A Pet Care Guide for Older Cats

A Pet Care Guide for Older Cats

Information provided by Hill's Science Diet

Cats can live a very long life if they are taken care of properly and fed the proper balance of nutrients. In fact, the oldest cat in recorded history lived 28 years!

At Hill's, we want to help you extend the life of your cat so you'll be happy together for many years ahead.

Hill's^® Science Diet^® Feline Senior™

Hill's^® Science Diet^® Feline Senior™ is formulated to ensure cats older than seven years receive the balance of fat, calories and nutrients they need to help them stay healthy and happy.

Science Diet^® Feline Senior™ is easy to chew; it's low in fat and calories and has balanced levels of fiber to help gastrointestinal health. And it's low in magnesium and phosphorous to help lower the risk of kidney and urinary tract diseases.

Science Diet^® Feline Senior™ is available in canned or dry.

The Unique Needs of Older Cats

As cats reach the age of seven, they tend to have more health problems, especially with respect to metabolism, kidneys and vision. As a result, it's important to feed a food that meets the changing needs of the older cat. A diet low in fat and calories, for example, helps maintain the proper weight. But a food must also have balanced levels of fiber to help gastrointestinal health, and reduced amounts of magnesium and phosphorus to help promote a healthy urinary tract and kidneys. Finally, it helps the older cat to have a food that's easy to digest.

Hill's Science Diet^® Feline Senior™ is specially formulated to meet these needs.

How Much and How Often to Feed Your Older Cat

It's important to feed your older cat the right amount of food at the right time, but that can be tricky because feeding requirements vary from one cat to another. Feeding guides on the food can or bag are just a starting point. You'll need to monitor your older cat's physical condition regularly, and adjust the feeding amount as needed.

Ask your veterinarian which of these three feeding methods is best for your older cat:

Free Choice: Food is available to your kitten at all times
Time-Limited Feeding: Food is available to your kitten for a limited time
Food-Limited Feeding: A measured amount of food is available to your kitten each day

Veterinarians recommend following these simple steps:

Weigh your cat
Feed based on the feeding guide and your vet's recommendations
Evaluate your cat's weight every two weeks for the first six months
Adjust the amount you feed accordingly
Repeat the cycle

We suggest that you and your veterinarian evaluate your older cat's physical condition every few months. For some cats, your veterinarian may suggest more frequent evaluations.

Hill's has been the leader in pet nutrition for more than 50 years, so when you select a Hill's cat food, you can be sure you've made a healthy decision.