Feeding your older cat

When your cat reaches the age of 8, she's classed as 'senior'. It's a lot like when you turn an important age, like 18. 21 or 50 - you don't feel any different, and you won't immediately look any different, but it's time to start thinking about certain lifestyle changes. When your cat is 8, the chances are she'll still be just as active as ever, and will remain an active, healthy cat for years to come. As the years go on, however, you'll need to be thinking about what's best for her in terms of her diet.

You might find your cat puts on a little weight as a result of reduction in her activity level. Some cats, on the other hand, when they become very old may begin to lose weight despite a reduction in activity as their body cannot efficiently digest the nutrients that provide energy from their food. You can carefully monitor her weight by getting into a regular routine of both weighing and checking along the sides of her body. If you think she's a little over the average (or even under), make sure you adjust the amount you are feeding accordingly or speak to your vet.

Turning her nose up

One of the few visible signs of ageing may be a slightly reduced appetite. If your cat has started to reject the food you give her, it's important that you make sure you're giving her the most palatable meal possible. It's still vitally important that she gets the necessary nutrients, and it's up to you to make sure she wants to eat what you put in front of her. We suggest the Whiskas® Oh So…Senior range in delicious fish or meat flavours, providing everything she needs to stay healthy in her senior years.

A question of digestion

As cats grow older the efficiency of their digestion tends to reduce, meaning they can't absorb the nutrients from their diet as efficiently as before. By making sure she's on a suitable diet, you can work towards preventing the progression of these changes, and increase both the length and quality of her life.

Food for life

The key to the right diet for your senior cat is regular monitoring and great taste! Combine the two successfully and you'll have done your part to give her all the help you can as she enters her twilight years.