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.

What can I feed my senior cat to gain weight?

Cat Food Options for Weight Gain Your veterinarian can also prescribe high-calorie cat foods like Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Recovery RS canned cat food or Hill’s Prescription Diet a/d Urgent Care canned cat food. These formulations are highly digestible and provide the extra calories your cat needs to gain weight.

What should you feed a 16 year old cat?

Meat protein is generally the best cat food for older cats. Health problems such as feline kidney disease and feline diabetes are partially managed by diet. Your senior kitty may need prescription food for older cats to help manage their illness. Always do diet changes gradually.

What is the healthiest cat food for older cats?

The best premium dry cat food for adult felines is Royal Canin Indoor Dry. Recommended by Dr. Singleton, it’s formulated with a blend of fiber for digestion and weight maintenance. This cat food contains optimal portions of chicken meal, animal fat, vegetable fiber, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals.

Why is my senior 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, to name a few.

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.

Why is my 17 year old 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. Most are readily suspected and confirmed based on physical examination and routine laboratory testing.

What’s the average lifespan of a house cat?

Weight loss can be an early sign of illness, so check with your vet. It is common for older cats to develop medical conditions that cause them to lose weight, such as kidney and thyroid disease. If your cat is losing weight, it is important to consult your vet as soon as possible.

Is wet cat food good for older cats?

Wet food is easier for many senior cats to manage and the increased moisture content is important for digestion and kidney health as well. If your cat insists on dry food, try using moisture-rich wet food as a topper.

Do senior cats need special food?

In their senior years cats need a high quality, palatable diet with easy to digest protein and a careful balance of nutrients. We recommend moving your feline friends onto a suitable senior diet to support their body changes and nutritional needs as they age.

What is a good dry cat food for senior cats?

The 10 Best Cat Foods for Senior Cats

1. Hill’s Science Diet Dry Senior Cat Food — Best Overall.
2. Nutro Wholesome Essentials Dry Senior Cat Food — Best Value.
3. Merrick Purrfect Bistro Dry Senior Cat Food — Premium Choice.
4. Iams Proactive Health Dry Senior Cat Food.
5. Blue Buffalo Healthy Mature Dry Cat Food.

How do I know if my elderly cat is suffering?

Senior cats increasingly have trouble regulating their body temperature, and will be more susceptible to heat and cold than healthy adult cats. Even when provided with a warm bed and environment, cats nearing death often have a low body temperature. You may notice that your cat’s limbs feel cool to the touch.

Why is my cat thin at the back end?

Why is my cat thin at the back end? While a cat’s rear end is usually slightly narrower, muscle water on the hind end can be caused by age, lack of eating, specific illnesses, or even depression. If you notice a change in the condition of your cat it’s important to consult your veterinarian.

Do senior cats sleep more?

Older cats tend to be less active and playful, they may sleep more, gain or lose weight, and have trouble reaching their favorite places. Don’t chalk up health or behavior changes – often gradual – to old age, however.