Stay Healthy During the Golden Years
Great news for cat parents: Our cats are living longer than ever before. Just like people, cats have changing needs as they age. Here are some simple things you can do to help your senior cat stay healthy, happy, and vital.
When is my Cat a Senior?
While every cat is different, there are general guidelines to determine when they become "senior citizens." Cats are considered mature at seven to 10 years; senior at 11 to 14 years; and geriatric at 15 or older. Ultimately your cat’s genetics, nutrition and environment will all play a role in determining when they are a senior.
Make the Veterinarian Your First Stop
Regular check-ups are essential to your cat’s health, and become even more important as your cat ages. Age-related diseases can be subtle, and symptoms may be easy to miss. Through regular exams and blood tests, your veterinarian can establish a baseline of what is normal for your cat. This will help alert you when something is not right. If you notice any changes in your cat’s behaviour, appetite or energy level, be sure to check with your veterinarian. (Ed. note: Senior cats are advised to see a veterinarian every six months.)
Tasty Tips
Choose the Right Cat Food
Older cats that are less active need fewer calories. Try limiting portion sizes at mealtime. Obesity contributes to many diseases and puts more stress on your cat’s joints. There are special cat foods to improve issues with joint disease or mobility. Cats with kidney or heart disease may also need special nutrition. Your veterinarian can design a weight plan that addresses your cat’s specific nutritional needs and recommend if supplementation or specialised cat food will help. Come prepared with a list of questions to ask your veterinarian.
Related products
Light Adult Cat Food
Chicken recipe dry cat food with L-carnitine and fewer calories for ideal weight management in adult cats. Packed with high-quality protein, omega-6s, and vitamin E for shiny fur and healthy skin.
Hairball & Perfect Coat Adult Dry Cat Food with Chicken
Hill's Science Plan Hairball & Perfect Coat Adult Cat Food with Chicken is formulated to effectively help avoid hairball formation in adult cats while promoting a beautiful coat. Thanks to its mix of essential omega-6 fatty acids, this food benefits the cat's skin and fur, keeping them healthy and shiny. Our Advanced Fibre Technology helps reduce hairballs by naturally promoting their passage through the gut. This food is formulated with high-quality protein for a perfectly balanced, great-tasting recipe.
Sterilised Adult Cat Food
Hill's Science Plan Sterilised Adult Dry Cat Food with Salmon has a unique weight management formula to help burn fat, build muscle and keep sterilised cats lean. Made with high-quality, easy-to-digest ingredients.
Sensitive Stomach & Skin Adult Cat Food
Hill's Science Plan Sensitive Stomach & Skin Adult Wet Cat Food with Turkey is a complete pet food for adult cats, aged 1–6 years. This highly digestible wet food comes in a pouch and supports healthy digestion, as well as nourishes skin and promotes a thick and lustrous coat.
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Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.