Nutrition for older cats

Cats' nutritional requirements change over the course of their lives. In addition to changing nutritional requirements, other challenges can arise when feeding older cats. Our tips show you what you should pay attention to when feeding senior cats.

When is a cat old?

Cats don't get old overnight. This is a slow process. You will hardly notice any outward difference at first. At the age of seven, your cat may no longer be quite so playful, move a little less, have its first dental problems or seem to be a little more picky when it comes to food. The reasons for these small changes are often age-related and are linked to processes in the body. It is typical that metabolic activity is reduced with age. Various organs, such as the heart, liver and digestive system, no longer work to their usual extent. It is also to be expected that the cat's sense of smell diminishes, which is why it may no longer eat its usual food. You can respond very well to these situations with appropriate food and an adapted diet.

Nutrition tips for old cats

Due to their advanced age, older cats from the age of seven can experience increasing problems. One of the signs of this is that the cat no longer likes to eat its usual food. With our tips, we would like to help you to support your older cat with its food intake:

1. Avoid large portions
   An old cat's digestion works more slowly. It therefore makes sense to divide the daily food ration into several small meals.
2. Chop up the food
   If your cat has dental problems, you should break up wet food into smaller pieces. This makes the food easier to eat.
3. Problems with dry food
   Cats smell worse as they get older. As a result, the intake of dry food can decrease with age. It is therefore advisable to switch to wet food if necessary.
4. Old cats often drink too little
   It is common for older cats to drink too little. In this case, feeding wet food can be more sensible than dry food, as a larger amount of liquid is already absorbed with the wet food.
5. Warming up food
   If cats suffer from a lack of appetite, this may be related to a reduced ability to smell. Warm the food a little. This makes it smell more intense, which often tempts them to eat.
   
   
   

Feeding older cats

If older cats have nutritional problems, you should consult a vet in good time. He can clarify whether there is a disease and therefore a change of food is recommended. He or she may advise you to feed a special diet food or recommend switching from a food for adult cats to a senior cat food.

It takes into account the changed nutritional requirements of an old cat. On the one hand, this concerns the often reduced energy requirement due to reduced activity. On the other hand, the vitamin and mineral composition is adapted to provide older cats with all essential nutrients.