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An older or senior cat will be less active and spend a longer part of the day within the house. It will have a slower metabolism thus making it fat. Illness and taste reduction will affect appetites, impacting their body condition. The nutritional needs of senior cats are different than their younger counterparts. As a cat owner, it is your responsibility to give your cat the correct food so that it remains in excellent shape. Your kitty must eat a tasty and high-quality diet with carefully balanced key nutrients and easily digestible protein. A diet rich in minerals will support aging joints. The immune system will be boosted by supplying the correct proportion of proteins and vitamins.
Special diet
Senior cats should be fed specially formulated food keeping in mind any underlying medical problems. Ask your veterinarian to create a special diet. Cat food composed especially for older animals has added Vitamin E to strengthen the natural defenses of your pet. This food has fewer calories, assisting your cat to maintain the optimum body weight. It means the cat continues to enjoy its meals without compromising on the essentials.
Senior cats may lose their chewing ability. You should give your cat softer and smaller pieces. This is a must if your cat has lost a few of its teeth. The food should have greater meat content as the addition of meat improves the flavor and smell of food. If you wish to change its diet, do it in a phased manner. Start by feeding the new food in small amounts along with the normal intake. Slowly increase the amount until the senior cat eats only the new diet. In case your senior cat does not eat the new food, ask your vet as there could be a medical reason underlying this behavior. The vet will give you alternative formulas.
Small food quantities
Feed your senior cat often and in little amounts as they feel overwhelmed when they see food in larger amounts. You can give them the occasional treat as long as there is no underlying medical condition. Serve the food in a clean saucer or low bowl. Do not permit wet food to become dry in that bowl as cats are extremely particular when it comes to freshness. Serve the food at room temperature so that the cat can both smell and taste it in a proper manner. In case you will feed it wet food, remove the opened pouches or the cans from the refrigerator two hours prior to feeding time. If you microwave the food, ensure it should not be too hot. As cats are creatures of habit, give your kitty food at the same time and at the same place every day.