Why do you need to look for the best cat food for older cats?
Well, nothing is more important to an aging cat than good nutrition.
After all, an older cat has fewer nutritional reserves compared to a younger cat and many senior cats simply start refusing food as they grow older.
This can be very bad for your pet since, without nourishment, the balance can quickly tip from health to disease and illness. That is why your cat needs the best cat food for older cats.
Thankfully, there are many good food brands that make high-quality cat food for senior cats.
This guide aims to help you make an informed choice so that you can keep your aging buddy well fed and well-nourished.
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：
- Hill’s Science Adult 11+ for Senior Cats
- Iams Proactive Health Healthy Senior Dry Cat Food
- Hill's Science Diet Wet Cat Food, Adult 7+ for Senior Cats
- Purina Pro Plan Senior Canned Wet Cat Food
- Purina Fancy Feast Adult Canned Wet Cat Food
What is the Best Cat Food for Older Cats? – 2022 Top 5 Picks
1. Our Editor’s Pick: Hill’s Science Adult 11+ for Senior Cats
Hill’s Science Diet dry cat food contains taurine an important amino acid that support heart health, bladder health, and eye health in cats 11 years and older.
Moreover, this cat food also contains vet-approved gentle proteins and fibers that are easy to digest so there is no strain on your senior cat’s digestive system.
This food is also manufactured in the United States using the freshest and most natural ingredients.
All of these factors make Hill’s Science Diet the best dry cat food for senior cats.
What we like about it
- Vet-formulated food specially made for cats 11 years and older
- Contains antioxidant vitamins like Vitamin E as well as Omega 3 essential fatty acids to support skin health.
- Gentle and easy-to-digest food for an aging cat’s digestion
- Made in the USA with natural and fresh ingredients
- Great flavor
- Excellent presentation
What we don’t like about it
- Small kibble size may be hard to eat for some cats
- 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. Not recommended for-Kittens and pregnant or nursing cats. During pregnancy or nursing, cats should be switched to Hill’s Science Diet Kitten or Hill's Science Diet Kitten Indoor dry cat food
- Mix up meal time with Hill's Science Diet Adult 11+ Healthy Cuisine Seared Tuna & Carrot Medley
2. Iams Proactive Health Healthy Senior Dry Cat Food
Iams Proactiv Health Healthy chicken flavor food contains Vitamin E for increasing the immunity of older cats.
This kibble also ensures keeping your pet’s teeth plaque free.
Since the main ingredient in this food is chicken, your senior cat is assured of getting all the protein it needs for healthy muscles without straining its digestive system.
Iams Proactive also contains L-carnitine for healthy weight as your cat ages.
What we like about it
- Fresh ingredients
- Great flavor and scent ideal for picky eaters
- Rejuvenates ailing cats having low appetite
- Improves coat and skin making the fur sleeker and shinier
What we don’t like about it
- Caused constipation in some cats
- A few cats refused to touch it
- Complete and Balanced for Adult Cats: 100% nutrition, 0% fillers, this dry cat food supports whole-body health with essential nutrients and is enriched with antioxidants for a strong immune system
- Supports Healthy Digestion: Formulated with natural fiber and prebiotics, this dry cat kibble helps support healthy digestion
- Nourishes Skin and Coat: IAMS PROACTIVE HEALTH senior adult cat food is formulated with an optimal Omega 6:3 fatty acid ratio to help promote healthy skin and a glossy coat for your senior adult cat
- Supports Heart Health for Cats: Packed with essential nutrients like calcium and potassium, IAMS PROACTIVE HEALTH dry senior cat food helps nourish a healthy heart
- 7 lb. Bag: Contains one (1) 7 lb. bag of IAMS PROACTIVE HEALTH Healthy Senior Dry Cat Food with Chicken
3. Hill's Science Diet Wet Cat Food, Adult 7+ for Senior Cats
As cats age, they sometimes develop dental issues.
For this reason, many older cats prefer softer, wet food over kibble or dry food. Hill’s Science diet is the best cat food for older cats.
This canned wet cat food is packed Vitamin C for enhancing the immunity in older cats.
It is also packed with easy-to-digest lean protein to support muscle health in aging cats.
As always, Hill’s Science Diet makes all their pet foods after consulting with top veterinarians.
This way, you can rest assured that your pet is in good hands with this gentle and nutritious best canned cat food for older cats.
What we liked about it
- Made in the USA with vet-approved fresh ingredients
- Soft food suitable for older cats having dental issues
- Great flavor and presentation
What we don’t like about it
- Expensive
- Some cats wouldn’t go near it
- High-quality protein to help your senior cat maintain lean muscle
- Canned food with antioxidants plus vitamins c+e for feline immune support
- Try all three flavors to give your furry feline the variety they crave
- Made with natural ingredients.Calorie content:90 kcal / 5.5 oz can
- Made in the USA with global ingredients you can trust
4. Purina Pro Plan Senior Canned Wet Cat Food
Purina ProPlan cat food for older cats is made with real salmon and tuna.
This food is also formulated to meet the nutritional needs of cats aged 11 years and over.
It provides your kitty with the essential nutrients needed to keep her immune system strong and healthy.
With regular use you are sure to see an improvement in your pet’s coat and skin health.
What we like about it
- Ideal portion sizes
- Excellent taste and flavor
- Fresh ingredients
- Also suitable for cats having food sensitivities
What we don’t like about it
- Not recommended for cats with renal issues
- Some cats refused to touch it
- Canned senior cat food is made with real salmon and tuna for a taste cats love
- Pate cat food is highly digestible
- 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 adult cat food formula that supports the nutritional needs of cats age 11+
- High protein cat food for seniors features high protein to help her maintain an ideal body condition
5. Purina Fancy Feast Adult Canned Wet Cat Food
Purina is a trusted cat food brand so their ‘senior cat-special’ canned wet food for older cats has been well-received by thousands of cat parents.
This wet food consists of tender and flaked fish/seafood pieces slow cooked in a delicious gravy or sauce.
It contains high levels of Vitamin E that gives you pet a healthy skin and coat.
The food is also packed with taurine to support healthy vision in aging cats.
In short: Purina Fancy Feast is 100% complete and balanced nutrition for cats 7 years and above.
What we like about it
- Crafted with real seafood
- Packed with balanced 100% nutrition for aging cats having poor appetite
- Antioxidant-rich food supports healthy immune system
What we don’t like about it
- Some cats (and their humans) hated the smell of this food
- Wet food for cats made without artificial colors or preservatives
- Crafted with real, high-quality ingredients to deliver a 100 percent complete and balanced high protein cat food for adult cats
- Purina Fancy Feast cat food developed in partnership with our expert nutritionists to create a unique and unforgettable taste experience for your cat
- Crafted with real fish and shrimp with a flaked canned cat food texture
- Protein-rich, gourmet soft cat food recipe creates a flavor-filled experience
Characteristics of The Best Cat Food for Older Cats
There are many reasons why an older cat might suddenly stop refusing its regular food.
Sometimes, their sense of smell diminishes which can make their regular food unpalatable.
Some older cats also develop dental issues like loose/broken teeth making it painful for them to chew the dry kibble.
As cats grow older, certain amino acids start decreasing in their bodies.
Overtime, this deficiency can lead to vision-related issues.
As they get picky with age and eat less, they do not get adequate protein and nutrients. This can result in lethargy, confusion, weakness, fatigue, difficulty in climbing or jumping, and reduced vitality.
Based on all these factors, here are some characteristics to look for in the best cat food for older cats.
1. High calorie – high protein
Note that this characteristic may not be a necessity for overweight/obese senior cats.
So, if your older cat is obese, look for a lower-calorie food or cat food for weight management.
High calorie and high protein foods are recommended for senior cats that are recovering from surgery or illness or have had poor appetites for prolonged periods leading to muscle loss, fatigue, weakness, and reduced vitality.
2. Rich in antioxidants
As cats get older, they need more antioxidants like Vitamins C and E to fight free-radical damage which accelerates aging.
So, look for a high-quality senior cat food containing high levels of Vitamin E and C for enhanced immunity, healthier coat, and stronger immune system.
3. Easy digestibility
Cats are considered as seniors once they cross the 7 year mark.
Senior cats often start experiencing digestive issues and some even develop food sensitivities.
Many cats get constipated as they do not drink adequate quantities of water.
Some are unable to chew their food properly owing to loose or missing teeth.
In such cases, you may need an easy-to-digest, high fiber food which can provide balanced nutrition to your pet without taxing or overloading its digestive system.
4. Soft or easy-to-chew food
Some cats, as they age, are unable to chew dry kibble.
For these cats, one might have to switch to canned or wet food.
Canned food or gravy can be mixed with rice and other softer foods for easy digestibility and may be especially necessary for cats with loose or missing teeth.
However, if you cat prefers dry food, you can choose to feed him/her the best soft dry cat food which are typically softer on the palate compared to the regular dry kibble.
Also read: Best Dry Cat Food for Senior Cats
Nourishment Requirements of Older Vs Younger Cats
Here are some differences between the nutritional needs of an older versus a younger cat.
A. Older cats have fewer nutritional reserves.
So, if your senior cat has not been eating for a while, it may be time to switch to a tastier, more nutritionally balanced wholesome food.
As cats age, they may even develop heart or renal problems.
So, it is always best to consult a vet and come up with the right diet plan which suits your aging buddy.
Most young cats and kittens, on the other hand, tend to be voracious eaters and, resultantly, have better reserves of nutrients when fed an healthy diet.
B. Older cats with health issues need specially formulated therapeutic food
An older cat with health issues is bound to need foods specifically supporting their ailing systems.
For example, a cat with renal issues or kidney failure may need low-protein, low-sodium, and low-phosphorus foods.
Your vet can give you the exact list of nutrients to look for feeding such cats. The same is true for cats having heart ailments.
C. Differences in nutrition profiles
The nutritional profile of kittens and older or senior cats over 7 years of age is also very different.
Your vet can recommend the right balance of proteins, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals in your pet’s diet based on its age and overall health condition.
D. Reduced mobility in older cats
Younger cats roam about, exercise, jump, and play.
As cats grow older, their activity tends to cease.
Some cats develop joint pain which might prevent them from climbing and jumping.
As a result, their appetite may also diminish.
Their reduced mobility can also result in difficulty in using regular litter boxes and it will be wise to invest in a low entry litter box for senior cats to help them with this.
Benefits of Feeding The Best Cat Food for Older Cats
When you feed the best cat food for older cats to your aging pet, you will notice the following benefits:
1. More energy
As your ailing cat starts to gets the nutrition it needs, s/he will be back to its playful self.
You will notice improved vitality, more energy, and a more cheerful disposition.
2. Improved skin and coat
The feline body stops producing essential fatty acids and amino acids as it ages.
When you feed it the best cat food for senior cats, you will notice improved skin, healthier, shinier and silkier coat, and even reduced hair fall.
3. Better digestion and improved stools
Older cats with poor digestion often suffer from diarrhea, loose stools, constipation, and other issues.
When your cat gets the right balance of fiber and proteins, it will have the right stool consistency with regular bowel movements.
4. Correction of nutritional deficiencies
Once you start feeding a high-quality cat food for your aging cat, you will notice improved vision, better reflexes, and even a correction of some medical issues or underlying health problems.
FAQs on the Best Food for Older Cats
1. Is wet cat food better than dry food for older cats?
The answer to this depends on your cat’s dental health, overall health, as well as individual preferences.
Some cats love wet food as it is softer and does not need much chewing.
Cats with dental problems certainly do better when they are fed wet or canned food mixed with soft foods like rice.
However, some pet owners also prefer dry kibble over wet foods as it naturally cleans their pet’s teeth and reduces plaque and bad breath.
2. How can I fatten up my old cat?
The answer to this depends on your cat’s overall health. Has your cat suddenly lost a lot of weight?
Or has it always been skinny but otherwise healthy?
A cat, in general, is considered underweight if you can feel and see its rib cage and spine.
If your cat suddenly stops eating for days, then it is definitely a matter of concern. Observe your cat carefully.
If it shows other symptoms like loose/bloody stools, confusion, increased sleep or lethargy, anxiety, pain, fever, etc, you must take it to the vet right away.
If it simply is lack of appetite, you can try changing your cat’s food and provide it with some variety.
Softer foods like meat slices in gravy are usually well-accepted by most cats.
Once your cat starts eating well again, it can easily regain its lost weight and vitality.
Sometimes, a cat could be suffering from intestinal worms, hormonal imbalances, food sensitivities, or other serious medical conditions.
Correcting these issues is the first step in helping your cat.
You must work closely with your vet to come up with a balanced diet plan and supplementation so that your cat can become its healthy and playful self again.
3. What other steps can I take to keep my older cat healthy?
When making any dietary changes, start slow. Always ensure that your cat is not sensitive to the new food.
If any vomiting, diarrhea or constipation occurs, stop the new food right away.
Cats are sensitive creatures. So make sure to maintain peace and quiet in its environment.
Apart from feeding the best cat food for older cat, also give it some weight gain supplements that can correct nutritional imbalances and provide your pet with the vitamins it needs.
Work with your vet to select the right food and supplements for your fur baby.
Conclusion
The best cat food for older cats mainly depends on your pet’s overall health.
If your cat is obese, you may want to switch to a weight-management formula but if your pet has suddenly turned picky or become underweight, you may want to feed it a high-calorie/high-protein cat food especially formulated for senior cats.
Our pick for the best cat food for older cats is Hill’s Science Adult 11+ for Senior Cats .
However, if your pet has dental problems, you can also select the best canned cat food for older cats such as the No products found. .
The choice entirely depends on your pet’s individual needs.
