Diet for an Aging Cat

Cats today are living longer lives, with some veterinarians waiting to classify a cat as "senior" until it reaches somewhere around age 10 to 12. But along with longer lives come increased health concerns, and it's more important than ever to make sure your aging cat gets a proper diet.

  1. Considerations

    • Make certain your cat receives regular checkups, but be alert for changes in behavior and appearance that may be signs of disease. Although some cats gradually get fatter as they age while others become thinner, note any sudden changes in weight. Likewise, monitor drinking: If your cat drinks more water than usual, it could be a sign of kidney failure or diabetes. In general, senior cats tend to drink less water even if not ill. However, this can lead to dehydration and constipation, other symptoms which may require a visit to the vet.

    Diet

    • Make sure your cat has easy access to plenty of drinking water, and consider mixing a little water in with the cat's food. Some older cats fare better eating several small meals per day instead of one or two large ones.

      Canned foods are ideal for older cats, since they're easier to digest and have a higher water content, but whenever you make dietary changes, work them in gradually according to your veterinarian's recommendation, since abrupt changes can cause liver damage and even death.

      To ensure proper nutrition, select a nutritionally balanced and complete diet for your cat's stage of life, one formulated according to guidelines established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), which you'll find on the food label. Since cats become less active as they age, you should cut back on the amount of total calories and food serving sizes. Due to the decrease in an aging cat's senses of smell and taste, you may need to experiment with foods to see which ones your cat will accept. If necessary, you can warm the food slightly to make it more palatable.

      Avoid an excess of protein, phosphorus and sodium and make sure the product has higher levels of vitamins A, B1, B6, B12, and E, as well as extra unsaturated fatty acids and zinc, nutrients needed by older cats. Also, since a cat's body can't synthesize taurine, taurine supplements are recommended unless otherwise directed by the vet.

      Products that are formulated for senior cats can be a good buy if recommended by your vet, but watch out for generic products. You get what you pay for, and the cheaper brands may include inferior protein sources such as the feet, head and body-cavity components instead of breast or sirloin. Even the grains may be from moldy, insect-infested grain considered unfit for human consumption but approved for use in pet food. Look for compliance with AAFCO's requirements for "Complete and Balanced," as evidenced by that wording on the label. For more information, see the AAFCO's website, aafco.org.