans, the body and its processes slow down in our cats as they get older. The intestines become sluggish, the kidneys no longer work optimally and the teeth are also past their best.
The urge to move and the sense of smell and taste diminish and chronic diseases such as diabetes or obesity make life even more difficult for them.
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 are intended to support kidney function . Phosphorus is important for cats, but an excess puts unnecessary strain on the kidneys of old cats .
- Support for the digestive system: Easily digestible ingredients in the food, such as chicken or fish, relieve the stomach and intestines. Several small portions throughout the day can also help the digestive system.
- Prevention of urinary stone formation: Cats often suffer from increased urinary stone formation as they get older. An adjusted pH value and magnesium content in the food can help prevent urinary stones.
- Ensuring the supply of vitamins: As vitamins are no longer absorbed as well due to the sluggish intestine, it should be ensured that there are sufficient 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 obesity, it is therefore essential to provide fewer calories .
Old cats prefer wet food
It often seems as if cats become more demanding and choosy when it comes to 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 cats are still not immune to tooth loss. Missing teeth are a particular problem in very old cats . It then becomes more difficult for cats to chew dry food kibble. In such cases, wet food is the food of choice.
- Intensify the odour: If the food suddenly no longer seems attractive, this may be due to an age-related reduced sense of smell. Wet food is already more odour-intensive in itself. If it is still too little for the oldie, it can help to heat the food and thus trigger a more intense odour.
- Fluid intake: The former desert dwellers usually consume little water anyway. In old age 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 therefore covers part of the daily water requirement.