Is it okay to feed a 2 year old cat dry cat food meant for cats over 8 years old?

Question

My husband bought cat food for senior cats. He said it is okay as it is only softer. What is the difference between senior cat food and adult cat food?

Answer 1

There may be slight nutritional differences, but it shouldn't hurt your cat any. The amount of protiens and fat in the food is likely different, as the older cats generally need more of the former and less of the later due to being less active. I wouldn't recommend feeding it to the cat on a long term basis, but feeding it for the duration of 1 bag isn't going to hurt the kitty.

Answer 2

If you can't take it back, I would at least buy another bag of adult food for the cat's age and mix the two together. There are differences in the nutritional value between adult cat food and senior cat food. If you choose to not mix adult food in with the senior, it won't hurt the cat as long as you don't do this for a long period of time. There are necessary quantities of nutrients that cats need in different stages of their lives to ensure their good health.

Answer 3

Hi Senior cat food has less protein then kitten food.

The thing is, no cats should really eat dry foods. Dry foods are loaded with carbohydrates as well as fillers such as corn. Most also use a vegetable based protein which isn't as healthy as animal based protein. With the rise in the use of dry foods, kidney disease, diabetes, crystals, obesity are amoung the problems that have risen for cats. Take it from someone whose cat got diabetes from eating dry foods, Please feed canned foods w/o gravy

Answer 4

I agree-senior foods are usually slightly lower in fat and calories so a short course of it won't be harmful. If you feed treats or canned food ocasionally you could give a little extra to compensate.

Answer 5

Senior cats have different dietary requirements than normal adult cats do, when you look at the back of the packet and check the ingredients.

Please read these:
http://www.furrylens.co.uk/2007/05/17/do-cats-need-a-different-diet-as-they-age/

http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=1&cat=1402&articleid=697

http://www.fabcats.org/feeding.html