It’s sad but inevitable: just like humans, kittens also age. These felines, which can exceed 14 years of age, reach old age with health problems and in need of special care.
The right senior cat food is essential for older kittens and directly contributes to a better quality of life for the cat.
At this point, it is essential to choose the ideal breed, according to the pet’s age and health conditions. Do you know how to do this? Read our post!
At what age is a cat considered elderly?
A cat’s life expectancy can generally vary between 7 and 14 years. During this period, it is natural that, just like humans, cats go through phases according to their age group.
A cat can be considered elderly from 11 years of age, at which point the feline has just entered the senior phase. However, depending on the breed and health condition of the animal, the first signs of old age may appear between the ages of 7 and 9.
- 1st phase: puppy | 0 to 12 months
- 2nd phase: adolescence | 1 to 2 years
- 3rd phase: adult | 3 to 6 years
- 4th phase: mature | 7 to 10 years
- 5th phase: senior | 11 to 14 years old
- 6th phase: super senior | 15+
Signs of aging in cats
Thinking about offering a better quality of life to cats, it is important to know how to identify the first signs of aging in these animals, which can be more subtle or more aggressive.
white hair
A strong sign that the kitten is getting older is the appearance of white hair on its body. In some cases, these hairs are almost imperceptible. In others, it is possible to notice changes in the hair near the mouth, eyebrows and nose.
Inactivity
That running around the house when the kitten is still a puppy will lessen. This is because elderly felines tend to be idle and prefer to take good naps instead of playing and exploring the space.
Therefore, that mischievous and energetic pet will naturally become quieter, as its metabolism slows down and its muscles weaken.
Hearing deficiency
Some felines, when they reach the senior stage, often lose partial or complete hearing. It is for this reason that he takes a while to hear and understand that he is being called.
Sometimes, hearing impairment may be due to another more serious problem, which requires going to the veterinarian for more in-depth examinations.
Change in weight
Very overweight or very underweight: senior kittens can gain weight or lose weight drastically at this stage of life. Hormonal changes, drop in metabolism and slowness in the digestive system are some of the reasons.
The chance of obesity is more common for neutered kittens, generating a warning, as the disease can trigger countless other illnesses.
Dental problems
Over the years, Dental problems often appear in cats. Gingivitis, periodontitis and, mainly, tartar are common diseases in the elderly phase of cats.
Food for elderly cats: necessary nutrients
When considering the ideal food for your neutered cat, be sure to identify whether it has the nutrients necessary for the feline’s healthy old age.
| Beneficial compositions ✔️ | Compositions to avoid ❌ |
| Phosphor Fibras Omega 3 and 6 Taurine Prebiotics Vitamins C and E | Transgenics Dyes Artificial flavors Synthetic antioxidant High phosphorus content |
Senior cat food: ratings
There are several classifications for cat food. Each is produced in a different way and offers different benefits.
Standard
It is possible to find standard feed in most establishments, mainly due to its low cost and ease of production.
Generally, they are inferior in nutrients and proteins to premium foods, but they can meet your pet’s dietary needs.
The advantage is that there are many different brands and feeds within this category, which can make choosing easier, considering the cost of each type and the best value for money.
Premium
They are more nutritious and tasty for kittens. The composition of ingredients is superior to standard rations, in addition to the variety of options. Most of the grains are of high quality, with direct sources of animal protein.
Premium pet foods contain very few compositions that are harmful to pets’ health, such as dyes, GMOs and artificial dyes. Therefore, it is necessary to pay close attention to the list of ingredients on the back of the packaging.
In terms of flavor, premium models come out ahead of the standard ones. With more pleasant and appetizing foods, you can help and encourage kittens to eat more and better.
Super Premium
They are superior to the others, made especially to include all the vitamins, minerals and proteins necessary for a good old age of felines.
In addition to being nutritionally balanced compositions, another advantage is the digestion of food in the cat’s body, making the process more fluid and pleasant.
Super premium rations strengthen the immune system, contribute to muscle gain, better absorb nutrients in the body and are capable of strengthening joints.
Natural
It is the healthiest option for feeding senior and super senior kittens. Free from GMOs, dyes and preservativesnatural food is made up only of organic foods, ensuring more nutrition for the pet.
With natural ingredients, fibers and prebiotics, the grains are made from a mix of organic foods, such as animal origin, whole grains and fruits.
Super premium feed contributes to regular intestinal function, which promotes good intestinal transit and contributes to adequate fecal formation.
Types of food for elderly cats
If you are in doubt about what is the best food for elderly cats, it is worth considering another important aspect: the type.
Dry rations
As the name suggests, these are foods with dry grains, without any addition of wet elements. For kittens that still have healthy teeth, they can be good options.
Wet feed
Soft and healthy, they are soft foods for elderly cats recommended especially for felines with loose teeth and those with digestion problems. They can be in sachets or with dry grain variations.
Medicated feed
These are foods that help control, combat and treat diseases in cats. In practice, they should be offered in parallel to the medications recommended by the veterinarian, and not as preventative solutions.
Understanding the aging of your favorite furry friend means offering the best care during this stage of life. Feed, therefore, serves as a great health tool, capable of preventing numerous diseases and prolonging your pet’s life.
