What to Feed a Senior Cat: Fresh Food for Older Cats

Cats may age more gracefully than humans, but their bodies still change over time. Just like us and even older dogs, they need the right digestive and nutritional needs to stay healthy and comfortable in their later years. 

That’s why senior cat food is important, as it’s specially designed to support their ageing metabolism, joints, and digestion.

As your cat gets older, you might notice they’re not as playful as they used to be, or maybe they’re pickier about meals. That’s normal. However, with a proper diet, especially one rich in fresh, nutrient-dense foods, you can help them stay sharp, maintain a healthy weight, and even slow the progression of age-related issues, such as kidney trouble or arthritis.

How Cats' Nutritional Needs Change With Age

When it comes to ageing in cats, it isn’t just about them napping more, though they are already experts in that. As your cat ages, its body goes through major shifts, which means it won’t be able to thrive on the same diet as when it was a kitten or junior. Here are some key changes to expect and reasons the food needs an upgrade.

Slower Metabolism

If you have an outdoor cat or a very active one, you might notice that it starts to spend more time indoors after it reaches seven and begins to have a slower metabolism. Therefore, it should eat fewer calories to prevent weight gain. Just 10 extra calories per day can add up to a full pound of weight gain in a year, which can affect joints and even risk diabetes.

However, that doesn’t mean you should cut your cat's portions carelessly. It has survived on this planet for so long and deserves to eat well, just smarter and with high-quality nutrition. That’s where Pawy meals make a difference, as our recipes are moisture-rich, made from natural and fresh ingredients, and completely balanced.

Weaker Digestion

Older cats often experience weakened digestion due to slower gut motility and sometimes a decrease in digestive enzymes. And if there’s one thing about ageing guts, it's that they struggle with heavy carbs and low-quality proteins. 

Your cat needs gentle, digestible ingredients like lean meats and pumpkin that make digestion easier with prebiotics and fibres.

Joint Stress

As humans age, their joints begin to weaken, and they can no longer move as freely as they did in their youth. The same applies to older cats, where stiffness and arthritis can begin to creep in over time. 

Foods and ingredients like rapeseed oil, rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, can help ease inflammation and keep them moving comfortably.

Kidney Sensitivity 

Kidney diseases are extremely common in cats, and the likelihood of them developing one increases as they age. In many cases, this isn’t due to an infection or a hereditary condition; it just happens, and you have to ensure your cat is as comfortable as possible. 

Moisture-rich meals are some of the best food for senior cats as they support kidney function better than the average dry kibble. These fresh foods also feature high-quality protein, which means less urea and phosphorus for the kidneys to stress about.

Benefits of Fresh Food for Older Cats

Every pet owner wants what’s best for their cat, and as numerous studies have shown, the right food can make all the difference, especially for seniors. It’s not just a marketing trick to get you to switch from kibble. These fresh foods are easier to eat, digest, and absorb, and most importantly, your senior cat will actually enjoy them more. Here’s why they stand out:

• Better texture & digestibility: Fresh food is soft and gentle on worn teeth and sensitive gums. Even better, Pawy meals don’t contain any unnecessary fillers that might upset your cat’s ageing stomach, and they help prevent dehydration, which is a common issue in older cats.

• Clean and controlled ingredients: Fresh food for older cats doesn’t include artificial preservatives, reducing unnecessary chemical load. These foods are also slow-cooked and prepared naturally, which preserves more natural nutrients. Pawy even lets you build your box so you know exactly what’s going into your cat’s bowl.

• Joint support: You can help your older cat’s joints by feeding it fresh food that contains omega-3 fatty acids. These have been known to reduce inflammation and also improve cardiovascular function.

• Skin and coat vitality: In addition to strengthening joints, Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids also help combat skin dryness and promote a healthy, shiny coat. Fresh food also contains Vitamins A and E, which are indispensable for skin health.

What to Look for in Senior Cat Meals

When choosing a meal for your elderly cat, there are certain ingredients you should prioritise and others you should try to avoid. Let’s walk through them.

Ingredients to prioritise

• High-quality animal protein, like real meat (chicken, fish), because it supports muscle maintenance and doesn't strain the kidneys.

• Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil, rapeseed oil, or even salmon can reduce joint inflammation and support healthy skin.

• Added taurine is essential for better heart and eye health, as older cats tend to absorb it less naturally.

• Moisture-rich meals help prevent dehydration and kidney strain.

• Prebiotic foods, such as pumpkin or chicory root, are beneficial for gut health.

Ingredients to avoid

• Excessive salt can worsen kidney and heart issues.

• Low-quality fillers, such as corn, wheat, and soy, are harder to digest and don’t offer much in terms of nutritional value.

• Stay away from artificial additives such as preservatives (BHA/BHT) or colours. Make sure to only go for brands like Pawy that specify the actual sources of their ingredients and no mystery meat byproducts.

How to adjust portions and feeding frequency

While it’s always best to consult your vet for personalised advice related to feeding frequency and portion sizes, here are some general guidelines to help you care for your senior cat well.

• Feed them twice daily (morning at 7 a.m. and evening at 5 p.m.) as this aligns with cats’ natural hunting rhythms and supports metabolic health. Studies show this schedule helps maintain a stable weight and improve overall health.

• Another good dog food transition tip is to adjust meal times gradually (15-minute increments daily) to avoid stress.

• Monitor your cat's eating habits and weight to ensure consistency and stability. If you notice that the current portion is causing muscle or weight loss, you should increase it, and vice versa, until you find that balance.

Conclusion

As cats age, their bodies change, but with the right diet, they can enjoy comfort and improved health in their later years. Fresh, ageing cat nutrition isn’t just about feeding them. You must consider meals that support their health where they need it most, which includes joints, digestion, kidneys, and beyond.

Ready to upgrade your cat’s meals? Explore Pawy’s senior-friendly cat food options, with natural ingredients that are high in quality protein, easy to digest, rich in moisture, and kidney-friendly.