Feeding indoor senior cats – Adjusting their diet for health
As cats grow older and less active, providing them with the right nutrition is key to keeping them healthy and happy during their senior years. Indoor cats have different dietary needs than outdoor or younger felines. Understanding how to adjust an indoor senior cat’s diet goes a long way toward preventing weight gain, managing illnesses, and supporting their well-being.
Reduce calories
With less opportunity for exercise, indoor senior cats require fewer calories than younger, active cats. Obesity is unfortunately common in older cats, exacerbating age-related health issues like arthritis and heart disease. To promote weight loss or prevent weight gain, look for low-calorie senior cat foods. Wet food or kibble specifically formulated for less active mature cats contains fewer calories without skimping on key nutrients. Portion control is also important, as even lower-calorie foods lead to obesity if fed in excess. The right calorie intake keeps energy levels up while preventing unnecessary flab. Consult your vet on the ideal caloric intake and weight range for your senior feline based on their activity level, size, and health status.
Prioritize protein
Protein should make up at least 25-30% of a senior cat’s diet. As cats lose muscle mass when less active, ensuring adequate protein preserves remaining muscle tissue to support mobility and energy requirements. High-quality animal-based proteins like chicken, salmon, turkey, or egg should feature prominently on the ingredients list of senior cat food. Plant-based proteins from legumes, nuts, or grains supplement meat proteins but are tougher for some cats to digest.
Moderate fat intake
Fat shouldn’t be eliminated from senior diets, as it helps cats feel satiated. However excess fat leads to obesity and exacerbates conditions like diabetes or pancreatitis. Look for food containing 10-15% fat from plant oils and animal fats. Omega fatty acids are incredibly beneficial for skin and coat health, joint lubrication, and reducing inflammation. Food containing omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids from fish, plant oils, or other natural sources is ideal for indoor mature kitties.
Increase fiber
A bit of fiber goes a long way for senior cats, as it promotes digestive regularity crucial to their health and comfort. Look for best cat food for indoor cats containing 3-5% fiber from vegetables, fruits, grains, or supplemental sources. Gradually transitioning to a high-fiber diet prevents gastrointestinal issues typically seen in cats suddenly getting large amounts of fiber. Besides regulating digestion, fiber helps indoor cats feel full faster while consuming fewer calories to prevent weight gain.
Antioxidant containing ingredients
Antioxidants from fruits, veggies, herbs, and supplements protect senior cats’ cells from damage contributing to cancer, organ decline, impaired vision, and brain aging. Ingredients like cranberries, blueberries, sweet potatoes, spinach, turmeric, or vitamin E contain beneficial antioxidants without dramatically increasing calories. When possible, look for senior cat food containing antioxidant-rich whole-food ingredients rather than synthetic supplements.
Moisture rich food
Many older cats don’t drink enough water, raising their risk of dehydration and kidney issues. Canned wet food contains much more moisture than kibble, getting indoor mature cats the fluids they require in a tasty format. Adding a bit of warm water to the kibble also increases moisture intake. Consider feeding all or mostly wet food to promote good urinary tract health. Even for cats fed mostly dry kibble, try serving wet food as a “topper” at least a few times a week to boost moisture consumption.
