Are you looking for the best cat food for older cats that vomit because your senior kitty has been throwing up after every meal? Then this guide is for you!
Older cats not only lose the spring in their step; their digestion slows down considerably and many cats start suffering from food sensitivities as well.
That is why, it is very important to feed them easy-to-digest, allergen-free, and nourishing foods so they can get all the anti-aging antioxidants their delicate systems need.
We have hand-picked exactly such foods for you! Check them out!
Just in case you are in a hurry, click on our short summary below to view our Top 5 reviewed products for the best cat food for older cats that vomit:
- Purina Pro Plan Senior Canned Wet Cat Food
- Iams Proactive Health Healthy Senior Dry Cat Food
- Hill's Science Diet Dry Cat Food, Adult 11+
- Merrick Purrfect Bistro Grain Free Pate Wet Cat Food
- Blue Buffalo Healthy Aging Natural Mature Dry Cat Food
Best Cat Food for Older Cats that Vomit – 2022 Top 5 Picks
1. Our Editor’s Pick: Purina Pro Plan Senior Cat Food Wet Pate, Chicken and Beef Entree - (24) 3 oz. Pull-Top Cans
Older cats love the texture of Purina Pro Plan Senior best wet cat food for older cats that vomit.
This proprietary blend contains chicken as its primary ingredient and it is free from artificial flavors and ingredients.
The unique blend is formulated based on a 9-year study and even known to have extended longevity of cats 7 years and older.
The best part about Purina Pro Plan is that it is completely grain-free and also contains superior microflora for balanced digestive system.
What we like about it
- Stopped vomiting in majority of older cats
- Unique blend based on 9-year study
- Made in US facilities
What we don’t like
- Strong scent which stinks up the house.
- Senior cat food with a proprietary blend that helps to improve and extend the life of cats 7+ is made with real chicken and beef for a taste cats love
- Pate cat food contains natural prebiotic fiber, sourced from chicory root, for digestive health
- Cat food for senior cats includes antioxidants for a healthy immune system and 25 essential vitamins and minerals plus taurine, an amino acid
- No artificial colors or preservatives in specialized canned senior cat food formula that supports the nutritional needs of cats age 7+
- Wet cat food pate for seniors features high protein to help maintain an ideal body condition
2. IAMS PROACTIVE HEALTH Healthy Senior Dry Cat Food with Chicken Cat Kibble, 16 lb. Bag
Many pet parents loved Iams Proactive Health best dry cat food for older cats that vomit as it is free from grains, gluten, and other allergens (ingredients which tend to aggravate vomiting in cats).
Its number one ingredient is real chicken.
The food consists of crunchy kibble which reduces plaque and supports healthy teeth and gums.
It also contains vitamin E which is a known antioxidant for immunity support in aging cats.
Iams Proactive Senior Cat Food is rich in potassium, calcium, and other minerals for heart and bone health.
Compared to Iams Healthy Adult, this best cat food for cats that vomits also contains twice the antioxidants for better immune support.
What we like about it
- 100% balanced senior cat nutrition
- No fillers and preservatives
- Contains L-carnitine for healthy weight
What we don’t like
- Caused dry stools in some cats.
- Contains (1) 16 lb. bag of IAMS PROACTIVE HEALTH Healthy Senior Dry Cat Food Kibble with Chicken
- Chicken is the 1st ingredient in this nutrient-rich dry food for senior cats to help support strong muscles and provide healthy energy for play
- Contains essential nutrients, including calcium and phosphorus, to nourish strong bones and healthy joints
- Helps senior cats maintain a healthy weight with L-carnitine
- Made in the USA with the World’s Finest Ingredients
3. Hill's Science Diet Dry Cat Food, Adult 11+ for Senior Cats, Chicken Recipe, 15.5 lb. Bag
Hill’s Science Diet has made this best dry cat food for older cats that vomit in consultation with vets and feline nutrition specialists.
The easy-to-digest food is rich in fiber that supports sensitive stomachs in cats.
Also, Hill’s Science diet Senior Cat food is rich in taurine for heart health.
The food is made in USA kitchens with globally sourced ingredients from sustainable sources.
Hill’s Science Diet Senior Cat food for Sensitive Cats is also rich in Omega 3 and 6 for healthy skin, coat, weight management, and vision.
We like that this number 1 vet-recommended food is made with all-natural ingredients.
What we like about it
- All-natural cat food which is vet-recommended
- Free from preservatives, fillers, dyes, etc
- Made in USA
What we don’t like
- Small kibble size
- Provides cats 11 and older with taurine for heart health, and balanced minerals for bladder & kidney health
- Supports healthy skin and coat with vitamin E, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids
- An easily digestible dry cat food with natural fibers to support a mature cat's sensitive stomach
- Made with natural ingredients
- Mix up meal time with Hill's Science Diet Adult 11+ Healthy Cuisine Seared Tuna & Carrot Medley
4. Merrick Purrfect Bistro Grain Free Pate Wet Cat Food Indoor Senior Chicken (24) 3oz cans
Merrick Purrfect Bistro Indoor Senior best food for old cat that vomits is 100% grain-free.
It helps maintain healthy weight in aging cats and is rich in real animal protein.
The balance of Omega 3 and 6 essential fatty acids in this food also gives your pet a vibrant and healthy coat.
Devoid of any artificial ingredients, Merrick Purrfect Bistro best wet cat food for older cats that vomit comes in different flavors and recipes for picky eaters. The food is made in US kitchens.
What we like about it
- Stopped vomiting in most senior cats.
- Perfect portion size
What we don’t like
- Inconsistent quality-texture, smell, and color changes reported.
- Merrick purrfect bistro recipes are rich in animal protein and 100% grain free
- Helps maintain a healthy weight for senior cats
- Omega 6 and 3 fatty acids nourish skin and fur
- Epa to help support a healthy immune system
- Cooked in the USA
5. Blue Buffalo Tastefuls Adult 7+ Natural Dry Cat Food, Chicken 7lb bag
Blue Buffalo best cat food for cats that vomit is wheat and soy free – ingredients which can cause allergies and food sensitivity in cats.
The food contains real chicken as its No.1 ingredient.
It is also rich in garden veggies, fruits, and complex carbohydrates.
The balanced, all-natural dry cat food for mature cats also contains taurine to support eye and heart health – very important for aging cats.
Besides this, it contains Blue Buffalo brand’s patented Lifesource® bits which is a healthy blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals all formulated by holistic experts and vets.
Blue Buffalo Healthy Aging Mature Cat Food supports immunity, healthy vision and heart, and also provides energy to your old cat to help her/him stay active.
What we like about it
- Stopped vomiting in most mature cats
- Fresh ingredients
- Great scent
What we don’t like
- Picky cats wouldn’t touch it
- IT’S HERE: BLUE for Cats is now BLUE Tastefuls, with a new look and the same tasty recipe
- DELICIOUS REAL CHICKEN FIRST: BLUE Tastefuls is made with tasty real chicken as the first ingredient
- FORMULATED FOR ADULT CATS 7+: Designed to support the health and well-being of cats age 7 and up, this recipe starts with real chicken and includes healthy whole grains and vegetables to provide the right balance of essential proteins and carbohydrates for energy to stay active
- WITH LIFESOURCE BITS: This formula contains BLUE's exclusive LifeSource Bits — a precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to support immune system health
- WHOLESOME INGREDIENTS: BLUE foods are formulated with the finest natural ingredients, with no chicken by-product meals, no corn, wheat or soy, and no artificial flavors or preservatives
Reasons why Older Cats Vomit after Meals
When it comes to vomiting in older cats, there are two types:
- vomiting from the stomach or
- regurgitation and vomiting from the esophagus.
Food brought up from the esophagus will be partially digested and will look more or less like the food when your cat swallowed it.
There are many causes behind both these types of vomiting in cats. They include:
A) Gulping down food without chewing
Sometimes, older cats tend to gulp down food without biting or chewing it properly.
This could be due to perceived competition from other cats in the household or simply because, as your cat ages, she is too tired to eat.
In such a case, you could try feeding smaller, frequent meals, preferably separately, so your senior pet can eat in peace.
Broken, missing, or loose teeth might cause your aging cat to gulp down food without chewing it.
This can also result in chronic vomiting.
You could consider switching to the best wet cat food for older cats that vomit for ease of swallowing and digestion.
Also read: 5 Best Cat Food for Older Cats in 2022
B) Allergies and food sensitivities
Older cats have a propensity towards developing food sensitivities or allergies.
Some foods simply do not agree with them, even if they had loved and digested those same foods in the past.
You might notice your cat eating grass or grooming excessively to create saliva and bring up that food.
Switching to the best food for old cat that vomits can prevent this type of vomiting.
c) Hairballs
Older cats also form hairballs which could cause vomiting and this is especially seen in long-haired breeds.
Looking at the contents of your cat’s vomit can help you determine if this is the cause behind the chronic vomiting.
You can switch to foods which minimize hairball formation or consult a vet for other treatment options.
You can also regularly groom your cat for preventing hairballs.
D) Parasites, viruses, and bacteria
Many bacterial or viral pathogens can also cause vomiting in senior cats.
Fortunately, this type of vomiting can be prevented through regular vaccinations.
In older cats, the one-celled parasite called giardiasis can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and mood changes.
Your pet might stop washing and grooming itself. There may be rapid weight loss in the infected cat.
Another stomach parasite called ollullanus tricuspis can cause chronic vomiting in an older cat.
See your vet to diagnose these issues and deworm your pet from time to time to prevent them.
E) Cancer
Older cats with cancer can also suffer from chronic vomiting.
Viruses, toxins, and sometimes age itself can cause an abnormal cell growth in the intestine which – as it grows- causes a blockage.
This blockage can result in chronic vomiting which can worsen as the tumor grows.
If discovered and removed early on, the condition is completely treatable.
F) Liver and Kidney Failure
The worst changes in an aging cat are the ones we can do nothing about.
Sometimes, the organs just age and there is scarring and degeneration of tissues.
While there are no cures for liver cirrhosis; there are some special diets to slow their progression.
Symptoms of liver and kidney failure do include chronic vomiting, reduction in appetite, lethargy, depression, etc.
If changing to the best cat food older cats that vomit does not help, you may want to have these diseases ruled out.
Factors to Consider when Selecting the Best Cat Food for Older Cats That Vomit
1) Suits your lifestyle
Select the best cat food for cats that vomit based on your lifestyle.
You can easily lay out the best dry cat food for older cats that vomit out all day while you’re at work.
This way, your cat can nibble on it when it gets hungry.
Moist food tends to get spoilt or could harden if left outside for hours. Semi-moist food also hardens if you leave it outside all day.
Also read: Top 5 Best Wet Cat Food Dispenser in 2022
2) Based on cat’s special dietary needs
Some cats have special dietary needs.
For example, cats with broken, missing, or loose and painful teeth may prefer the best wet cat food for older cats that vomit owing to easier palatability.
Similarly, cats with kidney disease may need foods lower in sodium and phosphorus but higher in protein.
Work with your vet to select the best cat food for cats that vomits to see results.
3) Is nutritionally balanced
Once you have worked out the right food for your cat, you can compare different brands and their food labels.
Select a food that is grain-free, high in protein and good fats, and also taurine, Omega fatty acids, and antioxidants.
These are essential for an older cat for maintaining vision and heart health.
Whatever food you choose, it should say complete and balanced nutrition on the label.
4) Your cat loves it
Finally, your cat will also have a say in the best food for old cat that vomits.
Dry cat food is generally good for cat’s teeth but older cats frequently have trouble with their teeth. So, you might want to consider something softer and easier to chew.
Cats pay a great deal of importance to the shape and texture of food.
Some prefer star shaped kibble instead of round.
In case of best wet cat food for older cats that vomit, select multi-flavor cans which will offer variety and keep things interesting for your senior kitty.
Tips to Prevent Vomiting in Older Cats
A) Rule out allergies and food sensitivity
As stated above, older cats could suddenly develop food intolerances.
Switching to the best cat food older cats that vomit due to sensitive stomach can make a difference.
Be patient; food changes can take a while to become noticeable.
Make sure you also stop feeding treats with allergens like wheat, dairy, gluten, soy, etc. as these could also suddenly cause chronic vomiting in older pets.
B) Increase your pet’s fiber intake
Fiber-rich food with psyllium, pumpkin, beets, or bran, etc can help prevent and breakup hairballs which are a common cause of vomiting in older cats.
C) Groom your long-haired cat regularly
Trim and brush your long-haired cat’s coat every couple of days to prevent hairball formation. This could reduce chronic vomiting caused due to hairballs.
D) Switch to wet food
Broken, loose, or missing teeth can result in your older cat not being able to chew and digest the food.
The best wet cat food for older cats that vomit has higher moisture content and goes down easily.
It is easier to swallow and eases digestion in senior cats.
E) Feed separately, feed smaller frequent meals, and switch the food bowls
If your older cat is eating too fast owing to competition from other cats, you could try feeding it separately.
Also, if gulping down of the food is the reason behind chronic vomiting, then you can change your pet’s food bowl to slow-feed bowls that reduce the eating speed.
You might also want to try feeding smaller, frequent meals to aid digestion.
Conclusion
The best cat food older cats that vomit can ease digestion, reduce food sensitivities, and completely stop chronic vomiting in senior cats.
We recommend the Purina Pro Plan Senior best wet cat food for older cats that vomit for its unique blend based on a 9-year study.
It has helped many senior cats completely stop regurgitating their food and has turned them into healthier, happier, and energetic cats.
Do check out our other recommendations as well!
