Is your cat’s stomach getting sick at an old age?
Feeding your senior cat hard food is like you are trying to eat tough steak with a sore tooth. The teeth of the cat get weaker as they reach the age of 7 and above. Crunchy food becomes difficult to eat for senior cats. It makes the cat avoid the hard food instead of enjoying it. Your cat can also throw the undigested food out of the mouth.
Soft food makes food enjoyable for them. They no longer have to struggle with the hard piece. Hard pieces can also hurt the gums. If you give them the right diet cat food, they can easily enjoy their meal. Choosing the right food is not about a good taste. It includes various factors like prevention from dental health and stomach diseases. Worst cat food can also cause kidney diseases.
The age of the cat brings many changes. Their strong teeth could become weak as they get older. Their digestive system could also become weak. Hard kibble, which they once crunched happily, can now cause discomfort or even pain. Cats with missing and sensitive teeth may struggle to chew discomfort.
Contents
What is Soft Cat Food?
Soft cat food is the food that cannot cause gum damage to a cat. It makes it easier for a cat to chew and swallow easily. Many senior cats like soft food to eat. Wet food is one of the most common options in the soft food category. You should always know how much wet food is necessary to feed your cat. Overfeeding can lead to vomiting.
There are other options of soft cat food to feed your cat. Knowing what is the best soft cat food for senior cats is very important. This knowledge can help you to make your cat healthy and active. You should visit a vet for the best recommendation.
Benefits of Soft Cat Food
As cats grow older, their teeth naturally weaken. Some cats may develop dental diseases, and some can get tooth loss. Some benefits you should know about feeding your cat soft food.
- Feeding soft cat food can prevent gum damage.
- It can also protect your cat from digestive diseases.
- Your cat will have a healthy and happy life.
- Wet food has more water content, so it helps cats to hydrate themselves.
Why You Should not Soften Dry Cat Food
If your cat loves to eat dry cat food but its age and dental do not allow to eat such kind of crunchy foods. In this condition, you could think of softening the dry food. You should avoid softening the dry food with moisture. You have to know the reason why you should not soften dry cat food.
- Dry food is not designed to be softened.
- It can make the food less nutritious.
- The taste of the food may change.
Best Soft Food for Cats
Not all cat foods are designed equal. If you are choosing soft dry cat food, you have to focus on some key points. Those key points will help you select what soft cat food is best amongst all.
- The food should contain high-quality ingredients.
- You have to look for the product using real meat.
- The food should not contain additives like peas and grains.
- The food should contain more protein content and fewer calories.
When Switch to Soft Cat Food
When a cat reaches the age of 7. It is time for you to switch the diet of your cat to soft cat food. Your cat might reject eating the soft food. The reason for the rejection could be a quick change in the diet. If you want your cat to not reject the food, you have to add less content of soft food. Start by adding 25% of soft food and 75% of its regular food in the first week of feeding. Slowly increase the percentage of soft cat food.
Soft Cat Food to Feed a Senior Cat
Feeding the right amount of soft cat food is important. Soft food helps to maintain a healthy weight. The amount of food to feed your cat depends on some factors. The factors included weight, age, and activity level. The table will show the details of how much soft cat food to feed a senior cat.
Table
| Cat weight (lbs) | Daily calories needed | Soft food amount (oz) | Feeding schedule (per day) |
| 5lbs | 150 – 180 | 6 – 7 oz | 2 – 4 small meals |
| 8lbs | 180 – 220 | 7 – 9 oz | 2 – 4 small meals |
| 10lbs | 220 – 270 | 9 – 11 oz | 2 – 4 small meals |
| 12lbs | 250 – 300 | 10 – 12 oz | 2 – 4 small meals |
| 15lbs | 280 – 350 | 11 – 14 oz | 3 – 4 small meals |
Conclusion
An increase in the age of a cat can bring many challenges. The only key to solving these challenges is to feed them the best. The knowledge of what cats can eat besides cat food can solve many problems. A simple diet change can prevent discomfort and dental issues in your cat. The food having good protein content and less calorie content is always the best.
FAQ’s
What kind of food is suitable to feed an elderly cat with bad teeth?
The teeth get weaker as cats reach the age of 7. Soft and wet cat food makes it easier for a cat to eat and digest.
What is the best cat food to feed older cats with no teeth?
When a senior cat loses teeth. It will become difficult for the cat to eat hard food. some foods you should know to feed your old cat.
1. Wet cat food
2. Soft, dry food
3. Moistened dry food
4. Homemade soft meal
Can cats with bad teeth eat dry food?
Cats with bad teeth can eat dry food. It depends on their several dental issues. Cats with little dental disease can be able to chew dry food.
What is the best soft cat food for a senior cat?
The best cat food can be easily digestible and full of proteins. When it comes to the best soft cat food, then some brands pop up.
1. Hill’s Science Diet
2. Royal Canin
3. Blue buffalo
Can cats live with bad teeth?
Cats with bad teeth can live their lives, but with difficulty. Dental problems can cause pain and weight loss. Hard food can damage the gums.
Do senior cats need senior food?
A senior cat always doesn’t need senior food. Sometimes it could be the best choice. Senior cats have different nutritional needs. It depends on their weight and taste.
