Patrick MacFarland ·
Updated February 27, 2025
As your cat gets older, their nutritional needs change and they may need extra support to maintain their health and vitality. Choosing the right treats and supplements can make a big difference in their quality of life during their senior years.
Your senior cat can benefit from specialized treats and supplements that support joint health, boost energy levels, and enhance their immune system. The key is picking products with high-quality ingredients that are easy for older cats to eat and digest while providing targeted nutrition for their changing needs.
1. FELINE GREENIES Adult Dental Cat Treats, Chicken Flavor
Your senior cat can benefit from crunchy dental treats that help clean teeth while providing a tasty reward. These treats have a texture designed to reduce tartar buildup and freshen breath. Each treat contains natural ingredients plus added vitamins and minerals to support your aging cat’s health. The oven-roasted chicken flavor is one of the most popular choices among cats.
2. Nutra Thrive Cat 40 in 1 Nutritional Supplement
Nutra Thrive for Cats combines vitamins, minerals, probiotics, enzymes, and antioxidants in a powder form that mixes easily with your cat’s food. This supplement aims to support senior cats’ health needs through its comprehensive blend of ingredients. Each scoop contains five distinct nutrient blends, including a Super Feline Blend, Probiotic and Enzyme Blend, Super Foods Blend, Vitamin and Mineral Blend, and Amino Acids Blend. The serving size is 1.4 grams per scoop.
3. Royal Canin Aging 12+ Loaf in Sauce
Royal Canin Aging 12+ Loaf in Sauce is specially made for cats who are 12 years and older. This wet food provides complete nutrition tailored to meet your senior cat’s specific needs. Your aging cat will benefit from the balanced ratio of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates in this formula. The texture is perfect for older cats who might have trouble eating harder foods.
4. Hill’s Science Diet Adult 11+ Chicken Recipe
This specialized dry cat food is made for cats aged 11 years and older to support healthy aging. The balanced nutrition formula helps keep senior cats more alert, agile, and interactive. The food contains a unique blend called ActivBiome+ that includes prebiotic fibers and antioxidants. These ingredients work together to support your senior cat’s digestion, immune system, and organ health.
5. Smalls Human-Grade Fresh Cat Food
Smalls fresh cat food offers human-grade ingredients cooked gently to maintain nutrients your senior cat needs. The food comes in three textures: smooth pâté, ground, and pulled, letting you pick what works best for your older cat’s preferences. Your senior cat can benefit from a customizable meal plan that adjusts to their specific needs. The subscription service delivers fresh food right to your door, making it easy to maintain a consistent feeding schedule.
6. Zesty Paws Pure Salmon Oil
Zesty Paws Pure Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil is a liquid supplement that’s easy to add to your senior cat’s food. The oil contains essential omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that support joint function and immune health. Your aging cat needs just 1 teaspoon per 20 pounds of body weight. The pump dispenser makes it simple to measure the right amount and mix it with their regular meals.
7. Cosequin Joint Health Supplement for Cats
Cosequin for cats has been trusted by pet owners for over 25 years. This supplement contains glucosamine hydrochloride and sodium chondroitin sulfate to help maintain your senior cat’s joint health. The veterinarian-recommended formula includes omega-3 fatty acids that support skin and coat health. Your cat can benefit from the carefully selected ingredients that promote mobility and comfort.
8. Wellness CORE Digestive Health Cat Supplements
Wellness CORE Digestive Health supplements are specially made for your senior cat’s digestive needs. These supplements contain high-quality proteins and essential nutrients to support your aging cat’s health. The formula includes prebiotic fiber and omega-3 fatty acids that help maintain proper digestion in older cats. Your senior cat will benefit from the added vitamins and minerals that support their immune system.
10. VetriScience Laboratories GlycoFlex
GlycoFlex joint supplements are specially made to support your senior cat’s mobility and joint health. These vet-trusted supplements contain key ingredients like glucosamine, MSM, and green-lipped mussel. The advanced formula helps maintain your cat’s joint function and flexibility. Your cat can benefit from 250 mg of glucosamine, 250 mg of MSM, and 200 mg of green-lipped mussel in each serving.
Nutritional Needs of Senior Cats
Proper nutrition plays a vital role in keeping senior cats healthy and active. Aging cats need specific nutrients to support their changing bodies and maintain optimal health.
Understanding Aging Cats’ Dietary Requirements
Senior cats need more protein than younger cats to maintain muscle mass. Your cat requires 25-30% of their daily calories from high-quality protein sources. Calories should be adjusted based on activity level. Most senior cats need fewer calories since they’re less active, but some may need more if they struggle to maintain weight. Joint health supplements containing glucosamine and chondroitin can help maintain mobility and comfort as cats age.
Essential nutrients for senior cats:
- Taurine for heart health
- Omega-3 fatty acids for inflammation
- Vitamin E for immune function
- L-carnitine for metabolism
Importance of Balanced Nutrition
High-quality senior cat food should form the foundation of your aging cat’s diet. Look for foods with easily digestible ingredients and appropriate moisture content. Water intake becomes more critical for senior cats. Wet food can help increase hydration levels naturally. Your cat may need smaller, more frequent meals to maintain good digestion. Feed 3-4 small portions throughout the day instead of larger meals.
Key feeding tips:
- Monitor weight changes monthly
- Keep food and water bowls easily accessible
- Choose appropriate bowl heights to reduce neck strain
Patrick MacFarland has been a teacher, a candidate for public office, and a local tour guide. But now he dedicates his time writing full-time, currently at CitizenShipper and VeraContent.
