Feeding a Senior Cat: A Guide to the Nutritional Needs of Elderly Cats

Our cat population is aging. In 2011, it was estimated that 20.4% of the US cat population was 11 years of age or older.¹ A cat is considered a “senior” at 7+ years of age, with “senior” being divided into “mature” from 7 to 12 years of age and “geriatric” at 12+ years of age.

If you have an older cat, you may wonder, “Does my cat need senior food?” or “How much should I feed my senior cat?” In this guide, you’ll learn about senior cat diet needs, what to feed senior cats, and how to provide optimal nutrition to keep them happy and healthy throughout their golden years.

Senior Cat Diet Needs: How They Differ from Adult Cats²

Do cats need senior food? Senior cats have specific nutritional needs that differ from those of an adult cat or kitten. These include:

• Reduced diet digestibility: It can be more difficult for senior cats to eat and digest food. Dental disease is more common in older cats, and this can affect their ability to eat. In addition, senior cats may have a decreased ability to digest food and absorb nutrients, particularly fat and protein. So geriatric cats may need more food or more calorically dense food, such as dry food, to maintain their body weight as they get older.  
• Weight changes: Mature cats are more prone to weight gain because they tend to be less active and have a slower metabolism. However, once they become geriatric cats, weight loss and muscle loss are more common concerns.
• Risk of dehydration: Senior cats may have a lower thirst drive and thus may be at an increased risk of being dehydrated. In addition, they may not be as comfortable getting to the water bowl if they have osteoarthritis (OA). Dehydration reduces blood circulation and can lead to constipation and urinary tract signs.  
• Risk of disease: Older cats get diseases that often affect how we manage their nutrition. For instance, senior cats may develop OA, in which case we would want to enrich their diet with anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA). Or they may develop chronic kidney disease (CKD), where a reduction in dietary phosphorus is important.

What to Feed Senior Cats²

If you’re thinking about questions like “How should I feed my senior cat?” or, more specifically, “Should I feed my senior cat wet or dry food?” it’s good to know that both wet and dry senior foods have a role in senior cat diet needs. Dehydration can be common in older cats, so feeding a senior cat a high-moisture diet, such as wet food, is recommended. These diets also tend to be more palatable as they contain more animal proteins, which can help with appetite. In addition, wet food is easier to eat, which is helpful in feeding older cats with dental disease or those that have had tooth extractions.

Once a cat becomes older, weight loss is a concern. Feeding them dry food provides more calories per gram. This has been shown to help cats maintain their weight as they age for a longer period of time.

How to Choose a Senior Cat Food

When choosing the best senior cat food, consider your cat’s age, breed, activity level, and health status. Do they have dental disease or constipation and would benefit from having wet food? Or are they at risk of weight loss and so dry food may be better?

Are you curious what the best senior cat foods are? Well, one study where the diet had a higher protein content, fibers (prebiotics), antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) showed that cats lived longer, healthier lives.³ This could be because a high-protein food for senior cats helps to maintain lean body mass, whereas fibers promote a healthy microflora. Also, enriching a diet with antioxidants helps to support immune functions, and omega-3 fatty acids help to reduce inflammation and improve mobility in cats with OA.

How Much Should I Feed My Senior Cat?

How much you should feed your older cat depends on their weight and activity level, as well as whether they spend their time indoors or outdoors. Breed may also play a role.

As a starting point, check the label on your cat’s food. Typically, you’ll see a general recommendation based on weight.

You can use the Purina Pet Feeding Guide or ask your veterinarian to provide a target amount of food for your individual cat based on the previously mentioned factors and the specific food they eat.

Addressing Common Feeding Challenges in Senior Cats⁴

Senior cats can have a reduced appetite (inappetence) and become picky eaters, a common challenge when feeding geriatric cats. This can be caused by several factors, including a reduced sense of smell, which can affect the aroma and taste of foods. If your cat’s appetite falls, try offering wet food with different textures and flavors. When feeding a senior cat, warming food can also increase appetite; just be sure to mix the food thoroughly to disperse hot spots, and test the temperature on the underside of your wrist to avoid burning your cat’s mouth.

Other causes of inappetence include dental disease and other age-related diseases. If your senior cat’s appetite does not return after 24–36 hours, take them to a veterinarian for a checkup. Do this sooner if your cat has weight loss or is showing any other signs, such as increased drinking or urination, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Senior Cat Nutritional Needs At a Glance

Why Nutrition Is Important for Senior Cats

The nutritional needs of senior cats are different from those of adult cats. By providing the right nutrition tailored to meet the needs of your senior cat, you can help your cat live a longer and healthier life.

Senior Cat Nutritional Needs

• Highly digestible diets: Diets with higher amounts of digestible proteins and fats help preserve muscle mass and body weight, especially in mature or geriatric cats.
• High moisture: Feeding a wet diet reduces the risk of dehydration and constipation in senior cats. Wet diets can also be helpful in cats with tooth extractions or dental disease.    
• Disease management: Senior cats can develop diseases such as osteoarthritis or chronic kidney disease. Feeding a diet that supports the management of these conditions is important.

What to Look for in Senior Cat Foods

Look for a highly digestible diet with a higher protein and fat content. Wet food reduces the risk of dehydration and can be more palatable due to its high animal protein content. Dry foods provide more calories per gram of food, so this is helpful in cats with a reduced appetite or who are losing weight. Senior cat foods with fibers, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids can also support your cat’s gut function, immunity, and mobility.

Providing Optimal Nutrition for a Happy and Healthy Senior Cat

Feeding your senior cat the right food can make a big difference in their quality of life and overall health. In addition to the food itself, there are a few other nutrition tips to remember for our golden oldies:

• Cats are natural grazers, so feeding multiple, small meals throughout the day is recommended, especially when feeding geriatric cats. Feeding geriatric cats or senior cats smaller meals can also help with digestion, which can be reduced in older cats.
• Fresh water should always be available and ideally in multiple locations around the house. This is to encourage drinking as much as possible.
• Make sure to transition your cat to a new diet over 7–10 days. This is to help with acceptance of the new diet and to reduce the risk of causing a stomach upset. Some cats may need an even longer transition period.  
• Consider nutritional supplements to support your cat during their mature and senior years. These include joint supplements, such as fish oil, algae oil, or green-lipped mussel, and hydration supplements, such as Purina Pro Plan® Veterinary Supplements Hydra Care™. Talk to your veterinarian if you want guidance on which supplements may be beneficial for your pet. Don’t forget to account for any additional calories coming from those supplements.

For more expert tips on feeding senior cats, explore our other senior cat articles.

References

1. Shepherd AJ. Results of the 2007 AVMA survey of US pet-owning households regarding use of veterinary services and expenditures. American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Accessed May 18, 2025.  

2. Bermingham EN, Patterson KA, Shoveller AK, et al. Nutritional needs and health outcomes of ageing cats and dogs: is it time for updated nutrient guidelines? Anim Front. 2024;14(3):5–16.

3. Cupp CJ, Kerr WW, Jean-Philippe C, et al. The role of nutritional interventions in the longevity and maintenance of long-term health in aging cats. Intern J Appl Res Vet Med. 2008;6(2):69–81.

4. Eyre R, Trehiou M, Marshall E, et al. Aging cats prefer warm food. J Vet Behav. 2022;47:86–92.