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Nine healthy lives!
Find out more about caring for mature dogs
Just like their owner, every cat is different! Some just love to be active all day - outside hunting and playing - whilst others are content to stretch out in front of the fire. But no matter how your cat chooses to spend their day, as they grow older their dietary requirements start to change.
Life begins at 7
It is recognised that when cats reach the age of seven their metabolism begins to slow, just like we do when we reach middle age. This is the time when it is important to re-appraise your cat’s dietary needs. Ask yourself the question - when did your cat last climb up your curtains? If it wasn’t yesterday then it may be time to think ‘senior’. There are a large range of specifically formulated feeds and supplements on the market for the older cat and at Mole Valley Farmers we’ve made sure we offer the complete range at the best possible price.
It’s always worth checking the nutritional guidelines on each pack to check which is most suitable for your pet. It may not always be obvious and the choice can be confusing, so please ask a member of our staff, they will be more than happy to help. If necessary we can also refer you to an animal nutritionist for more guidance.
With cats spending over 40% of their lives as seniors, as they get older they should be changed over to a diet that has lower fat, but still maintains high quality protein and carbohydrate that is easy to digest and has key minerals to support ageing joints. Importantly senior diets have a lower concentration of phosphorus, usually 20% less than adult food, which stops the kidneys working overtime and helps preserve their function, a common enough problem in older felines.
A very important aspect to keeping your cat healthy and happy is to ensure no unnecessary weight gain occurs as your pet ages. Extra weight, as with humans, puts strain on all organ systems, with the heart, liver and kidneys being no exception. Fat cats are best left in the City of London not sprawled over your lap. If you want your cat to have the best quality of life for the longest period of time do not feed to appetite, feed to optimum weight.
Dental care
Dental care is an important aspect of the senior cat’s health that needs to be addressed, make sure your pet’s mouth is checked regularly and any teeth or gum issues are addressed by your vet. If your cat has difficulty chewing or has bad breath then feeding your cat dry food may help. Senior dry food is designed to be easily crunched by your cat.
Always provide a continuous supply of fresh water this will ensure your cat always remains hydrated, preventing any unnecessary stress on the kidneys.
Monthly flea control along with regular worming, every three months for cats that live out doors, and using a good quality complete senior feed, will make them a happy and healthy member of the family for many years to come!
Look at our latest offers for mature cats, or browse all our products for cats, including beds, toys, wormers, grooming products, litter trays, collars, bowls and food!
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