How to Feed Your Older Cats Properly

Because of their advanced age, senior and geriatricOrganic cat and kitten food comes in several
cats should be given special feeding considerations.varieties and can be found in health food stores and
Older cats can develop tooth problems and may findpet supply stores. Organic foods contain ingredients
it hard to eat dry food. If that is the case with yourthat are grown or raised without pesticides, chemical
senior cat, switch his diet to canned food or moistenfertilizers, growth hormones or antibiotics. There are
the dry food with some canned food.no preservatives, chemical flavorings, colorings or
A cat's metabolism slows as he ages, and his sensesother additives, so it does not have a long shelf life.
of smell and taste begin to diminish. As a result, manyIt is also more expensive than other traditional types
older cats lose interest in food and become too thin.of cat food, but if you follow an organic diet for
If your senior cat seems to have lost his appetite,yourself, you may decide to do the same for your
try offering him some dry food soaked in warmcat.
chicken or beef broth. You also can switch to aHomemade meals and supplements
canned food only diet. Canned food tastes and smellsIf you are feeding your cat or kitten a home cooked
more appealing than dry food, and it is easier todiet, you need to add vitamin supplements to the
digest.food. You can purchase feline vitamin supplements
When cats ages, they slow down and become lessfrom a veterinarian or at a pet supply store. These
active. As a result, senior or geriatric cats requirevitamins come either in a tablet form that can be
fewer calories than middle aged adult cats do. Theycrushed up and mixed with the food orin a liquid that
need less protein in their diets than active adults. Toocan be given directly or added to the food.
much protein can lead to kidney problems. SomeIf you give your cat or kitten a 100 percent balanced
owners give their older cats a specially formulatedcommercially prepared food, no supplements are
food designed for seniors. Ask your veterinarian ifneeded. Adding extra vitamins to your cat's diet can
your cat needs a special diet or any vitaminbe dangerous, so do not add them unless your
supplements to keep him healthy and happy in hisveterinarian specifically instructs you to do so. The
golden years.vet will tell you what type, dosage, and frequency of
Organic cat foodsupplementation that your pet needs if any.