Cats Over 15 Years: Diet and Food Brands for Senior Felines

Introduction

As our feline friends grow older, their dietary needs change significantly. To ensure our beloved senior cats remain healthy and happy, we must choose the right diet and food brands that can meet their specific requirements. Below, we discuss insights from various cat owners regarding the diets of their senior cats, spanning the age of 15 years and beyond.

Diet and Food Preferences in Senior Cats

Many cat owners share their experiences with us on the choice of diets for their senior cats. These insights highlight the importance of a balanced and nutritious diet for senior felines to maintain their health and longevity.

Commonly Used Brands

Different cat owners have had success with various commercial brands, which we have compiled below. Notable brands that have earned positive reviews include Friskies, Weruva, Royal Canin, Hills, Purina, and Blue Buffalo.

The table below summarizes the diets of several senior cats, categorized by the brands used:

Table: Senior Cat Diets by Owner

| Owner | Cat Age | Diet Description | Recommended Brand(s) | |-------|---------|-----------------|----------------------| | Me | 15 years | 50/50 Blue Buffalo Wilderness Mature and Purina Cat Chow Complete | Blue Buffalo, Purina | | Me | 17 years | Regular Purina chow | Purina | | Me | 15 and 11 years | Varying diets from Sheba Gourmet, Hill’s, Royal Canin, to Schesir and Smilla | Multiple | | Me | 18 years | Weruva canned cat food and Royal Canin dry food for renal failure | Weruva, Royal Canin | | Vet's recommendation | 15 years, kidney disease | Purina's Essential Care (wet and dry) | Purina |

Other notable brands mentioned include:

Hills: Suitable for cats with kidney disease needs. Royal Canin: Offers a range of specialized diets, including renal failure and kidney Rx formulas. Purina: Known for both wet and dry forms suitable for a range of senior cats' needs. Blue Buffalo: Mature cat formulas are highly recommended to address specific senior cat health needs.

Aside from these brands, it is often recommended to manage dietary preferences through a variety of smaller quantities and types of wet and dry foods to accommodate individual preferences and health conditions.

Morning and Evening Meals

For a balanced diet, many owners follow a routine of morning and evening meals. The morning meal might consist of a small portion of dry food mixed with a variety of wet food. Here's a typical example of a morning meal recommendation:

Morning Meal Example:

1/2 oz (about 1/8 cup) of dry food in a 50/50 ratio of Blue Buffalo Wilderness Mature and Purina Cat Chow Complete. Note: Blue Buffalo Wilderness Mature is a particularly recommended brand for older cats due to its specific nutrients and health support. It might be the best option if your budget allows.

The evening meal could be an alternating selection of wet foods, such as a full 3-oz can of Fancy Feast Medleys, ensuring variety and stimulating your cat's interest in the food.

In the example provided, the owner emphasizes the importance of avoiding greasy, gravy-based canned foods like Friskies, which might not be suitable for all cats' digestive systems.

For additional options, cats can enjoy other high-quality wet foods from popular brands such as Sheba Gourmet, Hill's, Royal Canin, Schesir, and Smilla. These are typically preferred by younger and more active senior cats.

Kidney Disease and Specialized Diets

For cats with kidney disease, specialized diets can make a significant difference in their quality of life. Here are key tips and brand recommendations for cats with kidney issues:

Purina's Essential Care is a recommended brand for cats with kidney disease, available in both wet and dry forms. Cats may need to switch between different diets as age progresses and their dietary preferences change. For instance, one 17-year-old cat has been on regular Purina chow due to preference, though this could change in the future. Feeding three or more smaller meals per day, rather than two larger meals, can help manage digestive issues better in senior cats. Maintaining hydration is crucial. Consider a pet water fountain to ensure your senior cat drinks enough.

Conclusion

Each senior cat is unique and may have varying dietary preferences and health conditions. It's therefore important to experiment with different brands and varieties to find what works best for your cat. A balanced diet, particularly with a focus on quality wet and dry food, can help maintain your cat's health and enjoyment of life.