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When Is a Cat Senior?
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Cats are considered senior starting at age 7, but you don't really have to worry about adjusting your cat's diet until he or she starts showing health problems associated with old age--usually some time between age 8 to 12--and in consultation with your vet. If your cat is moving more slowly, climbing less high, vomiting sometimes or has been diagnosed with a serious illness, it might be time to switch to a senior cat food.
Nutritional Needs
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Many older cats have a harder time digesting food and, therefore, may vomit from time to time. Their metabolism is slower, and they are less active, so they need fewer calories. Older cats often don't drink enough water, so it is a good idea to provide your pet with plenty of canned food (as opposed to dry kibbles) for its higher moisture content.
Commercial Senior Cat Foods
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Senior cat foods are formulated with extra fiber--to give the digestive system an extra boost--and anti-oxidants to improve immunity to disease. They also typically are easy to chew, have plenty of easy-to-break-down fats and extra protein, and fewer calories than regular cat food.
Supplements
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Because older cats have a harder time absorbing nutrients, your vet might prescribe a vitamin supplement.
Special Needs
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If your cat has contracted a specific illness, such as feline diabetes, leukemia or kidney problems, he or she will need a diet formulated for his or her individual needs. Your vet will talk with you about what foods are best.
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Senior Cat Diet
As cats age, their bodies and nutritional needs change. Even if your cat does not have any specific illness that requires a special diet, he or she will develop new diet requirements as he or she gets older, such as a need for easy-to-digest foods and fewer calories. Many commercial cat foods are available in special formulas for senior cats.