What is the Best Diet for Senior Cats? #HillsPet

This post is sponsored by Hill’s. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about Hill’s Science Diet for Cats, but Miss Molly Says only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc. is not responsible for the content of this article.

Have you ever wondered what is considered old for a cat? For us dogs, unfortunately, we have a purdy short life span. But, what is the average age of cats? I know I have some purdy old cat friends! If they are taken care of good and proper they can live way on up there in years!

Of course, just like us dogs, cats need to have their regular visits to that vet place. But, did you know their diet has a lot to do with it too? So, what is the best diet for senior cats?

I’m gonna let my Lady tell ya about the best diet for senior cats!

This is one of Miss Molly’s cat friends. Meet Minnow. Minnow is 7, so he is just now entering what they consider the mature stage of his lifetime. He is a spunky, but lovable guy. He is a tiger long haired cat with gorgeous blue eyes. Beware! Those bright blue eyes can turn a stormy gray when he is upset!

So, what is considered “old” for a cat? Unlike our dog friends, cats can live well into the teen years. These days, they are living longer and longer. At age 7 – 10, our feline friends are considered a “mature adult”. They aren’t old, but it is time to think about a diet change for them. It’s during this stage, that it becomes important for your cat to have controlled levels of phosphorus and other vital nutrients. This helps reduce kidney stress. Urine pH is also important to support a healthy urinary tract.

At age 11+, our cats are considered to be in their “senior” years. We may notice behavioral changes and changes in their routines. Just as we slow down and get a bit cranky as we get older, so do they. With a healthy diet geared to their specific needs, we can slow this aging process down! There are several ways you can help your cat lead a longer and healthier life. But, what is the best diet for senior cats?

Minnow (on right) likes to hang out with his sister Bonnie (on left) soaking up some rays on the deck. Bonnie is 6 years old, so she is right on the heals of being in the “mature” age category along with Minnow.

Both Minnow and Bonnie have a few years yet before they will enter their “senior” cat years. When that time comes, they may change their sleeping routines or start having litter box issues. They may even become a more vocal with their meowing than usual. When this time comes, the goal will be to maintain, or improve, their quality of life. We also want to decrease the risk of chronic disease such as dental, heart, and kidney.

Hills® Science Diet® has dietary solutions to help them age gracefully, keeping them fit and active! It’s important to feed your senior cats the appropriate food, without too much of the nutrients that are not healthy for them.  Well, our friends at Hill’s know nutrition and they know cats! Their research and studies have guided them to make an array of foods for mature adult cats that will give your cat the nutrition they need to help lengthen the quality time you have with your cat.

Benefits of Hills® Science Diet® Cat Food

With Hills® Science Diet® cat food, you will see reduced signs of aging in your cat in just 30 days such as:

• Increased play and interaction
• Increased agility
• Fewer accidents in the house
• Less sleeping

Hills® Science Diet®  has several cat food options available

Each of these cat foods will help provide the appropriate nutrition your cat needs, helping them feel young and active again!

• Hills® Science Diet® Mature Adult Active Longevity Original
• Hill’s® Science Diet® Mature Adult Hairball Control
• Hill’s® Science Diet® Mature Adult Indoor
• Hill’s® Science Diet® Senior 11+ Age Defying
• Hill’s® Science Diet® Senior 11+ Indoor Age Defying

We all love our cats! They brighten our day with their silly antics. When we are sad, they are there with their snuggles and purrs to make us feel better. Simply put – they are a vital part of our family. Our cats enrich our lives in a lot of ways. Hills® Science Diet® has done the research and found the best diet for senior cats to help them lead a long and healthy life.

For more information, connect with Hills® Science Diet® on Facebook and YouTube!

Do you have a “mature” or “senior” cat? Have you noticed any changes in their behavior? Have you tried, or benefited, from changing their food?