Senior Cat Nutrition Facts and Fixes

So, your baby's not a baby anymore.

You remember the first time you met like it was yesterday, but lately you find yourself wondering if your cat has entered the golden years.

Here are some things to know about senior cats, including signs they’re aging and ways to alter their diets to keep them going strong.

Cats reach their senior years around age 11.

Gasp!
Is my baby ... old?

But older cats are kinda like older people

A 12-year-old cat is equivalent to a 64-year-old human.

This 64-year-old ran a marathon, so you never know.

Don't worry; it's normal.

Just like people, cats often show signs that they're getting older:

• Decreased activity
• Joint weakness
• A picky palate
• Confused by the internet

A complete and balanced diet is important, whether or not your cat has underlying health issues.

Choose wisely: IAMS™ Perfect Portions™ Optimal Metabolism Paté  has complete and balanced nutrition.

Reasons to change a senior cat's diet:

1. Obesity

We get it. Indoor cats have less opportunity to exercise than outdoor cats. Just don’t let those calories add up to unwanted pounds.

10 extra calories a day = up to 1 pound a year.

Switching to wet food can help manage your cat’s weight, because it fills cats up but has a lower calorie count than dry food.

2. Underweight

Picky eating in older age often comes from a reduced ability to taste and smell. Cats 14 years and older are 15 times more likely to be too skinny.

So make sure you’re feeding your cat a food that’s high in calorie density and as tasty as possible.

3. Heart Disease

Senior cats with heart disease may need a special veterinarian-prescribed food.

4. Kidney Disease

Senior cats with kidney issues may need veterinarian-prescribed food that's lower in potassium and protein.

5. Diabetes

Cats with diabetes may need to eat a special veterinarian-prescribed diet.

6. Dental Issues

Consider adding dry food to your cat’s diet, like the crunchy kibble in IAMS™ Proactive Health™ Healthy Senior, which can help remove plaque buildup.

Bring on the meat!

All adults cats, regardless of age, should be fed a carnivorous diet.

An animal-based protein should be the first ingredient on any cat food label.

Worry not. Real chicken is the first ingredient in IAMS™ Proactive Health™ Healthy Senior.

What about supplements?

Good news: You don’t have to worry about providing additional supplements when you choose IAMS™. All foods are nutritionally complete and balanced.