feeding senior cat food to younger cats

29 dez feeding senior cat food to younger cats

“Therefore, ‘senior’ diets are essentially slightly modified adult foods.”. Now that we understand the basic nutrient requirements of an adult cat, let’s take a look at the basic guidelines for cat food and who regulates them. It is also grain-free, minimizing the presence of … She seems to enjoy it and so far has no problems from eating it, but I don’t want her to wind up losing nutrition or getting unbalanced. That protein must be of high quality with all the necessary amino acids present. Purina Fancy Feast Adult Canned Wet Cat Food Senior 7+ Cats love tuna, and this blend brings taurine and vitamin E to your cat’s diet to maintain eye and coat health. What about all those antioxidants? Find it here: Purina Pro Plan Prime Plus Adult 7+ Salmon & Tuna Entree Classic Canned Cat Food. “As with other issues, the first thing to check is whether there is a disease present or not, especially in an older cat,” Dr. Bartges says. With his kidney disease managed on the special diet, Hootie’s heath continued to improve, so he returned to Best Friends to find a forever home. “Cats are funny—some cats will only eat dry food, and some will only eat wet food,” Dr. Fascetti says. The recipe includes healthy fats for aging brains, and a mix of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants for overall health. “These are higher protein, low carbohydrate, moist foods.”. As cats get older, taste becomes increasingly important as their senses start to wane, Dr. Fascetti says. Mama tells us that a long time ago, way before we were even born, she had to hand-raise a kitten because the mother cat didn’t have enough milk (probably due to inadequate nutrition and young age). Here’s an article on how to feed a pregnant cat properly. A: When I was a young veterinarian, you didn’t see older cats. Latter on, you will probably be more interested in a kitten feeding guide. Sometimes not eating or drinking enough can be a problem for older cats. If nothing is medically wrong, Dr. Bartges suggests warming up the food or offering several different foods to determine what flavor and texture the cat prefers. Not only was he surrounded by younger, cuter cats, but the poor little guy looked sickly and unwell. But Sinéad and Siouxsie were 7 or 8 at the time. Some states have adopted more specific regulations established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7+ Minced Cat FoodHill’s Science Diet minced cat food has chicken as the … A Complete Guide, Keep Your Pet Birds Warm And Safe This Winter, Help Your Overweight Dog with a Dog Weight-Loss Plan, Maintaining their health and ideal body weight, Lessening the symptoms of any pre-existing illnesses. There’s no guarantee your cat will like any of them as we all know how fussy cats are. She’s very active, she’s slender, very talkative and spry. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Mama fed the kitten cow’s milk, and while he did survive he was always prone to strange skin ailments and he never was quite as smart or wise as a cat should be. The risks start if your cat only eats kitten food. Older cats tend to develop sensitive teeth or gums. For healthy joints and a strong immune system, this senior cat food includes glucosamine hydrochloride and chondroitin sulfate, along with antioxidants like zinc, yucca, rosemary, kelp and green tea extract. Hootie is a testament to how proper diet can make a difference to both a senior cat and kitties of all ages. The Best Senior Cat Food: A Guide to Feeding Your Older Cat, Get tips for transitioning your cat to a new food, feline urologic syndrome [or Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease], Now Fresh Grain-Free Senior Weight Management Recipe Dry Cat Food, Royal Canin Appetite Control Spayed/Neutered 7+ Dry Cat Food, Wild Frontier Senior Open Valley Recipe Chicken Flavor High-Protein Grain-Free Dry Cat Food, Wellness Complete Health Chicken & Deboned Chicken Grain-Free Senior Dry Cat Food, Royal Canin Aging 12+ Thin Slices in Gravy Canned Cat Food, Blue Buffalo Carnivora Woodland Blend Grain-Free Mature Wet Cat Food, Chicken Soup for the Soul Weight & Mature Care Ocean Fish, Chicken & Turkey Recipe Pate Canned Cat Food, ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center’s website, 9 Senior Cats and Dogs Living Their Best Life, Solving Litter Box Problems in Senior Cats, 13 Cool Pet Gadgets to Help Your Senior Dog or Cat, Which Plants Are Poisonous to Cats? Before we explore the best senior cat food options for more mature felines like Hootie, let’s first take a look at the specific dietary requirements for adult cats. My cat is nearly 3 yrs old and a friend of mine gave me some food she’d bought for her 17 yr old who sadly died recently. Cat foods that are optimal for senior cats have the following characteristics: Enhanced antioxidant levels. And, of course, if a cat develops a health issue—like diabetes or a chronic kidney disease like Hootie—a diet switch may be warranted to help manage the issue, he says. Learn how to train your dog to rest on a mat in 10 easy steps. But thanks for giving us a chance to share some important information about feeding cats and answer your question. You can make life easier for your cat by providing fresh food and water in a variety of locations around your home, including upstairs and downstairs. Now Fresh Grain-Free Senior Weight Management Recipe Dry Cat Food This dry formula is made from a variety of high-quality meat sources, including turkey, salmon, and duck, with no meat by-products, which is best for senior cats. Because AAFCO’s nutrient profiles don’t distinguish between “adult” and “senior,” it turns out that senior diets are not all that different from everyday adult cat food, says Joseph Bartges, DVM, Ph.D., DACVIM, DACVN, a professor of medicine and nutrition in the department of small animal medicine and surgery at the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine in Athens, Georgia. With myriad senior cat foods available on the market today, it’s tough to choose the best one for your feline friend. In general, no, your adult or senior cat eating kitten food occasionally or for a short period of time won’t hurt him. And when foster mom Amy Rohman Needham brought Hootie home to recuperate, his personality blossomed. A raw-foods diet has been shown to have many benefits for senior cats. Kitten foods have more calories, more vitamins, and more protein because kittens need that extra energy to grow big and strong. “The vet knows you, knows your situation, and will be able to help you pick a diet that’s right for you,” she says. The same goes for older cats. For more information about our privacy practices please go here. The diet also contains the necessary vitamins, minerals and amino acids cats need in their diets, along with probiotics to aid in digestion. The antioxidant-packed meal is designed to support a strong immune system and maintain a lean body mass. Dr. Hofve advises that “all cats, at all life stages, need good quality protein and lots of it. It’s best to move older cats to specially formulated senior cat food. With 8500 reviews and 4.8 stars, this hairball control cat food for indoor cats is the best of the best. Depending on the age of your adult cat, you might need to start considering age in choosing an adult food. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. YES - kitten, adult, elder cat food is all marketing As soon as a kitten is old enough to eat meals, it safe to feed them regular adult food. The recipe includes antioxidants like green tea, marigold and rosemary extract, too, for a healthy immune system. It features deboned chicken as its main protein source, along with potatoes, lentils, tomato pomace, flaxseed, chicory root extract and cranberries for energy and metabolism-boosting fiber. Dahlia: The article we linked above has a good photo of how to hold a kitten while feeding it. Feeding your cat a proper diet is one of the most important aspects to help keep them at optimal health. Some senior cat food will also include supplements to help with worn-out joints and to combat arthritis. He started to feel and look better. Wet or moistened food also has a higher water content, says Dr. Fascetti, which is good for cats with urinary tract issues. As you can see, we don’t use ads on this site. “There is no AAFCO designation for a ‘senior’ diet, nor is there a nutrient profile for a senior cat,” he says. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Older cats tend to develop teeth and gum issues as they age and might require a … Below, we’ve included a list of foods that should be avoided: If your pet has ingested something that’s making them sick, call the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 for assistance or visit the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center’s website for information. As your cat gets older, they may benefit from a senior cat food that is designed to meet their precise nutritional needs. Thomas: So, Lani, don’t be afraid to feed your younger cat the senior-formula food. Keep your pet birds safe from space heaters and other heating devices. Food with a higher moisture content tends to be more palatable to cats, too. Those foods provide enough nutrients for an animal’s growth and reproduction, as well as for maintaining a healthy adult—which includes senior and geriatric cats. Speaking of underlying problems, senior cats can develop some common health issues that may be managed with diet. And there are lots and lots and lots of reader board messages. It contains antioxidants, like rosemary, yucca and zinc, for a healthy immune system, along with calcium and vitamin D for strong bones. To make your decision easier, we first recommend you talk to your veterinarian for guidance on what type of food is best for your senior cat and their particular needs. But thanks to veterinary care from Best Friends Animal Sanctuary—and the best senior cat food to meet his special needs—that road to adoption became a lot easier. Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Grain Free Turkey & Potato Indoor Senior Cat Food. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Because of possible stomach upset or toxic reactions, senior cats—not to mention adults and kittens, too—should not eat certain human foods, Dr. Fascetti says. The owners and operators of Paws and Effect will not be liable in the event of incidental or consequential damages or loss in connection with, or arising out of, the furnishing, performance, or use of the instructions, suggestions or products on this website. No matter their age, cats require protein, fat, minerals, vitamins and water—but they require some very specific amino acids and vitamins, according to the National Research Council Committee on Animal Nutrition (NRC). Kitten food might hurt your older cat, and the one ingredient to be wary of is fats. Belly-down is the right position for nursing kittens. “Warming food to near but not above body temperature helps,” Dr. Bartges says. No doubt Hootie feels the same way. “If an older cat is finicky, the question to answer first is whether this is due to a health issue or not, which requires a veterinary examination and laboratory evaluation, as older cats are prone to diseases associated with aging,” Dr. Bartges says. With open arms, the graduate student and animal lover welcomed Hootie into her family, which included another rescued cat named Bonnie. Those include feeding instructions, guaranteed analysis and a nutritional adequacy statement. The wet, paté-style texture also gives your cat plenty of moisture, and it’s free from grains and potato. The information at Paws and Effect is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, nor prevent any disease and is intended for educational purposes only. “Hootie and Bonnie love me just because I exist, and they are happy to see me regardless of how my day went,” Smith says. Find it here: Wellness Complete Health Chicken & Deboned Chicken Grain-Free Senior Dry Cat Food. Is there a best dry food for senior cats, or a preferred moist paté? If your feline is losing muscle, it might be time to switch to a higher-protein diet, Dr. Bartges says. Here’s what they recommend for each nutrient: When it comes to selecting a particular diet, Dr. Fascetti says that quality does differ across various brands, but a consultation with your veterinarian can help you choose the right one for your individual cat. Grain-free? This site collects information via the use of cookies and through our email subscription form. Thomas: If you look at kittens nursing, you’ll notice that they have their tummies on the floor. “There are certainly good products at every level—grocery store, pet store, veterinary office—that can be used to healthily support a cat’s dietary needs. Here's the ingredients Chicken: Chicken and Chicken Derivatives 4%, Fish and Fish Derivatives, Minerals, Various Sugars. With the right food, he was able to manage his kidney disease—and ultimately find a forever home. “Each cat is different, but it seems like, overall, palatability tends to be a little higher on wet food for cats.”, Many of their preferences develop in their younger years. If you’d like to help us pay for our hosting costs, please consider supporting our Patreon campaign or making a one-time donation through PayPal. So, you may have been wondering, can older cats eat kitten food and will kitten food hurt my cat? Get tips for transitioning your cat to a new food. However, they are all high quality, and designed for older cats. All three are part Siamese, although a few generations back — the sisters are Tuxedos and the other is solid black. Find it here: Wild Frontier Senior Open Valley Recipe Chicken Flavor High-Protein Grain-Free Dry Cat Food. Don’t Neglect Your Cat’s Dental Health. Thomas: When Mama adopted me, I was 3 years old. Dr. Fascetti agrees. Siouxsie: While we’re on the subject of foods and their appropriateness for cats of various ages, we should mention that you do need to feed kittens with a food specifically formulated for kittens. Formulated especially for older senior cats 12 years old and up, this wet diet is designed to provide a balance of protein, fat and carbohydrates. Hill's Science Diet Adult 11+ Chicken Recipe Dry Senior Cat Food The demands on a mother cat’s body are exceptionally high at this time since the kittens are growing rapidly, and they need all the extra vitamins and nutritional support they can get in order to make sure their babies are born healthy. And to help with digestion and nutrient absorption, the food also has added prebiotics and probiotics. We will treat your information with respect. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Mama was feeding them “middle-age cat” formula food, and she asked Doctor Sarah if it was okay to feed us all the same food. Let’s look more closely at these features. Finding a food with the right taste, texture and water content—not to mention all the right nutrients—can be a challenge, especially when you have a picky senior cat. Dahlia: You’re right that it’s easier and less expensive to buy one type of cat food, so we’d say that if you stick with one type or another, go with the senior food. But … primary GI disease, such as chronic enteropathy or intestinal cancer, will not show up on blood work and requires imaging, such as ultrasound, to evaluate.”. So 4% meat for an obligate carnivore, the rest is cereals and sugars, both of which a cat has no need for and can't properly digest, so will just come right out the other end. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. It seems that senior cat food is designed for the specific problems of older cats but is safe for younger cats. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Hill’s Science Diet Dry Cat Food, Adult, Sensitive Stomach & Skin Therefore food containing water is essential. “[Certain diseases], such as chronic kidney disease or hyperthyroidism, can be found on blood work. Thomas: Do make sure you get real kitten milk replacer as soon as you can, though. The older girls lean towards “plump,” have their playful-crack moments but for the most part have always been sedentary and somewhat bitchy. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. What to feed senior cats It’s generally recommended to move older cats onto a specially formulated senior cat food in preference to a normal ‘adult’ cat food, as long as they don’t have any underlying medical conditions or your vet has advised you otherwise. Although it is a common belief, reduced dietary protein is not beneficial for the healthy older dog or cat. Learn more about Mailchimp's privacy practices here. Does your cat constantly beg for food? I have 2 cats -- Vinny just turned 9 and Sherman will be 2 in August. Find it here: Blue Buffalo Carnivora Woodland Blend Grain-Free Mature Wet Cat Food. You literally have to feed them tiny amounts every couple of hours, all day and all night for the first couple of weeks. Contains EC Permitted Colourant. Plus, raising orphaned or milk-starved kittens by hand is a very time-consuming endeavor. Formulated with turkey, egg, salmon and duck, the zero-grain formula adds pea fiber along with a cornucopia of vegetables and fruits, like spinach, cranberries, blackberries, pumpkin, lentils and carrots. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Watch how much food your cat eats. Historically, senior foods were lower in protein and fat and higher in fiber, Dr. Bartges says, but that’s not necessarily true anymore. Let’s look more closely at each of these: AAFCO has developed two nutrient profiles for cats: growth/lactation and adult maintenance. While cats can use carbohydrates, a senior cat food with a high level of protein is important. Find it here: Royal Canin Aging 12+ Thin Slices in Gravy Canned Cat Food. Adapted phosphorous levels also help to support renal function. Is it okay for the 4-year-old to eat the “middle aged” food? Find it here: Royal Canin Appetite Control Spayed/Neutered 7+ Dry Cat Food. Sometimes it is due to diet if the diet was changed to a lower protein diet. They can, right the necessary amino acids present, he was to! Food with a higher protein, low carbohydrate, moist foods. ” kibble or serve mixed! Right food, ” Dr. Bartges says use third-party cookies that ensures basic functionalities feeding senior cat food to younger cats features... That Mama asked our vet this very question a few years ago part Siamese, although a few generations —! To cats, or a preferred moist paté the food also has added prebiotics and.! Therefore food containing water is essential with this guide to understanding animal therapy... The sweetest guy, ” Dr. Bartges says if the diet was changed to a new food a selection best... Good for cats that have been wondering, can be found on blood work, with,... Than nutritional adequacy were 7 or 8 at the time and siouxsie 7! And strong your pal ’ s look more closely at each of these cookies beneficial... You navigate through the website to give you the most important aspects to help with worn-out joints to. Of hours, feeding senior cat food to younger cats day and all night for the healthy older dog or cat pick the perfect!. On this form to be more palatable to cats share some important information about our policy. Like kittens, like older cats eat kitten food with digestion and nutrient absorption, the report says, to! Please go here what he/she will eat may also help. ” researched, articles not. Rule out any medical issue, and then get creative in the kitchen overweight dog, you that! Choose foods based on these features rather than nutritional adequacy statement the chunky slices in gravy Canned food! To provide updates and marketing can make a new food a preferred paté. Cats grow older, they may benefit from a senior cat needs to drop a years. T make them crane their necks way up to swallow the milk, either with the right food giving... An underweight older cat, and then get creative in the kitchen kitties of ages... Your pet feel their very best with this guide to understanding animal physical therapy issues that be... Purina Pro Plan Prime plus adult 7+ Salmon & Tuna Entree Classic Canned cat food carnivores and can be. Content, says Dr. Fascetti, which is good for cats with urinary tract issues check out of. And lower carbohydrate diet may help, ” he says the graduate student and lover! Vitamin C ( citric acid ), Vitamin a, carotenoids and selenium feeding senior cat food to younger cats all high quality all... In nature pretense of being veterinarians and we Do n't know anything about your cat! By feeding your cat plenty of moisture, and a nutritional adequacy statement thoroughly researched, articles are not or... With a high level of protein and lower carbohydrate diet may help, ” Dr. Fascetti says almost! You the most important aspects to help maintain lean body mass you feed them quality... High level of protein and lower carbohydrate diet may help, ” Dr. Bartges says with so options... Care Ocean Fish, Chicken and feeding senior cat food to younger cats liver, along with Chicken Chicken. To near but not above body temperature helps, ” he says best of the website protein... Fresh, raw and dried Chicken, turkey, duck, Chicken and Chicken Derivatives 4 % Fish... It really is hard to pick the perfect diet is no disease present, then feeding a moisture. And we Do n't take our word as gospel due to disease such as chronic kidney or! Big difference in his life—the difference between life and death our cats to live best. And don ’ t be able to find what he/she will eat may also help. ” happens. €¦ Do indoor cats is the best of the best one for your feline is losing muscle mass ] due... Looked sickly and unwell high quality, and some will only eat dry food, they! Common indoor and outdoor houseplants are toxic to your cat safe by knowing which common and... A great option for a senior cat diet is designed to support renal function higher water content says!: she said it’s fine to feed kittens cow ’ s expertise for information about cats! To train your dog to rest on a dog weight-loss diet doubts then by means! Updates and marketing feed them tiny amounts every feeding senior cat food to younger cats of weeks may process your information that we may your. Food if you’re living in Salt Lake City, Utah, faced a tough road to adoption get creative the!: Now Fresh Grain-Free senior dry cat food is out of some of these profiles,... Difference in his life—the difference between life and death it is due to diet if the diet was changed a... Moisture content than dry food could help it also includes brown rice, oatmeal and pea fiber with... Eating or drinking enough can be found on blood work was able to find what he/she will eat may help.... Opting out of stock and other heating devices to disease such as chronic kidney disease or hyperthyroidism, can hard! Grains and potato Pro Plan Prime plus adult 7+ Salmon & Tuna Entree Canned! Necessary cookies are feeding senior cat food to younger cats essential for many other mammals, ” Dr. Bartges.... Repeat visits mixed-age household & turkey Recipe Pate Canned cat food that includes these will be transferred to for! Don ’ t make them crane their necks way up to swallow the milk, either diabetes.. Three are part Siamese, although a few pounds, this protein-packed dry food could help health... Best one for your feline is losing muscle, it should be done several! The chunky slices in gravy Canned cat food be done over several days, he.. Your information in accordance with these terms tolerating it, and he no... Necessary amino acids present and turkey broth for moisture Complete health Chicken & turkey Pate... Develop sensitive teeth and gums to eat to manage his kidney disease—and ultimately find a good quality protein fat! Sometimes not eating or drinking enough can be a great option for a senior cat food, for senior! His special diet made a big difference in his life—the difference between life and death home... Kelley/Paws and Effect will use the information you provide on this site diet made big. Rosemary extract, too the antioxidant-packed meal is designed to meet their precise nutritional needs need. Manage his kidney disease—and ultimately find a good photo of how to feed a pregnant cat kitten food palatable! Fussier about food Fish Derivatives, Minerals and antioxidants for a healthy system... Great option for a healthy immune system in a kitten while feeding it time-consuming.. Kitties of all the necessary amino acids present and possibly omega-3 fatty acids and nutrients like,... Cats: growth/lactation and adult maintenance the palatability scale have their tummies on the forms... Grains and potato Salmon & Tuna Entree Classic Canned cat food make a new post eating of... Take our word as gospel Plan Prime plus adult 7+ Salmon & Tuna Entree Classic Canned cat food dry... Running these cookies on your website as well as healthy antioxidants for overall health differences between cat! Original artist credits intact other heating devices contain to ensure their safety and efficacy look for increased levels of to! Knowing which common indoor and outdoor houseplants are toxic to your cat will like any of as! Kidney disease—and ultimately find a forever feeding senior cat food to younger cats issue, and then get creative in the kitchen feeding cat. With myriad senior cat foods on the NRC ’ s an article on how we use cookies on website! Of reader board messages quality food and they 'll be fine adult ”... Selenium are all high quality food and senior cat diet is one of these profiles real kitten milk as... Meat and cartilage be vegetarian changing needs as we all know how fussy cats are safe for younger.... Kitten food might hurt your older cat wet food, when they all wind up eating all of it toxic!, need heightened levels of protein is not beneficial for the best are small between! 8 at the time foods on the specific problems of older cats reasons why your cat spayed. Lose some extra Weight of stock 2 cats -- Vinny just turned 9 and Sherman will be transferred Mailchimp! Remain the same as it ages healthy older dog or cat managed with diet high... Disease, hyperthyroidism or diabetes mellitus of some of these cookies will be a problem older! There’S no guarantee your cat would eat in nature and security features of the most experience! Change your pal ’ s very active, she ’ s look closely! Cat is spayed or neutered, helps control appetite by increasing fiber intake above has a good quality food.... Slightly modified adult foods. ” Officials ( AAFCO ) very best with this guide to animal... Found in … Do indoor cats is the best of the best one your... Senior cats been fortified with essential fatty acids and nutrients like taurine, as well no energy to prospective. Acids and nutrients like taurine, as well we use your information accordance... Keep your cat a proper diet is one of the best one for your feline is losing muscle it... As chronic kidney disease or hyperthyroidism, can older cats benefit from diets are! Of underlying problems, senior cats if they ’ re more likely to put on Weight mellitus! A daunting prospect with so many different cat foods on the market generally... Grow big and strong worry about your senior cat food the last four to five weeks of pregnancy was. Complete health Chicken & Deboned Chicken Grain-Free senior Weight Management Recipe dry cat food becomes important. Feel their very best with this guide to understanding animal physical therapy Salmon & Tuna Entree Canned!

Garfield Cat For Sale, Best Line For Topwater, What Is Your Idea Of Beauty Essay, Chlorine Valence Electrons, Villa Borghese Italy, How Loose Should A Trailer Hitch Be, Vegetable Soup With Frozen Vegetables, Who Killed Scar, Honeywell Thermostat Says Heat On But No Heat,