Cats dietary needs change with age, so make sure to feed your older kitty with a suitable senior cat wet food.
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What is the best senior cat wet food in 2024?
As your cat gets older, they become less active, and their metabolism gradually slows down. Their dietary needs change as well. That's why there's special wet food for senior cats. Find out which food is best for your pet with our buying guide!
Older cats typically tend to put on weight. As they exercise less, they also gradually lose their muscles. All of this has consequences for their health, and not all of them are benign. To keep your senior cat as healthy as possible, opt for a vitamin-rich senior cat wet food that meets all their energy demands.
Rich in moisture, this type of food will also protect your pet from dehydration, which is especially dangerous for senior cats. Is your fluffy companion getting older? Give them a comfortable retirement by choosing the most suitable wet food for them.
There are many different types of senior cat wet food, and it's not always easy to select one. That's why we've put up this brief comparison of several wet foods for senior cats. There is so much to choose from: chicken, salmon, with sauce, without grains, pâté, with bits.
Summary
What are the dietary requirements of senior cats?
Regardless of age, your cat is a carnivorous animal that needs protein regularly. On the other hand, cats no longer have the same energy requirements as they age. Their metabolism slows down, as do their physical needs. As a result, a senior cat consumes less food than an adult animal.
That's why it's critical to monitor the amount of food you feed your senior pet. If you continue to give your cat the same amount of kibble or wet food as you did when they were young, they may get overweight, leading to several problems, including heart and respiratory issues and diabetes.
Because senior cats commonly have renal problems, it is crucial to limit their protein consumption. In addition, a senior cat requires less fat than a young one. If your older pet eats too much fat, they will gain weight fast. You should, nevertheless, give them required fatty acid supplements, which are beneficial for supporting the proper functioning of various organs.
To minimise the risk of urinary stones, you should also avoid carbohydrates and restrict the amount of minerals in your cat's diet. You can, however, buy vitamin E-rich foods.
Why should I buy wet cat food for senior cats?
Senior cat wet food has many benefits that appeal to both cat owners and cats. For starters, it's delicious and generally tastes better than dry food. This may stimulate the appetite of a senior cat who has been losing weight.
Wet cat food contains a lot more water than dry food. Because cats are prone to forgetting to drink enough, this is the ideal solution for keeping them hydrated.
Wet cat food is also often packed in tiny sachets. There's no need to measure the amount of food to be served since the portion size has already been calculated!
Wet food is the best option for a senior cat that has trouble chewing. There is no risk of damaging the remaining teeth by eating a paté. To eat their meal, your furry friend will have to lick their delicious food. Wet food may also be given by syringe or tube if the animal is extremely weak.
How quickly can senior cat wet food be incorporated into my cat's diet?
If your cat has been eating only dry food, it is vital to allow a transition period before moving to senior wet cat food.
Changing from dry to wet meals too quickly may cause stomach discomfort and digestive issues. It may also upset and irritate your pet for a while. Cats do not enjoy changes in their everyday routine!
So make sure to introduce the food gently, first in the evening meal and then in the morning. Gradually replace the amount of kibble with wet senior cat food. After a few weeks, you will be able to stop giving them the dry food altogether.
Can senior cats eat only wet food?
Yes, elderly cats can eat only wet food without suffering from nutritional deficits or other issues. This kind of food is also recommended in certain situations, when the cat is not drinking enough, for example, or when they no longer have enough teeth to chew their kibble.
Premium cat food is prepared with high-quality ingredients to meet the nutritional needs of senior cats daily. This means that your senior pet will enjoy a complete and balanced diet.
How often should I feed my senior cat?
If you only feed your senior cat wet food, serve the meals at regular times. If you leave the food in the dish for more than a few hours, it will dry up, and your pet will refuse to eat it. In addition, flies might come and lay eggs on it!
If you're giving your pet both types of food, save the wet food for morning and evening and leave the kibble out all day. This will allow your pet to come and eat whenever they want like cats often do.
Don't hesitate to put the kibble in toys, such as balls, which will interest your fluffy friend and encourage them to exercise.
