Last updated Feb 8, 2025
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
Senior cats need delicious, calorie-dense meals that are loaded with high-quality nutrition. That entails plenty of ultra-digestible protein, anti-inflammatory ingredients to soothe achy joints, and a soft texture that’s easy on bad teeth.
After researching the needs of senior cats and studying the market, we’ve chosen Smalls Ground Bird Fresh Cat Food as the best cat food for senior cats. With an abundance of nourishing animal-based protein, anti-inflammatory ingredients, and not too much phosphorus for aging kidneys, this food has all the qualities we seek in a senior diet.
Here, we cover our top choices for food for senior cats, and what to consider when shopping for your aging feline.
At a Glance: Best Senior Cat Food To Buy
Smalls Ground Bird Fresh Cat Food
- Made with a single source of animal protein
- Smooth pate texture is easy for cats to chew
- Rich in hydrating moisture
Weruva Truluxe Grain-Free Steak Frites w/ Beef & Pumpkin in Gravy Wet Cat Food
- Low in phosphorus to support kidney health
- Flavorful gravy many cats find appealing
- Rich in animal-sourced protein
Dr. Elsey's cleanprotein Chicken Recipe Dry Cat Food
- Calorie-dense to support lean muscle mass
- Easily digestible animal ingredients
- Relatively low carbohydrate content
Farmina N&D Prime Chicken & Pomegranate Recipe Adult Cat Dry Food
- Made primarily with animal-based protein and fat
- Scientifically formulated to be low-glycemic
- Free from low-quality fillers and synthetic additives
Tiki Cat Silver Chicken, Duck, Duck Liver Wet Cat Food
- Rich in digestible animal protein
- Very low in carbohydrates
- Soft texture is easy for cats to chew
Blue Buffalo Freedom Indoor Mature Chicken Recipe Canned Cat Food
- Affordably priced under $0.35 per ounce
- Smooth pate texture is easy to chew
- Moderate fat and calorie content
Purina ONE Indoor Advantage 7+ Chicken & Ocean Fish Pate Wet Cat Food
- Flavorful multi-protein recipe
- Good source of hydrating moisture
- Rich in animal-sourced protein
Chicken Soup for the Soul Weight & Mature Care Canned Cat Food
- Reduced calorie formula to support weight loss
- Good source of animal-based proteins
- Enriched with antioxidants and prebiotic fiber
Why Trust Cats.com?
We spent hours researching the cat food market and consulting feline nutrition experts on the needs of senior cats before selecting products to test for this review. The following foods earn their place with outstanding ingredient quality, nutritional merits, and safety records. These foods are rich in biologically-appropriate animal protein, feature minimally processed ingredients, and have a soft, moist consistency that’s easy to eat.
All of the foods on this list were chosen with senior needs in mind then purchased at full retail price and tested with our own cats. During testing, we make observations about the food’s appearance, texture, aroma, and packaging. Our cats provide their input on flavor and general appeal. We also consult consumer reviews to get an idea of overall customer satisfaction with the product.
Best Cat Foods for Older Cats
Our top pick for senior cats is Smalls fresh cat food. Made with human-grade ingredients in a protein-rich, high-moisture formula, this recipe is nutritious and easy for older cats to chew.
We consider a variety of factors when making our recommendations. While Smalls is our top pick in this category, there might be better options for your specific cat. Every cat has different needs and preferences, so we’ve categorized our recommendations to help you choose the right food for your senior cat.
#1 Overall Best: Smalls Ground Bird Fresh Cat Food
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 13% Min
- Age Range: All Life Stages
- Calories Per Ounce: 40
- Typical Cost Per Day: $4.00 per day
Designed for customization, Smalls is a subscription-style fresh cat food delivery service that enables you to adjust to your senior cat’s needs and preferences. With a variety of flavors and textures to choose from, Smalls caters to even the pickiest of eaters. Their single-protein formulas are easily digestible, low in carbs, and rich in hydrating moisture.
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
Smalls Smooth Bird is a chicken-based formula featuring chicken muscle meat and chicken liver. It has a smooth texture that’s easy for older cats to chew, though it also comes in a minced style. At about 40 calories per ounce, it’s fairly calorie-dense to help your older cat maintain a healthy body weight.
If your senior cat’s calorie needs or flavor preferences change over time, you can adjust your monthly order in your customer account. Each subscription starts with a 10-piece sampler pack of 5-ounce packages. You can change, pause, or cancel your subscription at any time through the customer portal, by email, or via text with Smalls customer support.
Ingredients
Chicken, Chicken Liver, Green Beans, Water Sufficient for Processing, Dried Yeast, Tricalcium Phosphate, Kale, Magnesium Proteinate, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Dandelion Greens, Dried Kelp, Taurine, Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Cod Liver Oil, Salt, Niacin Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Thiamine Mononitrate, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Sodium Selenite, Biotin.
Ingredients We Liked: Chicken, Chicken Liver, Cod Liver Oil
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: None
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Made with chicken as a single source of protein
- Smooth pate texture is easy for older cats to chew
- Rich in hydrating moisture
- Adjustable meal plans are easy to customize
What We Didn’t Like:
- Only available as a subscription plan
- No phone support (text and email only)
#2 Best Wet: Weruva Truluxe Grain-Free Steak Frites w/ Beef & Pumpkin in Gravy Canned Cat Food
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
- Made In: Thailand
- Guaranteed Protein: 10% Min
- Age Range: All Life Stages
- Calories Per Ounce: 21
- Typical Cost Per Day: $6.29 per day
This food from Weruva’s TruLuxe line has several qualities that make it a good option for aging cats. First, with beef as its primary ingredient, this food has plenty of nourishing animal-sourced protein to keep your senior strong and lean. The list of ingredients is short as well, making this recipe easily digestible for most cats.
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
What’s most notable about this food, however, is its reduced phosphorus content. It contains about 1.0 mg per 1,000 calories of phosphorus, making it a good option for older cats at risk for kidney problems.
Measured as dry matter, this formula contains over 70% protein. It’s fairly low in fat, however, and isn’t the most calorie-dense option. Keep this in mind when determining how much to feed your cat, as larger portions could significantly increase the daily feeding cost of this food.
Ingredients
Beef Broth, Beef, Pumpkin, Sweet Potato, Potato Starch, Carrot, Sunflower Seed Oil, Tricalcium Phosphate, Xanthan Gum, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Salt, Taurine, Zinc Sulfate, Vitamin E Supplement, Nicotinic Acid (Vitamin B3 Supplement), Ferrous Sulfate, Manganese Proteinate, Calcium Pantothenate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B2), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Copper Sulfate, Potassium Iodide, Sodium Selenite, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement.
Ingredients We Liked: Beef
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Potato Starch, Sunflower Seed Oil, Xanthan Gum
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Low phosphorus content may protect kidney health
- Rich in highly-digestible animal protein
- Low carbohydrate content
- Free of potentially-inflammatory artificial ingredients
What We Didn’t Like:
- Relies primarily on plant-sourced fat
#3 Best Dry: Dr. Elsey’s cleanprotein Chicken Recipe Dry Cat Food
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 59% Min
- Age Range: All Life Stages
- Calories Per Ounce: 113
- Typical Cost Per Day: $0.89 per day
Though wet food’s softness, moisture content, and typically higher levels of protein make it the preferred option for senior cats, dry food can also be a good choice. This Dr. Elsey’s cleanprotein food has notably high levels of animal protein and multiple sources of omega-3 fatty acids.
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
With no grains, legumes, potatoes, or other starchy ingredients, this recipe is very low in carbohydrates—under 10% measured as dry matter. It’s also free from gum thickeners which have been known to trigger loose stools in some cats.
This dry food is a calorie-dense choice, so your cat won’t need an excessive amount to meet their energy requirements. It’s a highly digestible choice, made primarily with animal-sourced ingredients.
Ingredients
Chicken, Hydrolyzed Pork, Pork Plasma, Gelatin, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Ground Flaxseed, Natural Flavor, Calcium Carbonate, Salmon Oil, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Fructooligosaccharides, Vitamins (Niacin, Vitamin A Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Folic Acid, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Vitamin D Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin B12), Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Zinc Sulfate, Iron Proteinate, Ferrous Sulfate, Copper Proteinate, Copper Sulfate, Manganese Proteinate, Manganese Sulfate, CalciumIodate, Sodium Selenite), Taurine, Magnesium Oxide, Mixed Tocopherols (Preservative), Salt, Vitamin E Supplement, Rosemary Extract.
Ingredients We Liked: Chicken, Hydrolyzed Pork, Pork Plasma, Gelatin, Chicken Fat, Salmon Oil
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: None
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- A rich, calorie-dense food to support lean muscle mass
- Has guaranteed levels of the omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA
- Primarily made from easily-digested animal ingredients
What We Didn’t Like:
- No dry food provides the moisture your cat needs
#4 Premium Dry: Farmina N&D Prime Chicken & Pomegranate Recipe Adult Cat Dry Food
- Made In: Serbia
- Guaranteed Protein: 44% Min
- Age Range: Adult
- Calories Per Ounce: 118
- Typical Cost Per Day: $0.99 per day
Featuring fresh boneless chicken and dehydrated chicken as the top two ingredients, this dry food recipe is made primarily with animal-based protein. Supplemental sources of animal protein include dried eggs and herring while sun cured alfalfa meal provides some plant protein. The food relies primarily on animal sources of fat like chicken fat and herring oil. These ingredients provide a concentrated source of energy as well as essential fatty acids. The herring oil is particularly rich in skin- and coat-supporting omega-3s.
This is a grain-free recipe, but it doesn’t contain beans or peas like many grain-free formulas do. It contains about 48% protein on a dry matter basis and around 22% fat, however, so it still contains roughly 30% carbohydrates on a dry matter basis. While most dry cat food is high in carbs, Farmina pet foods are formulated to have a low glycemic index. The food contains about 412 calories per cup and is formulated for adult and senior cats.
Ingredients
Boneless Chicken, Dehydrated Chicken, Sweet Potatoes, Chicken Fat, Dried Whole Eggs, Herring, Dehydrated Herring, Herring Oil, Pea Fiber, Dried Carrot, Suncured Alfalfa Meal, Inulin, Fructooligosaccharide, Yeast Extract, Dried Pomegranate, Dried Apple, Dried Spinach, Psyllium Seed Husk, Dried Sweet Orange, Dried Blueberry, Salt, Brewers Dried Yeast, Turmeric, Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Ascorbic Acid, Niacin, Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Thiamine Mononitrate, Biotin, Folic Acid, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Choline Chloride, Beta-Carotene, Zinc Methionine Hydroxy Analogue Chelate, Manganese Methionine Hydroxy Analogue Chelate, Ferrous Glycine, Copper Methionine Hydroxy Analogue Chelate, Dl-Methionine, Taurine, Aloe Vera Gel Concentrate, Green Tea Extract, Rosemary Extract, Mixed Tocopherols (A Preservative).
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Made primarily with animal-based protein and fat
- Scientifically formulated to be low-glycemic
- Free from low-quality fillers and synthetic additives
What We Didn’t Like:
- No dry food provides the moisture cats need
#5 Best for Sensitive Stomach: Tiki Cat Silver Chicken, Duck, Duck Liver Wet Cat Food
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
- Made In: Thailand
- Guaranteed Protein: 12%
- Age Range: Adult
- Calories Per Ounce: 30
- Typical Cost Per Day: $4.45 per day
Tiki Cat was born of a desire to create a low-carbohydrate cat food made with nothing but meat and supplements. True to the brand’s origins, Tiki Cat foods are meat-based and low in carbohydrates. They’re free from animal by-products, grains, and potatoes. Most recipes feature chicken or fish which is locally sourced from Thailand where the food is manufactured in award-winning human-grade canning plants.
The majority of the protein in this silver recipe—designed for senior felines—comes from animal sources including chicken, duck, and egg. With high levels of protein and moisture but a low dry matter carbohydrate content under 10%, this is a species-appropriate choice for your cat.
Though rich in animal protein, this recipe contains low levels of phosphorus to help support kidney health in aging cats. It’s enriched with joint-supporting omega-3 fatty acids and free from hard-to-digest peas and legumes, so it’s a strong choice for older felines with delicate stomachs.
Ingredients
Chicken, Chicken Broth, Duck, Duck Liver, Pumpkin, Dried Egg, Coconut Oil, Tricalcium Phosphate, Potassium Chloride, Xanthan Gum, Taurine, Choline Chloride, Salt, Magnesium Sulfate, Turmeric, Tuna Oil, Green Tea Extract, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Vitamin E Supplement, Ferrous Sulfate, Niacin (Vitamin B3), Zinc Oxide, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Manganous Oxide, Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B2), Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Sodium Selenite, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Folic Acid, Potassium Iodide, Vitamin D3 Supplement.
Ingredients We Liked: Chicken, Duck, Duck Liver, Dried Egg, Tuna Oil
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Coconut Oil, Xanthan Gum
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Contains 60% dry matter protein
- Very low in carbohydrates, under 10% dry matter
- Made with high-quality animal protein sources
- Low phosphorus levels to support kidney health
What We Didn’t Like:
- Relies primarily on plant-sourced fat
#6 Budget Pick: Blue Buffalo Freedom Indoor Mature Chicken Recipe Canned Cat Food
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 7% Min
- Age Range: Adult
- Calories Per Ounce: 31
- Typical Cost Per Day: $2.09 per day
Formulated specifically with senior cats in mind, this Blue Buffalo Freedom recipe features chicken muscle meat and chicken liver as the sole sources of protein. Chicken broth contributes to the food’s high moisture content as well as its appealing chicken flavor.
Though this recipe is higher in carbohydrates than we’d like, it’s free from hard-to-digest peas and legumes. It’s also an affordable option compared to many wet cat foods, priced around $0.32 per ounce. With 21 calories per ounce, the food is fairly calorie-dense which helps reduce the daily feeding cost.
Overall, this is a moderate-protein, moderate-fat wet cat food formula made primarily with wholesome ingredients. It should be easily digestible for most cats, though gum thickeners may contribute to loose stools in cats with sensitive stomachs.
Ingredients
Chicken, Chicken Broth, Chicken Liver, Carrots, Sweet Potatoes, Natural Flavor, Flaxseed (source of Omega 3 and 6 Fatty Acids), Powdered Cellulose, Guar Gum, Potassium Chloride, Taurine, Cranberries, Blueberries, Salt, Choline Chloride, Carrageenan, Cassia Gum, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Sodium Selenite, Niacin Supplement (Vitamin B3), Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B2), Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin (Vitamin B7), Potassium Iodide, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid (Vitamin B9).
Ingredients We Liked: Chicken, Chicken Liver
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Guar Gum, Cassia Gum
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Affordably priced under $0.35 per ounce
- Smooth pate texture is easy for senior cats to chew
- Moderate fat and calorie content
- Made with a single source of animal protein
What We Didn’t Like:
- Gum thickeners may contribute to loose stools in some cats
- Fairly high in carbohydrates
#7 Best for Picky Eaters: Purina ONE Indoor Advantage 7+ Chicken & Ocean Fish Pate Wet Cat Food
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 10.5% Min
- Age Range: Adult
- Calories Per Ounce: 29
- Typical Cost Per Day: $2.67 per day
Another affordable choice, this Purina ONE Indoor Advantage recipe is crafted to support the nutritional needs of senior cats. It’s packed with animal-sourced protein and is rich in hydrating moisture. It’s also a good source of anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids and is enriched with prebiotic fiber to support digestion.
Measured as dry matter, this food contains nearly 48% protein and over 19% fat. It’s moderately calorie-dense which, paired with the high protein content, may help your senior cat maintain lean muscle mass without unintended weight gain.
Because it contains protein from multiple animal-derived sources, this recipe has a unique flavor that appeals to many cats. It has a smooth pate texture that’s easy to chew and a fairly simple, low-carbohydrate recipe that is easily digestible for most cats.
Ingredients
Chicken, Ocean Fish, Chicken Broth, Liver, Pork Lungs, Powdered Cellulose, Natural Flavors, Potassium Chloride, Guar Gum, Taurine, Salt, Citric Acid, Tricalcium Phosphate, Vitamins [Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B-1), Niacin (Vitamin B-3), Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B-5), Vitamin A Supplement, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (Vitamin K), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B-6), Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B-2), Vitamin B-12 Supplement, Biotin (Vitamin B-7), Folic Acid (Vitamin B-9), Vitamin D-3 Supplement], Choline Chloride, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (Vitamin C), Minerals [Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Potassium Iodide].
Ingredients We Liked: Chicken, Ocean Fish, Chicken Broth, Liver, Pork Lungs
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Guar Gum
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Multiple protein sources provide a unique flavor
- May help support lean mass in older cats
- Good source of hydrating moisture
- Very low in carbohydrates
What We Didn’t Like:
- May not be appropriate for cats with food allergies
- Guar gum triggers loose stools in some cats
#8 Best for Weight Loss: Chicken Soup for the Soul Weight & Mature Care Canned Cat Food
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 9% Min
- Age Range: Adult
- Calories Per Ounce: 27
- Typical Cost Per Day: $2.48 per day
While some senior cats struggle to maintain lean mass, others gain an unhealthy amount of weight as their activity level wanes. This senior recipe from Chicken Soup for the Soul is designed with these cats in mind. It’s rich in animal-sourced protein and is moderately energy-dense, so it provides what your cat needs without excess calories.
Featuring ocean fish as the main ingredient, this recipe gets supplemental protein from chicken, egg, salmon, and duck. When you convert the nutrient content to a dry matter basis, this recipe contains nearly 41% protein and about 13.6% fat.
This recipe is a little higher in carbohydrates than we’d like, but the primary contributor is nutrient-rich whole-grain brown rice. The food also contains several sources of prebiotic fiber for digestive support and it’s rich in hydrating moisture.
Ingredients
Ocean Fish, Chicken Broth, Turkey Broth, Chicken, Chicken Liver, Whole Grain Brown Rice, Dried Egg Product, Salmon, Turkey, Duck, Pea Fiber, Carrots, Peas, Flaxseed, Powdered Cellulose, Oatmeal, Potassium Chloride, Cassia Gum, Xanthan Gum, Taurine, Apples, Cranberries, Dried Kelp, Vitamins (Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid), Inulin, Minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Copper Proteinate, Potassium Iodide, Manganese Sulfate, Sodium Selenite), Yucca Schidigera Extract, Choline Chloride, Parsley, Salt.
Ingredients We Liked: Ocean Fish, Chicken, Chicken Liver, Dried Egg Product, Salmon, Turkey, Duck
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Peas, Cassia Gum, Xanthan Gum
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Reduced calorie formula to support weight loss
- Good source of animal-based proteins
- Enriched with antioxidants and prebiotic fiber
What We Didn’t Like:
- Fairly high in carbohydrates for a wet food
- May not be appropriate for cats with food allergies
Best Healthy Cat Foods for Senior Cats: Comparison Table
| Product Name | Primary Protein | Guaranteed Protein | Ash | Calcium | Phosphorus | Calories Per Ounce | Cost Per Day |
| Smalls Ground Bird Fresh Cat Food | Chicken | 13% | 2.35 | 0.52 | 0.39 | 40 | $4.00 per day |
| Weruva Truluxe Grain-Free Steak Frites w/ Beef & Pumpkin in Gravy Wet Cat Food | Beef | 10% | 0.48 | N/A | 0.1 | 21 | $6.29 per day |
| Dr. Elsey’s cleanprotein Chicken Recipe Dry Cat Food | Chicken | 59% | 7.5 | 1.24 | 0.94 | 113 | $0.89 per day |
| Farmina N&D Prime Chicken & Pomegranate Recipe Adult Cat Dry Food | Chicken | 44% | 8.5 | 1.1 | 0.9 | 118 | $0.99 per day |
| Tiki Cat Silver Chicken, Duck, Duck Liver Wet Cat Food | Chicken | 12% | N/A | 0.3 | 0.14 | 30 | $4.45 per day |
| Blue Buffalo Freedom Indoor Mature Chicken Recipe Canned Cat Food | Chicken | 7% | N/A | N/A | N/A | 31 | $2.09 per day |
| Purina ONE Indoor Advantage 7+ Chicken & Ocean Fish Pate Wet Cat Food | Chicken | 10.5 | 3.4 | 0.2 | 0.42 | 29 | $2.67 per day |
| Chicken Soup for the Soul Weight & Mature Care Canned Cat Food | Ocean Fish | 9% | 2.3 | N/A | 0.23 | 27 | $2.48 per day |
What To Look for When Shopping for Food for Senior Cats
According to the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) and American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) , a cat enters the senior stage at age 10. That said, many practitioners consider a cat a senior starting at age 8. While nutritious food is essential for your cat at any age, it’s particularly important as they enter their golden years.
Your cat’s core nutritional requirements don’t change after they transition from kitten to adult, but key aspects of senior cat health might affect their ideal diet. Here’s what to consider when looking for healthy food options for your older cat.
Look at the Animal-Based Protein Content
Protein is essential for many bodily functions, such as metabolism and tissue repair. And while protein is the cornerstone of every cat’s diet, it’s doubly important for senior cats as their ability to absorb nutrients and metabolize energy declines.
Maintaining muscle mass becomes increasingly difficult with age. An estimated 50% of senior cars are underweight. Providing a protein-rich diet helps spare the breakdown of body proteins. Animal-sourced protein is the most biologically valuable to your cat and it’s more digestible than plant-sourced protein.
Make Sure It’s a Kidney-Friendly Diet
Kidney failure is the most common condition ailing senior cats. While you don’t necessarily need to put a healthy senior cat on a prescription renal diet, all senior cats can benefit from a kidney-friendly diet.
Sadly, many cat foods contain several times the minimum requirement of phosphorus. Growing research done in recent years suggests that excessive dietary phosphorus is linked to kidney damage in cats.Keeping phosphorus close to AAFCO’s minimum required amount (0.5% on a dry matter basis) will help prevent and control your kitty’s kidney damage.
Consider Foods That Are Palatable and Easy To Chew
Because many cats lose their interest in food as they age, it’s important to stimulate their desire to eat. Warm, moist foods with strong aromas can point your cat in the right direction. A sprinkle of bonito flakes or a splash of bone broth can also encourage your older cat to get the food they need.
Dental problems can make chewing a challenge for senior cats, so it’s a good idea to select moist, soft foods that are easy for your cat to chew and digest. As senior cats have a higher predisposition toward dehydration, high-moisture foods can also help your kitty get the hydration they need.
Include Anti-Inflammatory Ingredients
Bone and joint problems become increasingly common as cats age, so including anti-inflammatory and joint-supporting ingredients in your cat’s diet is essential. Look for foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids from animal sources. Salmon oil, krill oil, menhaden fish oil, and green-lipped mussels are excellent sources of these inflammation-easing fatty acids.
Your senior cat’s food also shouldn’t contain anything that will make inflammation worse. Avoid potentially-inflammatory ingredients like artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, and carrageenan.
The right diet plays a vital role in ensuring that your cat is at his best through every stage of life. In addition to the foods listed above, any nutrient-dense, meat-based food will help your senior thrive. Consult with your veterinarian if you need help finding the diet that’s most appropriate for your senior cat.
Frequently Asked Questions
What food is best for senior cats?
The best food for senior cats should be nutrient dense, meat-based, support kidney health, help control inflammation, and are very easy to eat. Plus, they should be moist and easy on the stomach.
How can I keep my senior cat healthy?
Routine veterinary checkups are essential for senior cat health. It’s also important to provide a high-protein, calorie-dense diet that provides the nutritional balance required for adult cats. Consider as well whether it may help your cat to make adjustments to their environment—like making their food and litter box easier to reach. While a senior cat’s energy might dip, daily play and mental stimulation is still a must.
Is wet food better for senior cats?
Wet food may be easier for older cats with dental problems to chew. The additional moisture also helps boost hydration and support healthy digestion.
I love this, but I would really like to see reviews on Senior dry foods, also. My cat eats a combo of dry and wet foods. She prefers dry, even with bad teeth! I’ve landed on the Wellness senior formula, but I’d love a comprehensive list from you. 🙂
Hi,
You can have a look at our brand review here:
https://cats.com/wellness-cat-food-review
Hi, I’m wondering about your recommendation for Fussie Cat, since it’s phosphorus level (dmb) is nearly twice the minimum suggested by AAFCO. Can an upper level be defined for senior cats with no kidney disease? Thanks!
My senior cat can only eat food of paté consistency due to his lack of teeth. Shredded food is the worst for him. I’m surprised none of your senior recommendations listed are patés.
Good point Nelle, Our editorial team will decently look into this and make that addition to the article. Thank you!
My cat won’t eat any wet cat food food. She’s now 6 years old. I feed her meow mix. Any suggestions
Hi Diane, great question! Have you tried using wet food as a topper for her regular food? Or stirring it all together so she still gets the food she likes but starts getting used to something else?
Thank you!
I have a question. I was reviewing Dr. Elsey’s dry cat food based on your articles and suggestions. But I’m reading new reviews on Chewy saying that they change the formula and is now causing cats issues. These postings are most recent – December 2023. The ingredients are now saying that the second ingredient is hydrolized pork and third ingredient is pork plasma. This is very different from what you have listed as the ingredients. I’m looking for a new cat food for my cat who is a senior, and has diarrhea. But I do not want to switch if this is going to cause him more issues. Can you please re-review this cat food company dry cat food versions, and let me know if you would still highly recommend it?
Hello there! This is a great request, and we are working on an updated review at the moment. Cheers, Mallory
Chickie is 15&1/2 years old, used to Nulo indoor and senior cat dry food. When he started with smelly diarrhea 4 months ago and our vet had no suggestions aftet he lost weight down from 15 to 12 lbs.. and not encouraging us to do expensive tests, I researched what I could, creating a mixture of cooking crumbled chicken breast in water and mixing it with baked sweet potato and turkey or chicken baby food for moisture and taste. He likes it. And sprinkling a packet of Purina FortiFlora probiotic on his morning meal of about a cup. Dinner is served he same w/he probiotic.
He’s content with that, and asks for a snack of the chicken mixture for lunch. Some stools have been normal; the loose ones aren’t smelly.
Energy and activity has improved, I’d be happy to purchase canned soft food, but which one?
Hello Laurie, thank you for the comment. This is a difficult question! It sounds like your current diet is working excellently, but of course you need something nutritionally complete and balanced. If he doesn’t have any other older-age related conditions, I would think that a simple freshly-cooked diet would work well. Smalls Ground Bird cat food will be similar in taste and texture to what you’re giving him now, so that may be worth a shot.
Thank you for answering, and so quickly! You’re doing a wonderful service.
You’re welcome, Laurie! Thanks for being here.
thanks very much for providing the information and the opportunity to receive an answer to questions. i have not been diligent to check if my question or one closely-related to it has already been asked, so please accept my apology for not doing a close search in advance
i have a “domesticated” feral cat. she loves temptation cat treats, and in her old age has decided that it is the only meal she will accept. i used to feed her a can of weruva in the morning; a dozen treats sometime mid-day; and a can of fancy feast (which she still loves), complemented by two teaspoons of colostrum and a half tablespoon of mixed organic fiber with prebiotics, probiotics, and omega-3
her urination and defecation are regular and healthy, and she is very happy and conversational. after fifteen years, she decided in february to discontinue her daily hour of cognitive training and her daily twenty minutes of physical training…so i knew she was slowing down
she is overrweight (but i prefer that to undeweight), and i want to adjust her ingestion to compensate for the weight somewhat but also to find the healthiest possible food sources she will tolerate and, hopefully, enjoy
i prefer some sort of high quality crude animal protein, raw: first preference, or cooked. adequate but minimal healthy fat content, low phosphorus levels, all animla and plant food sources of human quality sourcing. i would also prefer if vitamin/mineral supplementation were of “natural” origin as much as possible. i intend to continue with the colostrum and the organic fiber blend; she has improved significanlty since i began those supplements two years ago (no more groaning when jumping off structures; no more eye matter drainage; no more ear discomfort)
finally, she seems to be almost completely preferential of birds, though she will eat prepared egg
if you can offer any suggestion about food or about any expert consultant or cat dietitian, i would greatly appreciate it. i am in texas, so i do have a minimal availability to texas a&m
thank you very much for considering this and for all you do for the community of cats and their family members everywhere
Hi Buck! My apologies for taking a while to get back to you! First off, I have to compliment and congratulate you—you are clearly an outstanding cat owner. Very impressive. It can be difficult to get a good low-phosphorus raw food, but I believe the cooked Smalls product recommended as our top pick here would work well for your kitty. It’s bird-based, relatively low-phosphorus, and should meet her texture and taste preferences. Wishing you all the best!
Thank you so much, Mallory, for helping us give our furry kids a healthier life. I adopted two seniors a month ago, and I have tried all your suggestions except the Smalls. They enjoyed all food. But I wanted to ask if you recommend other flavors in the same collection. For example, would it be ok to feed them with all four flavors in the Tiki Cat Silver collection, the other flavors in the Weruva Truluxe variety pack, or different kibble flavors for the Dr. Elsey clean-protein formulas? My kids were ok with the Weruke Truluxe SteakFrites, but they love the Chicken and Turkey, Chicken and Duck, and Lamb and Duck for the variety pack I bought.
I will appreciate your feedback. Thank you so much.
Iliana
Hi! It depends on what you want to accomplish. Not all of the Truluxe varieties are as low in phosphorus as the others in the line, so I would check the numbers before you try them. However, the other recipes in the Silver line and the other cleanprotein recipes are all great options.
Hi Mallory, Thank you so much for sharing all your knowledge and expertise! I have a 15 year old kitty meow meow who has sensitive stomach that the vet puts her on GI diet. He’s saying that meow meow has IBD/IBS. She doesn’t have loose stool or runny poop very often but she vomits quite often as she would throw up food right after she eats. Her appetite has decreased a lot since last couple of months but blood work shows great report. Vet says she has gastroenteritis and feel nauseous so she would not want to eat and want her to be strictly on GI diet. My question is, all those prescribed GI diet have either a lot of gum and carageenan, or gluten, wheat, corn, some even have animal by product; I wonder how can that be highly digestible for a senior cat with GI issue? I always wonder if those gum and carageenan causes stomach inflammation and bloating? She was on Blue Buffalo’s GI wet food for couple of years which has carageenan, and she kept throwing back up so frequently i stopped feeding her that. I am now giving her Science Diet’s sensitive stomach wet food which is free of gluten, gum etc but the dry food the vet prescribed is Science Diet i/d diet that has corn or wheat etc which i am very concerned about. After reading your writing, I have ordered Smalls trial kit for her but the food has not arrived yet; do you think Smalls is a good try in her case and should I put her partly on GI diet and partly on Smalls? Or do you have other recommendation for a diet that will help her? I bought a can of Rawz chicken pate and gave her a teaspoon everyday, she didn’t mind eating that but she couldn’t eat more than a spoonful every time because of the decreased appetite. I am so worried about transitioning her given she’s so sensitive, I don’t want to make her more miserable and I wish that she could enjoy food once again! If you have any recommendation or tips for me that will be awesome. Also Mallory, for a senior cat like meow meow, her caloric intake is less than 180 these days; because of the vomiting, she’s getting 150 or someday little bit less than that, is there a way to help her increase that? How much protein would she need to thrive? Thank you so much for taking the time with me and everyone here, really appreciate all that you do!!
Hi Mallory! I am located in Canada, so I’m hoping you may be able to help me out with the best dry and wet food I could get for my cat ( ~15yrs old).
I was not able to find “fussie cat” in a wet food, but only in dry food. It’s a bit more affordable but this wasn’t recommended in your article so I’m debating between this one or the Dr. Elsey’s which is not so affordable ($26 CAD for a 2lb bag or $72 for a 6.6lb bag — Yikes!). Is there another dry food you might recommend instead?
I normally get her Weruva wet food (usually the lamb, funk in the trunk or chicken flavors) but the truluxe one is over $1 more. The other wet foods listed on the article are not easily accessible for me as none of the chain stores carry those. I found a couple at some speciality online sites but they charge a lot for shipping so I’m trying to find something I can just pick up in person. If you have any other suggestions for wet food, I would really appreciate it. Thank you so much!
Hello Hayley, thanks for the message. This is a great question. I did a quick search for products available at PetSmart in Canada, and Nulo would be a good cheaper option for you. You can also think about options from Tiki Cat, though they do tend to get pretty expensive, even compared to Weruva. You’ll have to use their store finder to check for local availability, but you may be able to find Tiki Cat’s dry cat food in stores as well, and that will be a decent dry option that’s a little cheaper than Dr. Elsey’s. And of course, there’s always Orijen and Acana or, if you’re open to a higher-carb product, Open Farm. Their quality is good, but the food itself is pretty plant-y. Hope this helps!
Hi Mallory. Yes! She’s taking meds for hyperthyroidism. Thank you for the recommendation for “ young again†cat food. I will look into it. Ty! Susan
Choosing a new dry food
Hi Mallory. My cat is an all black spayed female. She’s 11 years old. She’s been on only natural power food indoor and does well on it. Recently, I have not been able to get more, company sighting a long wait for more to be available. She also has hyperthyroidism. She prefers dry food to wet. She’s 10.5 pounds. Can you please help me choose a new dry food for her? I used to feed her merrick backcountry, but that was unavailable too, prompting the switch to only natural. Which is now unavailable too! I don’t know what to give her now that would benefit her best. Please help! Thank you. Susan
Hey Susan, has your cat received treatment for hyperthyroidism yet? You probably know that Hill’s Prescription Diet y/d is the only food that can directly address hyperthyroidism, so we don’t really have options that will actually treat the condition. Assuming that her hyperthyroidism is under control, I would consider the senior formulation from Young Again, which is made to address the issues of senior cats while offering excellent nutrition. I’m not seeing any particularly high-iodine ingredients that would be an issue. The food is 0.58 ppm iodine, which is above the daily minimum requirement (0.46 ppm) but not as high as many other foods. Hope this helps!
Hi I have a mainecoon mix that is 12 years old and a long hair female calico cat she might be 10 years old. I usually buy then quality cat food but lately they have been throwing up with the halo liver dry food. which food would be best for them?
Thank you, Blakely
Hello Blakely, if both of your cats have been vomiting the food, simply switching to a new product would be a good idea. Any of the recommendations on this list would make a good alternative. If they only eat dry cat food, perhaps one of the recommendations from our article on the best dry cat food would work.
Hi there,
I’ve heard that cats need taurine in their diet, especially seniors. I noticed that dr elseys dry food doesn’t have taurine. Can you share your thoughts about this?
Thanks,
El Bee
Hello, and I apologize for the lateness of this reply! We only put the first five ingredients of each recipe in the mini-review here, so the taurine was left out. This food does, in fact, contain taurine, and meets AAFCO guidelines for all life stages. Hope this helps!
Hi there! Quick question trying to find the ideal food for my cat. Max is about 12-13 years old, 16lbs (he has always been a little bit bigger), indoor, and not very active. He luckily has had no health problems (except minor arthritis in one ankle) and his most recent bloodwork and urinalysis were all good! But as he gets older, I want to AVOID any typical problems that can occur with aging cats the best I can. I’ve read through many articles so far (and greatly appreciate your time and effort) but still don’t feel totally confident with what to pick. About 4 months ago I switched him to Cat Person morsels in gravy (one can am and one can pm, but give him a little bit of their dry food after dinner bc he loves it so much and to clean teeth). He seems to like the wet food but isn’t necessarily crazy about it. Since it’s high in phosphorous, given he is an aging cat, and I worry it’s too high in protein (which I know they need but a friend who is a vet told me super high protein can be bad for kidneys and potential diabetes down the line) I am looking to switch.
Do you have an ideal recommendation if I am looking for:
Little no to zero recalls, best quality digestible protein that is high but not too high, very low carb, lower/controlled levels of phosphorous, low magnesium, contains anti-inflammatory ingredients (all the omegas)? Max is somewhat picky and doesn’t love pate btw. I was leaning towards Feline Natural, but don’t love that it’s higher in phosphorous.
Also, out of curiosity, would you suggest adding fish oil to a particular food if it does not have omegas?
If you have time to answer this, we (max and myself) would SO appreciate it! Thank you again!!!!
Hello! This is a great question, and I apologize for taking so long to get back to you with a response. The Weruva Truluxe food on this list checks most of your boxes, though I’m not sure if you’d consider it to be too high in protein. Again, I’m not a veterinarian, but my understanding is that protein digestibility (at least among cats with healthy kidneys) is more important than overall protein content when it comes to feeding a senior cat. Providing healthy amounts of high-quality protein is essential to keeping a senior cat healthy. This food, supplemented with a fish oil (yes, this is a good idea!), should have all the qualities you’re looking for in a diet for Max. You might also want to mix in a probiotic supplement, as this may also help to reduce inflammation and support overall wellbeing.
Mallory, what a great article!
I also have a question about a 15 pound 12 year old senior cat that we inherited from the neighbor last year. He had to have 9 teeth extracted because we had noticed he was vomiting a lot and was lethargic and in pain. Since then he still has vomiting issues on and off, the vet suggested duck, venison, lamb in case it’s a protein allergy and also said he has an old hip dislocation that has probably been this way since he was a kitten, so he deals with pain from that. I have him on supplements for arthritis that seem to be helping but like I said the vomiting continues. He’ll be good for 2-3 weeks and then it’ll start up again, and it is chicken. The flavors my vet suggested are hard to find and are highly expensive so we have him on iams sensitive stomach dry and has done the best in it so far but I’m not sure if he is getting the adequate nutrients and protein level now based on your article. He is also showing signs of mental decline, and the light in his eyes seem dulled if that makes sense. I think his hearing could be off too unless this is all coming from mental decline (kitty dementia?) my question is, is there something that I should be looking for in his food to help fulfill his needs as a senior now? Also, he lacks consistent interest in an all wet food diet.
Hi Kristina, thanks for commenting. It seems like you were thrown in the deep end when you inherited this guy! First off, I would recommend talking to a second veterinarian. I think you need more insights into what is going on with his health as well as a better sense of direction with his dietary needs. A 12-year-old cat does not need to have glassy eyes, vomiting problems, and, potentially, cognitive decline. My first question would be: is 15 lbs the right weight for this cat? Is he overweight? If he’s overweight, that could account, in part, for the lethargy issue you’re seeing. As for chronic vomiting, I think you need to take a strategic approach to this. No need to use expensive food—just find a single-protein food that allows you to determine what, if anything, he’s sensitive to. You can learn more about elimination diets here. Once you’ve gotten that squared away, you can think about choosing a better diet for him. Virtually any higher-protein, higher-quality diet is going to be more expensive than the dry food you’re giving him now, so you might think about supplementing with some unseasoned “people food”—fresh chicken, pork, beef, etc. Fish oil would be a good addition to his diet as well, with potential benefits for multiple areas of health, including cognition and inflammation in general, both areas that are important for your kitty. The anti-inflammatory effects of a good fish oil could benefit his joints and his digestion. You might be able to get some good insights from the expert moderators in the All About Cats forum: https://cats.com/community
Hello!
My 15-year-old cat has recently developed pooping issues. I’m looking for an affordable wet food for his daily diet. I’ve moved him almost entirely to canned food, and supplement his diet with pumpkin. He is active inside and outside the house, drinks plenty of water, and urinates multiple times a day. But, he doesn’t poop every day. For Wholehearted canned food, are you recommending just the specific recipe, or the brand generally? My cat only likes pate. He likes Greenies crunchy treats so I know it’s not his teeth. He’d rather eat dry than soft morsels or flakes.
Thank you!
Hello!
I’m so glad I found you! My senior (15 years) kitty has had constipation issues for about the last 5 or so months and I’m looking for an affordable wet food for his daily diet. Whereas five years ago he was exclusively on dry food, he’s gradually moved almost entirely to wet food, and I supplement his diet with canned pumpkin. He gets a little gassy, but doesn’t seem to be uncomfortable. He is active around the house, makes his daily rounds outside, drinks plenty of water, and urinates multiple times a day. But, he doesn’t poop every day. My question is about your recommendations for canned food. Are you recommending just the specific recipe, or the brand generally? Not all the flavors you recommend are available on Amazon, and my cat refuses to eat the morsels in gravy. He only likes pate. He likes Greenies crunchy treats so I know it’s not his teeth. He’d rather eat dry than soft morsels.
Hello Amy, thank you for commenting! Whether shredded or paté, virtually all WholeHearted wet recipes should be appropriate for your senior kitty. Hope this helps!
Hi Mallory, thank you for being here and sharing all this great information!
I have 2 rescue cats, one is about 22 yr old, had him since 2005. I have had both on a dry and wet food, grain free. My 22 yr old has a hard time chewing dry food, his teeth are not the best. Looking for a dry that is small kibbles, if they have crunch and a little bit chewy. They have been on Stella and Chewys kibbles and Blue Buffalo. Looking for something new as both are bored with the dry. Or do you think my 22 tr old is fine with wet only?
I do add Bioplasma Cell Salts to both their wet food for extra nutrients.
Thank you!!
Hi Elle, I see no reason why your 22-year-old should not be perfectly fine on wet food only! You can perhaps try rehydrating Stella & Chewy’s freeze-dried morsels for something that’s semi-soft. Thanks for stopping by and all the best to you and your crew!
Hi, I have been trying my best to find a good option for my cat as she gets older. She is currently 12 and has been eating a mix of purina beyond dry food and Sheba wet food for a while now. She’s an indoor/outdoor cat and she’s very active, which I’ve seen in some of my research that senior cat food takes into account that they aren’t as active, which doesn’t really apply to my cat. I suppose I’m just confused and a little overwhelmed with all the different options and ingredients out there. Any help would be much appreciated.
Hey Tristen, thanks for your comment. You have a great question there! I think that since your cat is quite active, you should be able to continue feeding a relatively high-calorie, high-protein diet. Senior cats aren’t all the same and there’s no single diet that fits everyone. The one thing I would bear in mind is the potential for lower-quality protein and high phosphorus content to burden the kidneys. The food you’re giving your cat right now should be okay for now, but you may want to transition to a bit of a “cleaner” diet without a lot of lower-value protein sources like animal by-products and plants. Hope this helps to clear the fog a bit!
Hi there HM,
Thanks for reaching out! You have some good questions about finding the right food for Lilly and Marie.
First off, it sounds like you’re looking for a higher-quality upgrade from Fancy Feast Gravy Lovers. It doesn’t look like any of the products on this list have that nice broth Marie loves. If she insists on food with gravy, some good senior-appropriate alternatives include Weruva, particularly the Steak Frites with Beef & Pumpkin in Gravy recipe from the Truluxe line, and WholeHearted, which is a nice nutritional upgrade that’s about the same price as Fancy Feast.
While I can’t speak from personal experience, I know that Glandex is safe for cats and is primarily a fiber supplement. This helps to bulk up the stool, which then expresses the anal glands. Most cats, however, probably don’t need a fiber supplement. Unless a cat is on a raw or otherwise ultra-clean diet, they’re probably getting more than enough fiber already. Glandex could help and most likely won’t hurt, but you might consider other probiotics and digestive enzymes instead.
Finally, have you tried using a water fountain? If your cats drink from dripping faucets or the toilet bowl, they might appreciate the moving water from a fountain. Otherwise, you might try giving Lilly another type of food that is neither canned nor dry—perhaps she’d like a freshly-cooked diet.
Hope this helps. Let us know if you have any more questions!
Take care,
Mallory
Hi All, we have 2 senior cats – Lilly 10yrs and Marie 11yrs. We buy halo dry cat food which Lilly loves but she is a bit over weight and doesn’t care for wet food just the broth/ gravy. Marie is at wt. maybe a little under but skinny. She likes the fancy feast gravy lovers. We are looking to switch her to a better quality wet food that is all natural and beneficial to seniors. Any suggestions? We are gonna try a few listed here . Any that would be similar to fancy feast gravy lovers? She is picky and holds out for as long as she can before she will eat any dry food or other wets foods! Has anyone tried the glandex for their cats and or dogs? We thought about trying the powder for both. We use pumpkin for our blue heeler with meals but not anything for our cats. Also we are trying to get more water in diets , not big drinkers of water tho it is offered daily fresh ! We add water to broths and gravies. They won’t eat dry food if you put water in it and they don’t like wet and dry food mixed either. Suggestions? Thanks a bunch! HM
Hi, I just recently heard about Dr. Marty Nature’s Feast freeze-dried cat food. Have you ever considered reviewing it? I have a senior cat and I am considering trying Dr. Marty’s in an attempt to improve her overall health. Thank you!
I bought 4 bags of Nature’s Feast, and my cat does not like it at all. I have tried disguising it with sardines, Sheba cat food and ohers, but he manages to leave the soaked raw pellets in his dish!
Florette
Hi Mallory, Really hoping you can help me out. I have a 9 year old male cat. He’s been on the same food for many years (Blue Buffalo) and seems to be a bit bored with it. I want to venture out into healthier and more natural options. My concerns are my cat had crystals when he was a kitten, so I’m definitely looking for food that will keep crystal formation low at all costs, he vomits hairballs, and he’s a skinny senior. He’s always been on the thinner side, around 9lbs, but he seems to be leaning out. Thank you for any recommendations!
Hi Diana,
Thanks for commenting and sorry about the late reply!
I can relate to your situation—my cat had two bouts of cystitis when he was around two and preventing a recurrence has been a priority for the last nine years. Urinary tract health is always near the top of my priority list when shopping for my cat or recommending food for other kitties.
Since your cat has gone for around 9 years without having a problem with urinary tract crystals, it doesn’t sound like he needs a special diet. As long as you’re feeding him something moist and meaty, he should do well. Most meat-based foods have a species-appropriate pH and won’t skew your cat’s urinary pH towards alkalinity or excessive acidity. If you know your cat has a problem with struvite crystals, you can look for foods that contain Dl-methionine or other acidifiers.
You might experiment with any of the foods on this list or our list of the best cat food of 2019: https://cats.com/best-cat-food
You may also want to consider some of the foods on our list of the best cat foods for urinary tract health:
https://cats.com/best-cat-food-urinary-tract-health
Hope this was helpful!
Take care,
Mallory
Hi Mallory, I’m a bit beside myself in all my research. Murphy is a 10 yo large tabby weighing 18 lbs and an indoor cat. Last night was 3rd ruptured abscess on anal sac. 2nd time on same side. I hesitate to remove them due to the risks. What is recommended to add more fiber and be sure he’s not eating the wrong food. He’s on wet & dry now. Halo wet & trifecta dry by Hills. I would like to see him drop weight & not have anymore abscesses. Thinking of trying ZiwiPeak??
Hi Rona,
Thanks for your comment!
First off, we’re not veterinarians and the following advice is not a substitute for consultation with a vet. Your veterinarian can evaluate your cat’s situation in depth and provide personalized expert advice.
That said, if I was in your position, I’d start by weaning him off of the Hill’s dry and switching to wet food only. Weight loss is paramount and it’s all too easy to overeat dry food. Ziwi Peak is a good option, but it’s pretty calorie-dense, so you’d have to keep a close eye on your cat’s portions. You might prefer a lower-calorie (but equally senior-appropriate) brand like Against the Grain, Weruva, Wellness CORE Indoor, or Tiki Cat. With the exception of Wellness CORE, none of the foods from these brands are particularly high in fiber. If your cat is having some issues with stool consistency, you might consider mixing in fiber additives like psyllium husk, ground flaxseed, or slippery elm bark.
Whether your cat’s constipated or has loose stools, a probiotic supplement may also help to normalize the situation. The probiotic yeast S.boulardii works particularly well to ease diarrhea and, in addition to fortifying your cat’s gut flora, FortiFlora will help you to entice your cat to try new foods.
Finally, if you believe his anal sac problems are in part due to chronic digestive issues and neither probiotics nor fiber seem to help, try an elimination diet to rule out the possibility of food allergies or sensitivities.
Hope this helps!
– Mallory
Ziwi venison lists chickpeas as the 5th ingredient…. Isn’t that a vege?
LK, thanks for pointing that out. You’re 100% right.
Though the food is primarily made from meat and organs, it does contain a small amount of chickpeas and other plant-sourced ingredients. Like most cat food companies, ZiwiPeak doesn’t disclose how much of the food’s protein content is from animal sources, but it’s likely that a percentage is from chickpeas.
Best,
Mallory
Hi, are you a vet? If not could you please indicate as such at the start of articles you write pertaining to animal health? There are some questionable pieces of advice on here regarding protein demands for senior cats, and your readers deserve to know that the author’s credentials regarding such an important topic. Thanks.
Hi Chris,
Thanks for bringing that up.
None of the articles on this site should be considered a replacement for veterinary advice and that’s now disclosed at the bottom of the article. Many of the site’s other articles on health subjects also acknowledge that fact at the top of the piece.
To answer your question—nope, I’m not a vet. I hope no one assumes that any blog article on animal health is written by a veterinarian. Most aren’t! You could argue that this fact is fueling the spread of misinformation or misconceptions, but I believe it’s making us savvier readers. Instead of assuming that only experts can write about sensitive topics, we know not to trust anyone blindly, whether they have credentials or not. We do deeper research to find the truth.
I’d prefer that people think of these articles like a conversation with a non-credentialed but relatively well-read friend. Take them with a grain of salt. I include reputable sources and references whenever possible to help research-inclined readers to go deeper and reach their own conclusions.
Best,
Mallory
You didn’t mention lamb or turkey. Is this not good for senior cats?
Hi Major,
Good eye! Turkey and lamb are perfectly fine for senior cats—we just didn’t happen to mention any lamb or turkey-based foods on this particular list.
Best,
Mallory
I want to try these foods, but don’t want to buy a case of any in case my cat doesn’t like the taste. Can these brands be found anywhere else in small quantities?
Hi Gail,
Most of the above-listed products are in stock on Chewy.com. They have a very friendly return policy and offer free returns for any product, used or unused, up to one year after purchase. If your cat tries their first can and doesn’t like it, Chewy will let you return the case for free.
There are also a few online retailers who offer single cans of cat food. OnlyNaturalPet, for example, has individual cans of the above-listed Hound & Gatos and ZiwiPeak canned food in stock.
Otherwise, don’t hesitate to contact the companies directly. Many cat food companies are willing to send small samples for free or at a discounted price.
Hope this helps!
Hi I am not sure how long ago this article was published but I do have a question that I hope you can help with. Basically your article states that only the cats that were consuming a diet with a DM basis of 36% protein were able to sustain their weight. This is all new to me so I went online and did a little research and found a calculator which allows you to determine what the Dry Matter Basis is for any value listed on the label of cat food. What I discovered is that all the different brands I checked which I considered to be lesser quality cat food all had a DMB value of over 50% protein. Initially I assumed that the cat foods you are listing in the article would have the higher protein values and that the run of the mill brands would be much lower. So what I am asking is there another factor that I am not taking into consideration? I understand that the cat foods you suggest appear to very natural and probably are very healthy for my cat but the article made me believe that the higher protein levels is what is necessary to allow my older cat to maintain lean muscle mass and potentially not lose weight.
So in short since most every cat food brand I checked appears to have ample protein levels is there something I am missing say if I would compare lets say Fancy Feast pate to the Nutro Grain Free Soft Loaf which you list as the best food for an older cat that may be losing some weight?
My situation is that I have a 13 1/2 year old male cat who isn’t very large ( usually averaged about 12lbs ) who has dropped about 2 lbs over the past couple of years. I had him checked out by the vet and all bloodwork, stool, and diagnostics indicated that there isn’t an apparent underlying condition. My cat is a very active indoor/outdoor cat and sometimes supplements his diet with field mice ( we live in the country ).
So basically my wife and I thought that the protein levels in his current food may not be sufficient after reading your article but after using the calculator it appears the levels are adequate.
Any input would be appreciated….
Thanks,
Tom
Hi Tom,
Thanks for reaching out.
The biggest difference between Fancy Feast and Nutro is digestibility.
Both have 50% or more protein on a dry matter basis, but some of the Fancy Feast protein is from meat by-products and therefore a slurry of organs, muscle meat, and indigestible tissues, so we don’t exactly know how biologically available that protein is.
As for the 36% protein number, the cats in the study were relatively sedentary young adults. As cats get older, their protein requirements progressively increase.
While the cats in the study needed about 28 grams of protein a day, a 12-lb senior cat might need 44 grams or more. And considering that your cat is an active country dweller, his ideal numbers could be even higher.
Remember that part of being an obligate carnivore is the fact that cats can’t stop metabolizing protein when they aren’t getting enough in their food. They will instead cannibalize themselves from the inside out, and that’s what happens when a senior cat’s increased protein requirements aren’t met by increased levels of digestible protein.
Bottom line: between your cat’s active lifestyle, his age, and the digestibility of his food, he might not be getting enough protein despite a healthy percentage on the label.
Properly prepared raw meals are the most bioavailable source of protein, followed by meat-heavy cooked foods like the ones in this article. Avoid animal by-products and plant protein like corn gluten meal, pea protein, and dried alfalfa meal.
Hope this helps!
All About Cats can you please share the protein calculator you use to determine the DM in cat foods based on food labels? Thanks.
Hello Melissa!
Here’s the dry matter basis calculator that I typically use: https://felinenutritioncenter.com/
It’s really easy to use. Just enter the nutrient value and the food’s moisture percentage and the calculator will return the given nutrient’s dry matter value.
If you’re ever caught without the calculator and need to calculate DM values on your own, remember that all we’re doing is removing water. Subtract the moisture percentage from 100%, then divide the nutrient value by the resulting percentage to get the dry matter value.
The formula looks like this: % Nutrient Value / (100% – % Moisture).
Hope this helps!
How do you find the nutrient value?
Hey Amy,
The minimum or maximum percentages of protein, fat, and some other nutrients will be listed in the guaranteed analysis on the label or in the product listing. You’ll see that the food is, for example, 46% fat (minimum). This means it’s at least 46% fat. You can base your calculations on this minimum number or refer to a typical analysis. The typical analysis is not always available on the cat food container, but you can usually get it from the company’s website. If it’s not published on the site, get it from their customer support department. The typical analysis is based on testing of multiple batches and gives you an average percentage rather than the minimum or maximum amount of each nutrient.
If you’re interested in a nutrient that’s not listed on the label—calcium, for example—, you may have to refer to the company’s website. If it’s not listed somewhere on the site, contact the company and they should be willing to provide that information to you directly.
Hope this answers your question.