Pets whose age is more than eight years old need special care. In the body of elderly cats, metabolism proceeds slowly, in this regard, choose dry food for them should be very careful.
Power Features
Entering into old age, cats reduce physical activity, giving more time to sleep and eating. On this basis, it is necessary to make a diet with a low calorie content. If the diet is dominated by dry food (it is valid, if the pet does not have diseases of the teeth and oral cavity), then the amount of water should choose 3/1. If the animal eats little, it is recommended to soak the food with water and warm it up a little - so the cat will smell better. Older cats smell weakened, therefore it is recommended to feed them with canned food or combine food with fish juice. As they grow older, pets often suffer from urinary disease, so the best option would be to remove foods rich in magnesium and phosphorus from their diets.
It is necessary not to give the pet to overeat, because it can cause hypertension, liver problems, and also create a greater load on the spine and joints, which are already worn out.
In addition, it is necessary to maintain the balance of vitamins, because, for example, an excess of vitamins A and D causes irreversible changes, shortening the life of a cat. In addition, you need to ensure that the cat drank enough water, because its lack of body fraught with constipation, problems with the kidneys and the heart, unsightly condition of hair and skin. In order not to resort to violent measures, you can put a container with large water, add anchovy juice, tuna or catnip to it, drink it with a prebiotic drink for cats, or simply fill the bowl with fragrant broth.
The diet of animals with a sick heart must be freed from foods with sodium, replacing them with taurine sources. And in patients with kidneys it is recommended to base the food on easily digestible protein. Food, adapted for old cats, is developed by almost every manufacturer, but veterinarians are advised to pay attention primarily to the line holistic and super-premium. Their composition is replete with microelements, vegetables, fruits and herbs. It is undesirable to give preference to the economy class, since such food can cause additional health problems. The superpremium class, as a rule, is characterized by high-quality raw materials, while the holistic class is characterized by a low content of cereals and the maximum concentration of vitamins and meat. Also, do not forget that the transition from one type of food to another should be carried out smoothly, within 5–8 days, otherwise the animal may experience stress.
Manufacturers Rating
After conducting a small analysis of dry feed for aging pets, a rating was obtained best companies.
Royal canin
This brand appeared in 1967 in France thanks to the veterinarian Jean Catary. Continuously developing, he was counted among the premium class. For older, but active cats, the company offers Royal Canin Outdoor Mature feed. DFor sedentary individuals designed Royal Canin Indoor 7+. And for very old pets suitable Royal Canin Aging +12.
Hills
Another famous premium brand of food developed by veterinarian Marc Morris. The peculiarity of this product is that at a low salt concentration it retains its nutritional value and good taste.
For cats older than seven years, the manufacturer produces Senior 7+ feed.
Purina proplan
An American company whose history goes back almost two centuries.
The line of feed correctly takes into account the peculiarities of animal health: inactivity, sensitive digestion, overweight, sterilization.
The products contain substances that have a beneficial effect on the brain of a cat.
Eukanuba
The brand was created in 1969. The highlight of the products is that the protein for its production is taken from animals: chickens, lambs, and also from fish. Polyunsaturated fatty acids in food help to maintain the skin and coat of the animal in order, while prebiotics stabilize the intestinal microflora.
1st choice
Manufacturer, pleasing their products since 1996. If a cat is older than seven years old, SENIOR food, which contains antioxidants and elements that strengthen joints and immunity of the animal, is perfect for her.
Farmina
This Italian brand has existed for over forty years. For aging pets the company produces elite feed Farmina CIMIAO SENIOR. In addition to the standard components, the product includes the necessary amount of fiber and substances to maintain health: green tea and grape seed extract.
And what is important - the feed is made only from natural ingredients.
Tips from a veterinarian for choosing cat food can be found in the video below.
