The era of feeding cats scraps from the table or providing them with a couple of cans of fish every day is long gone. We have made significant strides in feline nutrition, and we now understand that what a cat eats has a significant impact on their health, particularly in the latter half of their life.
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Providing your feline friend with the appropriate food according to their life stage can go a long way in safeguarding them against a range of ailments and potentially increasing their lifespan.
To help you make the most informed decision on your senior feline’s diet, Bored Panda consulted a certified vet, Dr. Linda Simon, and asked her to share her insights. Read on to learn what makes an excellent senior cat food, when you should start feeding it, and what some of the top products available are.
The information provided herein is for informational purposes only. Please refer to our disclaimer for more details.
Our Community Picks
Best Overall: Purina One Indoor Advantage 7+ $30.96
Runner-Up: Orijen Guardian Senior 7+ $63.85
Also Great: Acana Senior Entrée $20.99
Note: All prices and deals listed are accurate as of the time of publishing. Please check the provided links for the most current pricing.
Top Dry Food for Senior Felines
Dry food is an excellent option for cats sensitive to dental problems. It promotes good oral hygiene and is easier to control portion sizes, perfect for maintaining a healthy weight for your feline friend. Just remember to monitor closely if your cat is drinking enough water.
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Orijen Guardian Senior 7+
Orijen now caters to seniors with a special diet that will make you envious of your feline friend. The Orijen Guardian Senior 7+ contains 90% animal ingredients, including wild-caught salmon, free-run chicken, and duck. The first five ingredients are raw or fresh, making it an easily digestible protein source, perfect for aging cats.
This food contains 40% crude protein, which is great for seniors not in the later stages of kidney failure. Additionally, Orijen kibble includes omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) sourced from wild-caught fish and probiotics that can help strengthen the immune system, supporting your cat in fighting off infections.
What we like:
• High protein to maintain a healthy weight
• Palatable dry food option
• Responsibly sourced ingredients
What we don't like:
• High cost
Acana Senior Entrée
ACANA Senior Entrée is an ideal choice for senior cats as it offers a high-protein diet that contains up to 65% of animal ingredients. As cats age, they are more prone to joint disease and muscle atrophy, but a higher protein diet can help delay the decline.
ACANA’s kibble is also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, beneficial for joint health. These fatty acids ensure that the joints are well-lubricated and help reduce inflammation. And if your cat isn't a fan of tooth brushing, a dry diet can be one of the best ways to maintain dental hygiene.
What we like:
• Rich in amino acids
• No artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives
• Enriched with fiber and probiotics
What we don't like:
• You may need to add warm water to make it more palatable
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Mature Cat
Blue Wilderness is a high-protein, extra-tasty recipe for senior cats. This healthy senior dry food is made with whole ingredients, such as deboned chicken, cranberries, blueberries, and sweet potato, which are easily digestible and contribute to your kitty’s health and well-being.
Since it’s a grain-free option, it’s also suitable for those with wheat or gluten sensitivity. However, not every cat with allergies can benefit, as chicken and potatoes are among the most common feline food allergens. If unsure, check with your vet for an optimal solution.
What we like:
• Highly digestible
• Enriched with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals
• Available in a range of bag sizes
What we don't like:
• Some owners reported their cats disliked the taste of this kibble
Best Wet Food for Senior Felines
Some senior cats may prefer wet food over kibble as it has a more pleasant texture. Moreover, wet food contains a high level of moisture that can help prevent dehydration and promote healthy bladder and kidney function.
Purina One Indoor Advantage 7+
Purina ONE Indoor Advantage 7+ wet pâté-style cat food is packed with moisture, making it an ideal choice for senior cats with dental issues or gingivitis. The soft texture of this food makes it easy for your elder cat to eat, which in turn can help them consume more calories—an excellent alternative to kibble.
Consider this grain-free option if your cat has ongoing skin or digestive problems. Reducing the amount of grains and carbohydrates in your cat’s diet can significantly improve their overall health and prevent weight gain as they become less active over time.
What we like:
• Tasty formulation
• Easy for seniors to chew
• High-protein
• Grain-free
Cons
• Some pet owners find the smell of ocean fish to be unpleasant
Blue Buffalo Tastefuls Chicken Entrée
Blue BuffaloTastefuls Chicken Entrée has a smooth texture and a meaty flavor. The primary ingredients are chicken and broth, making it a delicious meal for your senior feline. The consistency of this recipe is ideal for cats who need a little encouragement to finish their meals.
Having single-serve portions for each mealtime is a convenient way to prevent waste, which can sometimes occur with large cans. Plus, Tastefuls Chicken Entrée has 78% moisture, perfect for managing kidney disease and hypertension and preventing lower urinary tract disease.
What we like:
• A high-moisture content
• Excellent flavor and texture
• Convenient serving size
What we don't like:
• No probiotics or joint supplements
Purina Pro Plan Focus 11+
Purina Pro Plan Focus 11+ features a smooth pâté with an easy-to-swallow texture that your cat will love. However, it is important to note that this option is high in fat, so it may not be suitable for cats with obesity or pancreatitis.
On the other hand, the higher fat content can be helpful for cats that need extra encouragement to eat, especially senior cats with dry or flaky skin.
What we like:
• Created specifically for cats over age 11
• Excellent flavor and texture
• High protein for optimal weight maintenance in senior years
What we don't like:
• It contains more fat than most canned foods
• Includes meat by-products
Best Food for Senior Felines with Health Conditions
Some of the more prevalent medical conditions that affect aging cats include chronic kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, diabetes, and arthritis. In such cases, a prescription or special diet can significantly improve their condition. Before choosing such a diet, consult your vet to ensure it is the best option for your cat’s health.
Hill’s Prescription Diet Y/D Thyroid Care
Hyperthyroidism, an overactive thyroid, is a common issue that affects many senior cats, with over 10% developing this hormonal disease in later life. Symptoms may include increased appetite, weight gain, more vocalization, and swelling in the neck, known as goiter.
Although surgery or medication is the usual way to treat this condition in cats, an alternative method involves managing it through diet alone. The y/d diet is a specially formulated food that must be fed exclusively, as it restricts the intake of iodine completely. This type of food can be an excellent help for cats that aren't fit for surgery or can't tolerate daily medication.
Note: Before starting a veterinary diet, it is important to consult your vet
What we like:
• A good alternative for managing hyperthyroidism
• Dry kibble is beneficial for dental hygiene
• Controlled phosphorous levels for kidney health
• Formulated to reduce the risk of urinary stones and crystals
What we don't like:
• Ingredients aren't of the highest quality
• Premium price tag
Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Adult Renal Support
Around 30-40% of seniors are impacted by renal disease, which makes kidney-supportive diets a highly sought-after product. It is important to note that a renal support diet is crucial in managing chronic kidney failure, more so than any other intervention or medication.
Royal Canin has come to aid with a dry cat food that helps promote kidney function. It contains antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids proven to support kidney health. The renal diet is energy-dense, scrumptious, and has triangle-shaped kibble, making it easier for cats to eat.
What we like:
• Supports kidney health
• Easy-to-swallow kibble shape
• Restricted protein for renal health
What we don't like:
• Not all cats with renal disease thrive on a dry food diet
• Grains are the first ingredient
• Made with meat by-products rather than lean meat
Hill’s Prescription Diet Kidney and Mobility Care
Almost 90% of senior pets suffer from some degree of arthritis. However, the signs of this ailment can be very subtle, such as a reluctance to jump or a slight decrease in activity and playfulness. If you add kidney disease to the equation, the situation can become even more challenging.
The good news is that a veterinary-formulated diet can help address both problems at once. Hill’s Prescription Diet is designed to improve mobility and quality of life while reducing pressure on the kidneys.
One of the unique features of this dietary option is the ‘Enhanced Appetite Trigger,’ which is a proprietary blend of ingredients that is specifically aimed at pets with reduced appetite. This blend can help encourage them to eat enough calories to stay healthy and active.
What we like:
• Specifically, it targets the most common health conditions
• Improves appetite
• Contains prebiotics for a healthy gut microbiome
• Includes joint supplements
• Chicken is the primary ingredient
What we don't like:
• High price
• Not always available
Best Value Food for Senior Felines
When it comes to your feline’s diet, it’s honest to want something that won't break the bank. In such cases, we recommend choosing the best quality food you can buy for the long haul. A more affordable option doesn't always mean it’s less nutritious than its pricier counterpart. Here’s our favorite cost-effective option.
Iams Proactive Health Senior Cat Food
Iams has developed a fantastic option for cat owners aged 11 and up with feline companions. Their dry kibble in the chicken flavor is affordable and formulated to cater to the needs of senior cats.
The ProActive Health formula is packed with antioxidants and Vitamin E, which can help strengthen the immune system and reduce the risk of age-related infections in cats.
What we like:
• Affordable price
• Chicken as the primary ingredient
• Enriched with antioxidants
• Highly rated
What we don't like:
• It contains some lower-quality ingredients like chicken meal and corn grits
Things to Consider Before Choosing Senior Cat Food
Determine when a cat enters the senior or geriatric stage. Generally, cats become senior when they reach 7-11 years old and geriatric at 14-15. We recommend watching for signs such as decreased activity and weight changes as your cat ages.
Monitor calorie intake and nutrient balance more closely. As cats grow older, their calorie requirements decrease, but they still need protein that is easy to digest to maintain their muscle mass. You may also need to supplement your feline friends’s diet with additional calories—reducing calorie intake can potentially cause muscle atrophy in cats.
Senior cats may become more picky around their food choices. To make the meal more appealing, you can try moistening dry food or warming up their meal to room temperature.
Take into account any underlying medical issues. If your feline suffers from kidney failure, it is essential to ensure that they remain hydrated. You can achieve this by feeding them wet food, adding water to their dry food, or giving them cat soups or rehydration solutions.
Ensure appropriate supplementation. It’s always a good idea to choose a senior food that meets your aging cat’s basic dietary requirements and contains supplements like probiotics and joint-supportive ingredients tailored to your cat’s specific needs.
