As we age, our needs change. Our food too. You should know that with cats, it's the same! When a feline gets older, its body and its needs are different.
You must be attentive to changes and adapt your companion's diet. To help you best accompany your cat in his old age, here are the main problems you may encounter and the solutions to deal with them.
My cat is eating less
For several weeks now, your cat has lost its appetite and you are worried. If your cat is over 10 years old, this is normal! His metabolism is decreasing. As a reminder, metabolism is the set of reactions produced by the body to function optimally. An older cat spends less energy, so it will eat less. If your cat does not lose weight, you should not worry. Adjust the amount of food to her needs and make sure she always has kibble and fresh water available.
My cat is losing weight: how can I get her to eat again?
Your older cat may be losing her appetite. After the age of 10, this is a very common phenomenon. As a cat ages, it experiences pain and loses vitality. His senses are also affected. There are several ways to get your cat to eat again. You can change your cat's kibble to a better quality formula. Make sure you change the kibble in the bowl, as it loses its smell over time. You can also pour sardine oil, tuna brine or chicken broth over the croquettes.
When to worry? If your cat loses more than 500 grams, it is highly recommended that you make an appointment with your vet for a check-up. It is possible that your cat is suffering from an age-related condition.
My cat has difficulty eating
Again, due to age, it is possible that your cat is having difficulty eating its kibble. In this case, we recommend that you offer your cat some wet food as a supplement. You can mix this wet food with the kibble. To make the kibble easier to chew, remember to moisten it.
Kibbles are available in different formulas. If your cat is over 10 years old, it's a good idea to choose senior cat food. They contain all the nutrients your cat needs to age well and are easier to chew! Choose quality kibbles that do not contain cereals as the main ingredient.
At your next visit to the vet, have your cat's teeth checked. Oral problems can make chewing difficult and painful.
My cat has digestive problems
Just like the body, the organs that make up a cat's digestive system age. As a result, your cat may suffer from diarrhoea or vomiting. These digestive problems are caused by
- Too much hair being absorbed during grooming,
- a fragile digestive system,
- intolerance to new kibbles,
- the presence of parasites,
- stress,
- an infection.
If your cat has digestive problems, choose quality kibbles and change his water regularly. If the problems persist, make an appointment with your vet to try and identify the cause of the discomfort. Then you can find a solution!
My cat has difficulty moving around
As you know, a cat must have several spaces in the house. You need to provide :
- a resting area with a basket or cushion,
- a clean corner with a litter box that is always clean,
- a feeding area with a bowl for kibble and another for water.
If you have chosen to put your cat's bowls high up, so that your dog does not eat the contents, for example, it is possible that your cat cannot reach them. Because of osteoarthritis or other pain, your cat cannot climb onto the furniture to feed itself.
Your older cat's food bowls need to be accessible. If you can, find a slightly higher, non-slip model. Make sure your cat is quiet when eating.
GOLDEN RULES FOR FEEDING YOUR OLDER CAT
Stimulating his appetite
As a cat age, its appetite only decreases. So it's important to stimulate their desire for food by offering them a variety of enjoyable meals. Always remember to serve the food at room temperature, so that your cat can smell and taste it perfectly. Older cats' senses are also less acute. Opt for special senior cat food.
Ease of ingestion
It's important to choose food with a consistency that doesn't require your cat to chew hard. Otherwise, he may turn away from the food.
Encourage digestion
Over time, your cat's capacity to assimilate food has become less, which is why it is advisable to choose highly digestible food.
Adapt its composition
Choose a food specially designed for senior cats: high-quality proteins, low phosphorus concentrations (to encourage kidney function) and extra vitamin E (to strengthen natural defences). Senior cat food also contains fewer calories to prevent weight gain due to reduced physical activity.
Take it slowly
If you're introducing a new diet, don't do it too suddenly, otherwise your cat may refuse the change. Start by mixing the new formula with the old one and gradually increasing the dose over a period of about two weeks.
How do you manage feeding an older cat?
Your cat is getting older. Don't worry, if you look after her well, she has many years left to live. Once your cat reaches 10 years of age, you'll need to adapt to her needs. To do this, you can rely on the expertise of your vet, especially if he has always followed your pet. Of course, you should make sure your cat is always up to date with its vaccinations and treat it for parasites.
Even if your cat gets older, it's important to keep up the good habits. Don't feed your cat leftovers. Some foods are potentially dangerous for cats. Also, avoid giving your cat milk. Although calcium is good for us humans, lactose is not well digested by cats. A well-balanced diet, supplemented with food supplements if necessary, will help preserve your cat's bones.
Finally, at the slightest concern, make an appointment with your veterinarian. Health problems are more common as the cat ages. It's normal! On the other hand, the earlier a disease is treated, the more likely it is to be cured.
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