Nutrition for Senior Cats: Supporting Health with Gently-Cooked Cat Food

As our feline friends age, their nutritional needs evolve. Senior cats, typically those over 7 or 10 years old, may require a diet that supports their changing bodies and helps manage age-related health issues. Here, we’ll explore key nutrients essential for senior cats, common health concerns, and how our gently-cooked Chicken Cacciatore dish can help keep your senior cat healthy and happy.

Common Health Concerns in Senior Cats

As cats age, they can become more susceptible to various health issues. Here are some common concerns for our senior cats:

1. Kidney Disease: A prevalent issue in older cats, kidney disease can often be managed with a diet low in phosphorus and high in moisture. The kidneys are organs that filter the blood to remove waste and produce urine. When cats are afflicted with kidney disease, their ability to efficiently filter waste is affected. Senior cats can be more at risk of developing chronic kidney disease as they are unable to regenerate and may be damaged over time with age.
2. Arthritis: Joint pain and stiffness are common in senior cats due to wear-and-tear. For cats who may be overweight or obese, the risk for arthritis is higher as they age due to increased load on the joints. Arthritis is a painful condition for cats. In dogs, multiple nutrients have been studied for their preventative and potential in pain management, though less research is available for cats. That said, omega 3 fatty acids are thought to be important in the maintenance of healthy joints.
3. Heart Disease: Maintaining heart health is crucial for senior cats and hyper cardiomyopathies can be quite common in cats. Heart health is, unfortunately, not heavily researched in cats; however, we know the importance of taurine, and other amino acids, as well as the omega 3 and 6 fatty acids for heart health and function!
4. Weight Management: Senior cats often face weight fluctuations. The majority of pet cats in North America are overweight or obese. Regarding seniors, this can result in other issues, such as greater risk for arthritis, as well as for Type II Diabetes. However, senior cats also tend to suffer from loss of muscle mass - a condition known as sarcopenia. Senior cats will benefit from a high-quality protein to maintain muscle, and in some instances, a lower calorie dense food could aid in preventing excessive weight loss.
5. Dental Health: Dental issues can make eating difficult for older cats. When cats have not had regular dental checkups and cleanings throughout their lifetime, this can increase the progression of dental diseases which can often be painful and difficult to treat.

Key Nutrients for Senior Cats

Because of the greater risk for certain diseases and health conditions in senior cats, there are some specific nutrients of interest for seniors.

1. Protein: Senior cats need high-quality protein to maintain muscle mass and overall health. This can help in preventing muscle mass loss and sarcopenia.
2. Phosphorus: Phosphorus is often the mineral of interest when trying to mitigate kidney issues. In senior cats where kidney disease may be a concern, minimizing excess phosphorus could be beneficial in reducing stress on the kidneys.
3. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Omega-3s, found in our cat recipes through anchovy fish oil, are vital for reducing inflammation, supporting joint health, and maintaining a healthy coat. They may also be important in heart health for cats!
4. Antioxidants: Ingredients rich in antioxidants, such as tomatoes which are high in lycopene, can help support cell health and have potential anti-aging benefits which have been observed in humans.
5. Water: Often under looked is the role of water in feline health. Hydration is key to a healthy cat and can be helpful in maintaining energy expenditure, cell health and function, kidney health, and skin and coat health!

Why Gently-Cooked Food?

Gently-cooked food is a great option for senior cats. It can provide a highly digestible option for senior cats and help to maintain hydration by adding some extra moisture into their diet. Gently-cooked foods can also be easier on the teeth than a traditional kibble and are highly palatable for our cats!
Tom&Sawyer’s Chicken Cacciatore dish is crafted to provide high-quality, easily digestible nutrients that support the unique needs of senior cats. By using fresh, wholesome ingredients, we ensure your cat gets the best possible nutrition to thrive in their golden years. See Tom&Sawyer’s three complete and balanced cat meals here!

In conclusion, feeding your senior cat a diet rich in essential nutrients and tailored to their specific health needs can significantly improve their quality of life.

Before switching your cat’s diet, we recommend consulting with your veterinarian to ensure the new food is right for them.

Written by: Hannah Godfrey
Animal Nutritionist
BSc.H. | MSc. Animal Nutrition
www.tomandsawyer.com

References:

Churchill, J.A., & Eirmann, L. (2021). Senior pet nutrition and management. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, 51(3), 635-651. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cvsm.2021.01.004

Laflamme, D., & Gunn-Moore, D. (2014). Nutrition of aging cats. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, 44(4), 761-774. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cvsm.2014.03.001

Pittari J., et al. (2009). American Association of Feline Practitioners: Senior Care Guidelines. Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery, 11(9), 763-778. https://doi-org.subzero.lib.uoguelph.ca/10.1016/j.jfms.2009.07.0