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How to Feed Your Older Cat Without Killing It

By: Dan Chan How do you know what type of food to feed your elderly cat? It can be challenging without a vet checkup. Always watch your elderly cat's appetite, food intake, eating habits, weight, and body condition. This info will be valuable when you and your veterinarian decide your cat's special nutritional needs. Unless your cat has problems digesting regular cat food, is becoming overweight or is on prescription food, complete formulation cat food accompanied by clear water is sufficient.

Because cats are social animals, your senior cat may also be pleased about a warm nesting point near the center of your family activity. It is suggested to move older cats onto a specially formulated senior cat food. Store bought cat foods made especially for senior cats provide superior-quality protein and lower phosphorus levels to cut down kidney stress. The senior citizen cat formulas also add Vitamin E to strengthen the older cat's authentic defenses.

Cats Getting Older

Cats go through quite a lot of physical and behavioral changes as they age. As your cat's metabolism slows down, the cat's senses start to weaken. Senior cats have more problems with taste, sight, smell, and hearing. Sadly, these physical problems are a reality of life, and the cat owner must adjust. Generally, elderly cats between the ages of 8 and 12 tend to grow fatter and after age 12 are liable to become thinner and metabolically old.

Controlling Disease in Cats Through Proper Nutrition

There are numerous diseases and conditions that felines develop as they age. There are special diets formulated for cats that have developed heart disease. Cat diets for heart disease by and large have reduced levels of sodium and more of the amino acid taurine. Preservatives have been blamed for a number of problems in cats from food allergies to cancer. This point is still being researched and debated.

Preparing The Cat Food

When getting cat food out of the fridge, it is best to let the cat food warm up. According to how much you give, it can take up to 2 hours to warm. You can warm catfood in a microwave, but it can get hot spots. Just watch to make sure it don't overheat, and mix well after heating to reduce the heat spots. If you want a rule of thumb, it is recommended to not get cat food to cold or hot.

Other Things to Ponder in An Aging Cat

You should give your cat fresh water each time you feed it. Older cats tend to get dehydrated easier. Keeping the geriatric cat properly hydrated is critical. Older cats are often poor drinkers even when water is available, so supplying clean, fresh water makes it better. I recommend setting a number of bowls of fresh water in separate areas of the house.

Don't Forget These Things When Caring For Older Cats

Visiting a veterinarian regularly for geriatric laboratory tests to establish a cat's perfect weight and diet is the key to success. Veterinarians have yet to develop a "one size fits all" older cat diet. The task is merely impossible given the enormous diversity of senior cats and their varying health issues. Listening and following the recommendations of your veterinarian is key to your cat's health.