Soft Cat Food for Senior Cat

[MIGrandma]

My cat is 12 years old and I'd like to find a soft food for her. Not canned, that's "too soft." Gives her diahrea. But lately I've noticed she is not wanting to eat her dry food very well anymore (Purina One for Sensitive Systems). I have always had a small self-feeder for her and that has worked fine until now. Now I see it isn't being eaten as much as normal. This morning I paid better attention when she went to her food dish, she would pick up a piece and drop it on the floor.

There used to be a soft food in pouches, Tender Vittles, but maybe they don't make it anymore.

I looked on Amazon.com and it seems to be either dry, or wet canned.

Does anyone have experience with their senior cat not wanting to eat their dry food? What did you end up giving them?

I think I'll stop at PetSmart this afternoon and see what they have, and ask them about it.

 

[wdwmom2]

I just use my regular dry food, add very warm water, just enough to cover, and let it soften.

 

[Luvchefmic]

Is this the cat that had an upper respiratory infection in April ? Maybe she isn't feeling like herself yet. As far as the food, senior animals have different needs. I would ask the vet what they recommend.

 

[TipsyTraveler]

Is this the cat with polyps? Polyps can affect the cat's ability to swallow comfortably when they're having a flare up and if they're having any upper respiratory involvement, that can decrease appetite. Also, check that she isn't having problems with any of her teeth.

 

[MIGrandma]

Is this the cat that had an upper respiratory infection in April ? Maybe she isn't feeling like herself yet. As far as the food, senior animals have different needs. I would ask the vet what they recommend.

Is this the cat with polyps? Polyps can affect the cat's ability to swallow comfortably when they're having a flare up and if they're having any upper respiratory involvement, that can decrease appetite. Also, check that she isn't having problems with any of her teeth.

Yes, this is the cat that went to the vet to have a cyst removed from her ear, and they couldn't find it and said sometimes they do go away on their own.

They did give me antiobiotics to give her for the upper respiratory infection, and we finished that (10 days, 2xdaily) Saturday.

She had been eating just fine, until the last few days when I noticed the food in her self-feeder wasn't going down like normal.

 

[Luvchefmic]

I would call the vet and tell them what you just said in your last post...good luck.

 

[TipsyTraveler]

Antibiotics can sometimes suppress appetite so that's another possibility. If it were me, as long as she's eating something, I'd just keep a close eye on her and wait to see if she starts eating normally over the next few days. But it never hurts to call the vet if you're worried now. You can try microwaving her food to see if that tempts her.

 

[scrapquitler]

I would consult the vet. That said, maybe you can wet the dry food so that it will be softer (either with water or some broth).

 

[smadath]

My Kitty did this when he turned 17. The food hurt his teeth/gums (I assume), so he wouldn't eat. After trying several new types that he wouldn't eat, I did some internet research for soft kibble. I ended up getting him Royal Canin Indoor Mature 27, which he would finally eat and seemed to like. It is a bit pricier than the normal "grocery store" type foods, but is also higher quality with better nutrition for aging cats. (plus, I spoiled mine terribly. )

 

[weeniecat2442]

definitely check in with the vet, especially since they just saw him/her and have all the latest info on her health.
I feed my 2 senior cats Royal Canine Senior and the pieces are a lot smaller and easier for them to chew. They seem to like it.

 

[SharonZ]

It's possible that she's developed a dental issue. I agree with giving the vet a call, it may be that her stomach is upset from the antibiotics.