Food guide
What to feed senior cats
Older cats can lose weight and muscle without meaning to, and kidney, thyroid and dental problems become more common. Changes in eating or weight are often a health signal, not just a food preference.
Work out how much to feedWhat to look for
- A complete and balanced diet in an amount that maintains body condition and muscle.
- Regular check-ups, ideally every six months, including weight tracking.
- Easy access to food and water, and food that is easy to chew if teeth are sore.
- Gentle food changes only, since older cats can be fussy.
Common mistakes
- Weight loss, increased thirst or urination, or reduced appetite. These need a vet visit.
- Assuming a 'senior' label solves health problems. It doesn't replace veterinary advice.
Ask your vet first if
- Any diagnosed condition (kidney, heart, diabetes, allergies, pancreatitis, urinary problems): these need a vet-chosen diet, not a generic pick.
- Sudden appetite loss, vomiting, diarrhoea or weight change.
How we will pick specific foods
We aren't publishing product picks yet. Before we list any food, it has to meet each of these, checked against the manufacturer's own label:
- Complete for the life stage. The pack carries an adequacy statement (AAFCO or FEDIAF) for the stage the page is about.
- Named animal protein first. The first ingredient is a named animal protein, with protein and fat percentages listed.
- Maker transparency. The maker publishes recall history and says who formulates the diet, ideally a qualified veterinary nutritionist.
- Real availability and price. Sold in India, with price per 1,000 kcal so packs can be compared fairly.
Criteria are based on WSAVA's public guidance on choosing a pet food. Rankings are our editorial judgement and we don't accept payment to place a food.
Other guides
General information only, not veterinary advice. Feeding needs vary between individual animals.