Eating a lot

[Desley (booktigger)]

The other thing to consider with senior food is that it is lower in calories, so if your cat is prone to being underweight, senior food is the worst thing for them, and my vet advises against it for cats on the thin side. Molly is 16, and only gets it a couple of times a week, as the weight drops off her on a senior food only diet.

[Mark]

I'm not sure of all the ins & outs but one thing is they reduce the phosphorus. As cats get older, their kidneys become less efficient. Senior food can help reduce the risk of kidney disease which is probably the biggest killer for cats. They also put more protein in as cats don't absorb it so well and can become scrawny. I think they also put in additional antioxidant vitamins. I really don't think its a gimmick.

http://www.purina.co.uk/Home/All+About+Cats/Food+and+Nutrition+Cat/Choosing+the+Right+Food+Cat/Feeding+Your+Older+Cat.htm

[Pinkbear (Julie)]

Thanks again, I agree with Senior food, but why give senior food if your cat is happy with normal cat food?

Jackie

As they grow older, their organs have to fight harder to metabolise the nutrients in their food. Senior food is balanced to help them get maximum benefit from their intake. Just like people as they get older, it's even more important to watch what they eat rather than just the qauntity.

[liquorice]

Thanks again, I agree with Senior food, but why give senior food if your cat is happy with normal cat food?

Jackie

[Mark]

I also recommend senior food as it is formulated to be gentler on the kidneys etc. Mine didn't like it at first but eat it no problem now.

[Pinkbear (Julie)]

I agree with Mark. Milbemax or Drontal will do the trick. Please don't waste your money on supermarket stuff - it doesn't work! 


She's a senior girl now to worth going to your vet and asking for a senior panel blood test. Best to make sure her liver and kidneys are still functioning fine. This only needs doing once a year from around 10ish but it will pick up any problems before they become serious.  

[Mark]

There are 2 kinds Drontal & Milbemax. Drontal are huge pills - if you don't get it down them first time it makes their mouth foam as they are really bitter. I use Milbemax which are much smaller and have a beef coating. If your cat takes treats easily, she might just eat it no problem. You can only get them from vets. You can get them from vetUK etc but by the time you pay for a prescription, you aren't really any better off. You should be able to get them 4 for the price of 3 (one very 3 months)

[liquorice]

Hello Me again!

Just looked on the internet for worming tablets from a well known vet, but there seem to be quite a few different types, can anybody advise me, Tiny is about 12 3/4 years old and we give her Frontline Combo for Flea protection etc.

Thanks

Jackie

[liquorice]

Thank you everyone for your help!!!!!

[Mark]

You can't always see worms until there is a bad infestation. Eating a lot can also mean other things like Thyroid problems. I would get her checked by the vet to be safe.

If your cat isn't eating dry food as well, 2 - 3 is a normal amount. Felix recommend 2 - 3 and Whiskas 3 - 4 I think.

[Millys Mum]

You wont generally find worms until they are a real burden   so regular worming is important. You must use something from the vet or online vet chemist tho, not a supermarket or pet shop product. How old is your cat? It could be the weather but there are several health conditions that can increase the appetite so a vet check would be wise if it continues

[blackcat]

you should be worming her regularly anyway, but eating more is fairly normal in cold weather like this - I'm doing it too ...

[liquorice]

Hello

Our cat seems to be eating a lot more than usual lately, she is eats about 2 to 3 pouches of food a day, we have checked for worms in her toilet, is this normal for this time of the year? Should we worm her just in case?

Thanks

J