Raw or “gently cooked” fresh food is an excellent diet for elderly cats. Dr. Becker recommends that if it is impossible to feed raw that dehydrated or freeze-dried balanced food reconstituted with plenty of water is good second choice. However, feeding an all dry-food diet in the long run will cause problems.
Some senior cats prefer cooked food, and veterinarian Dr. Rebecca Remillard of the MSPCA-Angell Boston Animal Medical Center suggests using 3 ounces of cooked dark-meat chicken, pork, lamb, beef or fish such as salmon or tuna as a basis for adult cat food. Mix this with one-third cup of cooked white rice and a one-fifth cup of cooked sweet potato.

What is the best food for elderly cats?

In their senior years, more than ever, your cat should eat a high quality, tasty diet with easy-to-digest protein and a careful balance of key nutrients. A good senior cat diet provides concentrated high quality protein , controlled levels of fat , and easy-to-digest carbohydrates for energy.

What can I feed an elderly sick cat?

Try buying a few types of canned food (pate-style, flaked, etc.) in different flavors. Place some on a small plate and warm it slightly. If your cat shows no interest, try adding a little fish oil, chicken broth, tuna juice, or cooked egg.

What can I feed my senior cat to gain weight?

Some cats may simply need a higher calorie food and could benefit from a supplemental, high-calorie, canned therapeutic food . Older cats struggling to keep on weight may benefit from a highly digestible food rich in antioxidants, omega-3 and -6 fatty acids and prebiotics.

Should I feed my cat senior food?

Start your cat on a senior diet at about seven years of age. The main objectives in the feeding an older cat should be to maintain health and optimum body weight, slow or prevent the development of chronic disease, and minimize or improve clinical signs of diseases that may already be present.

Is Wet food better for older cats?

Keep in mind older cats may have a harder time eating dry food than wet , especially if gum or dental issues have set in. Canned cat food’s soft consistency may be easier for older kitties to eat than the crunchy kibble they ate at a younger age.

What to feed a senior cat that won’t eat?

How to Get Your Cat to Eat Give them some canned/wet food (the stinkier the better — try seafood varieties) Give them some meat baby food . Add some water from a can of tuna or anchovies to their food . Add a little bit of warmed, low-sodium chicken broth to your their food , whether it’s kibble or canned.

How long can an elderly cat go without eating?

The average cat can technically survive for one to two weeks without food if they have a water supply. However, without protein, it may be more like three to four days, even if they have enough water. With no water or food, it is unlikely that a cat would survive longer than three days.

What are the signs of a cat dying of old age?

Signs Your Cat Is Dying Lack of Interest In Eating and Drinking. It’s common for cats to lose their appetite toward the end of their lives. Extreme Weakness . You will notice your cat becoming more lethargic and refusing to move. Lower Body Temperature . Changes in Appearance and Smell. Seeking Solitude.

How can I make my sick cat feel better?

If your cat has been sick once or twice but otherwise appears well : Remove food for two hours, but continue to provide water. After this time, try offering a teaspoon of their usual food or bland low-fat cooked food such as chicken or white fish. If they keep this down, offer small amounts every few hours for the.

Why is my elderly cat so skinny?

Well-recognized causes of weight loss in old cats include chronic renal disease, diabetes mellitus, hyperthyroidism, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, and dental problems. Dental disease can contribute to weight loss in senior cats .

Why is my elderly cat so hungry?

Hyperthyroidism: Cats with an overactive thyroid gland have hyperthyroidism and it makes them always feel hungry . 1 Simple blood tests done by your vet can diagnose a cat with this illness. It can be treated with medication.

How old is a senior cat?

In recent years, feline ages and life-stages have been redefined, cats are considered to be elderly once they reach 11 years with senior cats defined as those aged between 11-14 years and super-senior cats 15 years and upwards. When caring for older cats it sometimes helps to appreciate their age in human terms.

How often should a senior cat eat?

“From age six months to maturity, most cats will do well when fed two times a day.” Once the cat becomes an adult, at about one year, feeding once or twice a day is appropriate in most cases. Senior cats , age seven and above, should maintain the same feeding regimen.

How much wet food should a senior cat eat per day?

Many wet foods come in three-ounce cans and recommend feeding approximately one can a day for every three to three and a half pounds of body weight. However, brands vary.

Is Tuna good for cats?

Cats can be addicted to tuna , whether it’s packed for cats or for humans. Some tuna now and then probably won’t hurt. But a steady diet of tuna prepared for humans can lead to malnutrition because it won’t have all the nutrients a cat needs. And, too much tuna can cause mercury poisoning.