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Vitality Kit For Senior Pets

PetOmega 3, Multi Essentials, Yucca & Old Timer

USD $183.80
Vitality Kit For Senior Pets USD $183.80 Add to Cart

Aging and Senior Cat Diet Tips

Pet Diet & Nutrition 3 min read
Photo of a cat looking at a bowl of food to illustrate a blog with senior cat diet tips.

If you’ve been lucky enough to watch your feline companion age gracefully over the years, you’ve probably noticed the importance of a specific senior cat diet by now. If not, explore with us the ins and outs of the nutritional needs of your aging cat to help keep them healthy and happy through their golden years.

Cats are generally considered senior when they reach around seven years of age, but this will depend on their breed and other health conditions. As your kitty grows older, their metabolism tends to slow down, and their activity levels may decrease. This means they require fewer calories to maintain a healthy weight. That is why weight management is crucial for senior cats, especially for those living indoors with limited opportunities to exercise.

However, you can’t simply reduce the amount your cat eats from day to night. That’s because, in contrast, their need for certain nutrients, such as protein and antioxidants, actually increases to support muscle mass and combat cellular damage associated with aging.

What’s the Right Senior Cat Diet?

Balancing a senior cat’s diet starts by providing the right amount of high-quality lean protein sources, like chicken or fish. Most aging cats also benefit from a diet rich in essential fatty acids such as the ones present in our fish oil blend, NHV PetOmega 3.

Every cat is unique, and their dietary needs may differ based on their age, breed, size, and especially health conditions.

Adding controlled portions of easily digestible carbohydrates is also crucial in preventing weight gain and maintaining a healthy body condition in cats over seven years old. Additionally, natural sources of vitamins and antioxidant properties, such as the ones found at NHV Multi Essentials and NHV Turmeric, can help combat oxidative stress in aging cells.

However, every cat is unique, and their dietary needs may differ based on their age, breed, size, and especially health conditions. Here are some recommendations for the three most common health issues in senior cats for you to discuss with your vet:

Kidney & Urinary Issues in Senior Cats

Photo of a cat sitting down on someone's lap to represent a healthy senior cat diet.

Agings cats are prone to kidney disease and urinary tract infections. If your little one needs extra support with renal and urinary health, look for cat food with controlled phosphorus levels. NHV Tripsy, can also be added as a food topper for kidney and urinary support. 

Arthritis and Joint Discomfort in Aging Pets

Over time, pets tend to have muscular, joint, and mobility issues. For joint support, prefer ingredients packed with omega-3 fatty acids, like fish. We also recommend including NHV Old Timer in your little one’s diet for extra help. This herbal blend provides essential vitamins and antioxidants that help support overall health in aging cats and promote joint relief. 

Dental Hygiene and Senior Cat Diet

Dental health tends to deteriorate in older animals. Pet parents can support their little one’s teeth and gums with specially formulated kibble that promotes chewing and oral hygiene. You can also use NHV Mouth Drops as part of your little one’s oral hygiene routine for extra topical support. 


Remember, regular check-ups with your veterinarian are essential to monitor their health and make any necessary adjustments to their diet. A personalized nutritional plan tailored to your senior cat’s specific requirements is the safest way to ensure they receive the right balance of nutrients to support their overall health and well-being as they age.

A happy and healthy aging cat is a true testament to the love and care they’ve received throughout their lives. With proper senior cat diet and nutrition, we hope you can continue to cherish their companionship for many more years to come. If you have any questions about natural supporting your older kitty, or anything else, click the button below, and we’ll be with you as soon as possible.

Dr. Amanda Nascimento DVM, MVSc, PhD

Dr. Amanda Nascimento DVM, MVSc, PhD

Dr. Amanda completed her undergraduate degree in veterinary medicine in 2010 and graduate studies in veterinary pathology (MVSc. 2012 and PhD 2016) at the School of Veterinary Medicine, University of São Paulo. She completed her post-doctoral training at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine – University of Saskatchewan in 2018. Dr. Nascimento will be hosting her own blog series and sharing her knowledge with our extended NHV family.

Published: August 4, 2023

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