A Fit And Healthy Cat
Calculating the sufficient amount of calories needed every day for a healthy cat is probably the easiest. An average intake of 170 calories should be good enough for a lean cat that is 5-pound and 280 calories for 10-pound. If your cat is about 15 pounds or 20 pounds, you should give him/her around 360 and 440 calories of wet food, respectively, for a daily serving.
Always Consult Your Veterinarian
Your cats diet and nutrition are an important aspect of his or her general health and are part of a complete annual wellness exam. For the best advice on feeding your feline, be sure to consult your veterinarian.
Resources:
- 1. Gaskell C. J. The role of fluid in the feline urological syndrome. In: Burger IH, Rivers JPW, eds. Nutrition of the Dog and Cat. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press, 1989 353-356. “http://grande.nal.usda.gov/ibids/index.php?mode2=detail& origin=ibids_references& therow=426490
- 2. Gaskell, C. J. Feline urological syndrome: a United Kingdom perspective. Feline Medicine: Proc. Seminar Eastern States Veterinary Conference, Orlando, pp. 27-32. Veterinary Learning Systems, NJ.
- 3. Nutrient Requirements of Cats, Revised Edition, 1986, Committee on Animal Nutrition, National Research Council http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=910
- 4. Markwell PJ, Buffington CA, Chew DJ, Kendall MS, Harte JG, DiBartola SP. Clinical evaluation of commercially available urinary acidification diets in the management of idiopathic cystitis in cats. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 1999 Feb 1 214:361-5. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10023397
- 5. Logan, et al., Dental Disease, in: Hand et al., eds., Small Animal Clinical Nutrition, Fourth Edition. Topeka, KS: Mark Morris Institute, 2000, p. 487 http://www.amazon.com/Small-Animal-Clinical-Nutrition-Michael/dp/0945837054
You May Also Like These Articles:
Research On Whether Dry Food Improves Cats Dental Health Is Inconclusive
Dental health is a big reason why cats are fed dry food. Here is some information on dental health and cats’ diets.
- Some studies show a small dental benefit when hard food is included in cats diets others do not.5 One reason hard food may have a limited impact on cats teeth and gums is that cats arent big chewers, so the hard food they eat has little opportunity to do abrasive cleaning.
- Some veterinarians express concern that the higher carbohydrate content and starchy coating of many hard foods could actually contribute to plaque formation.
- Specially formulated dental diets do seem to benefit cats dental health, perhaps because the larger sized kibble forces more chewing.
- For a listing of diets scientifically proven to improve cats’ oral health, visit the Veterinary Oral Health Council .
- By far, the best things you can do for cat’s teeth and gums are frequent brushings and regular veterinary dental exams and professional cleanings as prescribed. Learn more here: “.”
You May Like: Kotyonok Meaning
How Much Wet Food Should I Give My Cat
As you can see, the wet vs dry cat food argument is not very easy with pros and cons on both sides. What these aspects tell us is that knowing what to give to your cat is partly circumstantial. It will not only need to factor in the cat’s well-being and health status, but the financial and practical circumstances of the human guardian.
It is possible to only feed your cat wet food and for them to be healthy. However, you will have to be very careful with portion control. The higher fat content means obesity is a greater risk.
Kittens will need to be fed wet food when they are first weaned from their mother’s milk. This is for two main reasons. Firstly, their underdeveloped teeth make chewing dry food more difficult. Secondly, since they are growing so rapidly, the higher fat and protein are beneficial to their development.
Adult cats can have a diet which is made of exclusively dry food, but only when it is of good quality. This is because the food should be formulated to meet all of the cat’s nutritional needs. There will be different formulae for different cats. For example, the age of the cat will affect their nutritional requirements. Diabetic cats or those with kidney failure will also need a specific formula.
Not All Brands Are Created Equal
Canned food will make sure your cat gets plenty of water. But cats need other nutrients as well, and not all wet cat food products are nutritionally complete. If you’re going to feed your cat only canned food, choose a brand that meets the requirements of the Association of American Feed Control Officials. Only these are guaranteed to meet standards of being nutritionally complete and balanced. Also remember that your kitty’s nutritional needs change as she ages. Choose a food that’s made for her life stage.
Recommended Reading: How To Say The Cat In Spanish
The Sufficient Amount Of Wet Food
My advice for all beginners is to consult your veterinarian for the most appropriate diet. During the assessment, the vet will be able to determine the ideal weight for your cat and the necessary amount of calorie intake per day.
If your cats weight is alarming, the vet might prescribe some supplementary food to assist the weight loss process. Generally speaking, it depends very much on their weight and physical conditions. For instance, a 15-pound cat requires a higher amount of food than a 5-pound cat.
Activity level and age can also contribute to the proper amount of wet food. For instance, a young energetic cat will need extra calories intake compared to an elderly one. In addition, a pregnant cat will need more calories to have milk.
Most of the wet food is contained in a can whose weight is 3 ounces, and having one a day should be enough for your cat. Note that if all the calories provided below are suggested and you dont have to strictly obey.
In other words, it is totally fine to adjust the amount of wet food for your cat so that it fits your cat. For example, if you feel like your cats are still hungry and seem to slack during the day, feel free to give them more food. Dont attempt to change their diet abruptly.
What Wet Cat Food Do Vets Recommend
The 6 Best Wet Cat Foods
Read Also: Can Cats Have Lemon Pepper Tuna
How Much Protein Does A Senior Cat Need Per Day
You should always check the label on your pet food to ensure your cat is getting enough protein in its diet.
According to the National Academies, a healthy cat that weighs 9 lbs and consumes 250 calories per day should eat 12.5g of protein per day.
Old cats sometimes struggle to digest the protein in cheap, commercial cat foods. Thats why it was thought that senior cats have low protein requirements.
However, this is inaccurate. Senior cats require foods that contain high-quality, single-source forms of protein .
Why Is Wet Food Necessary
It is advised by many nutrition professionals that wet food should make up a large proportion of your cats meal, and there are two primary reasons for this.
First of all, cats digest wet food better than dry food. The reason is that cats are carnivores, so they do not ingest carbohydrates well. However, since dry food contains a large amount of carbohydrates, your cat wont be able to ingest it, which leads to obesity.
Secondly, if you own a cat, you might know that cats do not drink too much water during the day. Hence, the consumption of wet food will provide them with water and keep them hydrated, so that their overall health doesnt deteriorate.
Also, check out this video to learn why it is vital that a cats diet include both wet and dry food.
Recommended Reading: Zoetis Animal Health Terramycin Antibiotic Ophthalmic Ointment
Whats In Senior Cat Food
Senior cats lose their appetite and begin shedding weight as they grow older. For some, this is a mild transition, and they only need a few extra helpings of adult food to maintain a healthy range. For others, the change is more rapid, and they need supplements, or their appetites drop to dangerous lows. For this reason, you may need to fully adjust your cats diet once it reaches 11 years of age.
According to Topics in Companion Animal Medicine, cats tend to lose muscle mass as they age. Therefore, they require high-protein diets to stay healthy. Formulated cat food for seniors will typically have a boost of protein with a low percentage of carbohydrates. This will help their blood sugar levels stabilize properly.
Senior cats with kidney disease require a special phosphorus-restricted diet that limits salt intake. Owners should take this consideration into account when feeding their cat with kidney disease.
There are different senior cat foods available based on your felines needs. If browsing through the selection isnt helpful, you can always consult with your vet.
Best Dry Cat Food For Senior Cats
If your cat is partial to dry food, Blue Buffalo Healthy Aging is the way to go. Meat is the first ingredient and the high-quality protein helps cats maintain strong muscles. The food also contains whole grains, veggies, and fruit, ensuring your senior cat gets all the nutrients he needs to maintain his health. Blue Buffalo Healthy Aging is also formulated with taurine to support heart and eye health in aging cats. Further, the formula contains Blues LifeSource Bits, a blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals selected by holistic veterinarians and animal nutritionists for your cats immune system health.
Highlights
- Contains vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants for immune system support
- Contains taurine, which helps support heart and eye health
- Proteins and carbohydrates help maintain your cats energy levels
Things to Consider
- Contains grains
- Dry food alone may not be enough for senior catsmake sure there is always fresh water available or pour water or a low-sodium broth into the kibble
- Kibble may be difficult for cats with dental problems to eat
Don’t Miss: How To Keep Stray Cats Off Patio Furniture
Its Hard To Know What To Feed Your Cat You Can Use Our Cat Feeding Guide To Find The Right Food For Your Cat And Their Life Stage
Cats in different phases of their life have varying nutritional needs.
Its important that you recognise their different life stages and feed them accordingly to keep them in peak physical condition. Our Cat Food Finder Tool is a helpful tool to discover the best diet for your cat according to their age, size, lifestyle and more. Heres a look at what to feed kittens, adult cats and senior cats as recommended by our Greencross Vets. Whichever diet you decide is best for your favourite feline, ensure it is complete and balanced.
Faq Best Senior Cat Food Reviews
What is the best-wet cat food for senior cats?
Here are some of the best senior cat food wet or best wet cat food for senior cats
- Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Wet Cat Food
- Nutro Perfect Portions Grain-Free Natural Wet Cat Food
- Wellness CORE Digestive Health Pate Wet Cat Food
- Purina ONE High Protein Natural Wet Cat Food
- Hills Scientist Diet Wet Cat Food
How old is a senior cat?
Our feline friends are considered to be elder when they reach 11 years old. In 11 years, its 60 years in human age. The easy calculation is Human 1 year = Cat 4 Years. So, when cats are 14-15 years old, they are considered the eldest cats.
Can a senior cat eat adult food?
Apparently, yes. Senior cats need their potential diet for their body growth. When your cat enters the senior stage, its recommendable to switch their regular food to adult food until there are no vet restrictions.
Is wet food better for older cats?
Yes, when cats get older wet food is easily chewable and digestible for them. So, to manage their health and nutrition, you better choose moisture-rich food for your elder cats.
What do older cats need in their diet?
Some key factors are essential in older cats diets. Those are-
- High Protein
Read Also: Black Cat Niggerman
Ensure Your Senior Cats Dietary Needs Are Met
If the senior cat feels its dietary needs are met, it wont go around scavenging for more. You can take the cat to your vet for a checkup and ask if its a healthy weight for its size and age. If your cat is underweight, you should consider giving it more adult food.
If your cat is already obese, it may simply have a craving for additional food. You should try switching up the cats diet with less fattening options if this is the case.
Senior Cats Need Increased Protein Levels
As cats age, their protein requirements increase due to reduction in digestive efficiency.
Many cats of 12 or more years of age should be fed a diet containing nearly 50% protein. Many diets formulated for older cats have decreased protein levels due to concerns over kidney disease, which is common in the aging cat population.
While protein restriction may be beneficial for certain cats with kidney disease, a more conservative approach to protein restriction is now recommended and is a topic that should be discussed with your veterinarian.
Recommended Reading: Calico Cat Short Hair
How Much To Feed A Senior Cat
Most senior cats will have about the same caloric needs as an adult catroughly 280 to 360 daily calories depending on the normal lean weightas long as they are healthy. Some older cats will actually have an increase in energy requirements. That increase may be due to a decrease in the ability to digest and utilize calories or it may be due to health problems that are commonly seen in senior cats.
Use your cats food label to calculate how much you need to feed your senior cat to meet their caloric requirement. Most cat food has calorie counts on the packaging. Initially, its best if you weigh out the daily meals. That will help you feed precise amounts.
Canned Food Is The Best Choice For Healthy Cats
Canned food is more beneficial than dry food for several reasons. But, it is also more expensive and messier to feed. As fresh-kill hunters, cats in the wild consume most of their water along with fresh prey and do not have a strong drive to drink independently of eating. I believe most dry food cats under consume water resulting in stress on their kidneys and overly concentrated urine. Canned food mimics the water content of their prey in the wild. This encourages more dilute urine that is less likely to lead to bladder and kidney issues overtime.
Canned food also tends to be lower in carbohydrates compared to dry food and thereby higher in protein. High protein, low carb diets are touted by some to be less likely to cause obesity in cats, but this has been disproven in feeding studies total calories consumed is most important. Most cats need 4-5 ounces of canned food per day, total. Pate-style varieties tend to be higher in calories per can than the varieties that more resemble people food with chunks and gravies- this can be useful when trying to fine-tune the number of calories per day being consumed.
You May Like: What Are Cat Years To Humans
Do Cats Need Dry Food At All
Hello,We do not have a cat yet, and I was just wondering if cats need dry food at all? Should we be feeding the cat all wet food or can they have a mix of both dry and wet? Thanks!
the best food for your cat is the one he will happily eat.
Avoid dry food if you can, for all the reasons explained at Catifno.org
- Purraise
- 1,146
What Age Is A Senior Cat
11 years In recent years, feline ages and life-stages have been redefined, cats are considered to be elderly once they reach 11 years with senior cats defined as those aged between 11-14 years and super-senior cats 15 years and upwards. When caring for older cats it sometimes helps to appreciate their age in human terms. 30 thg 7, 2018
Also Check: Little Alchemy How To Make Cat
Best Cat Food For Older Cats
Senior cats have different dietary needs than younger felines.
To feed your old kitty, you need to provide all the basics of a good adult cat diet.
Properly balanced cat food will have arginine and taurine, two essential nutrients that cats need to process their food and have healthy physiology.
Other essentials in cat food are Niacin , vitamin A, vitamin D and various fatty acids like Omega 3.
If your cat is old but healthy, keep them on a balanced diet high in protein and very low in carbs.
You should adjust their nutrition if some problems appear.
As they become less active, the main thing is watching their portions. A lean kitty is a healthy kitty: obesity can cause many problems for your old pal.
The cat food youre providing should have at least 40% of protein and be carefully measured. Only 10 extra calories per day will add up to a pound of body fat in a year. Thats a lot for a cat!
If your cat develops health conditions, talk to your vet about the best diet to follow. Diabetes in cats is usually managed with a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet.
On the other hand, kidney disease can be controlled with a phosphorus-restricted diet. Consult with your doctor if this is the case.
The main key to feeding your aging buddy is keeping an eye on their health and talking to your vet. Switch their diet according to their issues and make sure theyre properly hydrated at all times.