Published May 13, 2025
Emma Williams / Cats.com
As your furry friend grows older, their dietary needs change. So, to help them remain happy, healthy and full of energy, it’s important to reassess and adjust how you feed them over time.
Generally speaking, cats aged 10+ are considered seniors, but many vets suggest gradually switching to more senior-appropriate foods and routines from around age 7 or 8. As a parent to two furry friends who recently reached this milestone, I’ve been reading up on what to look for in a healthy senior cat food, and guided by our Cats.com vets, I’ve reviewed 8 of the best!
Backed by my own experience and the opinions of our vets, Purina Pro Plan Senior 7+ Sterilised Wet Cat Food is our top pick, but we’ve also selected a range of great options for senior cats with specific ailments and dietary needs to help you make an informed decision.
So, without further ado, here are my first-hand reviews of the best 8 cat foods for senior cats.
At a Glance: The Best Cat Foods for Senior Cats to Buy
Want a quick rundown? Our general thoughts on each of the senior cat foods we reviewed can be found below, but make sure to check out our full reviews for more detailed insights.
Pro Plan Senior 7+ Sterilised Wet Cat Food
- Excellent brain and joint-health support.
- Science and nutritionist-backed formula.
- Highly-palatable.
Little BigPaw Complete Dry Food for Senior Cats
- Fixed formula recipe
- Clearly listed ingredients
- High-quality animal-sourced protein
KatKin Fresh Senior Cat Food
- Vet-approved recipes
- Made with high-quality, fresh meat
- Great alternative to raw-feeding
Hill’s Science Plan Senior 11+
- Food scientist and vet-approved recipe
- High levels of heart-healthy nutrients
- Small kibble size
Pro Plan Senior 7+ Sterilised Longevis
- Energy-boosting ingredients
- Great for picky eaters
- Can improve coat-quality
James Wellbeloved Senior Cat Pouches
- Hypoallergenic and grain-free formula
- Great for multi-cat households
- Made with natural ingredients
Scrumbles Meat And Fish Selection in Jelly
- Sustainable brand using human-grade ingredients
- No added sugar, salt or artificial preservatives
- High meat content
Lily’s Kitchen Tasty Cuts for Mature Cats
- Made with freshly prepared meat and natural ingredients
- Highly palatable
- Transparent ingredients list
Why Trust Cats.com?
Guided by the Cats.com team, my two furry friends (Wessie and Forest) and I have tested hundreds of cat foods from both well-known and boutique brands, so we know a thing or two about what to look for in a high-quality, safe, healthy, and fairly priced cat food.
When searching for the best cat foods for senior cats, I prioritized products backed by qualified veterinary nutritionists, featuring transparent ingredient lists and healthy additives proven to support joint, heart and brain health, while also considering palatability, as a reduced appetite is common in older kitties.
I’ve also received guidance from our resident veterinarians, including Dr. Nat Scroggie will pop in periodically throughout this piece to give her professional opinion on some of our top picks. With all this in mind, we’re sure you’ll find the ideal food for your senior kitty below.
For some extra insight into our process, check out how we approach cat food ratings here.
Our Veterinary Advisors
- Nat Scroggie, MRCVS
- Caren Carney, DVM
- Alex Crow, VetMed MRCVS
- Jennifer Coates, DVM
- Dwight Alleyne, DVM
The Best Cat Foods for Senior Cats: Our Top 8 Choices
Taking all of our criteria into account, we think the best cat food for senior cats is Purina Pro Plan Senior 7+ Sterilised Wet Cat Food. Both of my cats loved its texture and flavour, and Dr. Nat was impressed by its high levels of heart, brain, and joint-healthy nutritional additives.
We’ve also added top picks for different categories covering more specific dietary needs and ailments. So, even if our top pick isn’t right for you, we’re sure you’ll find an ideal alternative.
#1 Overall Best: Pro Plan Senior 7+ Sterilised Wet Cat Food
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 9% Min
- Age Range: Senior
- Calories Per Ounce: 25
- Typical Cost Per Day: $1.76 per day
While we’re not fans of every Purina product, my cats and I were very impressed by Pro Plan Senior 7+. Both were instantly interested as soon as I opened the pouch, which is unusual for Wessie and his sensitive stomach, and both continued to chow down on this food happily for the entire duration of our testing period.
I like that the food doesn’t have an overly-strong smell and found the pouches easy to open and serve. I also love that the recipe has been developed in partnership with food scientists.
On that topic, Pro Plan Senior 7+ is packed with vitamins and nutrients proven to boost heart, joint and brain health, all of which begin to decline as cats age. Dr. Nat Scroggie says, “Pro Plan Senior 7+ is one of my top recommendations for senior cats. It contains high levels of antioxidants, arginine, omega-3 and 6 fatty acids, and dried chicory root (prebiotic). The recipe is backed by research showing diets containing these ingredients can increase your cat’s lifespan and significantly improve their brain function, protecting them from brain ageing and dementia”.
Ingredients
Meat and Animal Derivatives (Of Which Turkey 4%), Oils and Fats, Fish and Fish Derivatives, Derivatives of Vegetable Origin, Minerals, Various Sugars
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Excellent brain and joint health support
- Science and nutritionist-backed formula
- Highly-palatable
- No overly-strong smells
What We Didn’t Like:
- Lack of fresh ingredients
- Inclusion of sugars
#2 Best Dry Food: Little BigPaw Complete Dry Food for Senior Cats
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 30% Min
- Age Range: Senior
- Calories Per Ounce: 104
- Typical Cost Per Day: $0.77 per day
Little BigPaw is a smaller brand than many others on this list, but you wouldn’t be able to tell based on the quality of their products. Both of my cats seemed to like the taste of the kibble, and I love that it’s filled with both high-quality fish and vegetables to support a balanced diet. This dry food also benefits from having a fixed formula, meaning every batch has exactly the same balance of ingredients and the same taste every time.
My experience with Little BigPaw matches up to the opinion of our nutritionist Calotta Cooper (read her thoughts here), finding the food to be of very high-quality and packed with nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids and yucca extract, which support good heart, joint and gut health in older cats.
Dr. Nat says, “When it comes to pet food, what you see on the front of the bag, and what is actually in the food can be quite different. Little BigPaw offers clearly identified ingredients, with a high percentage of high-quality animal source protein, all from local British sources. High quality protein is important for cats at all life-stages, but especially our older cats where we want to support the maintenance of muscle mass as they get older”.
Ingredients
Salmon Meal (27%), Sweet Potato (26%), Freshly Prepared Salmon (25%), Rapeseed Oil, Beet Pulp, Digest, Brewers Yeast, Peas, Cellulose, Minerals, Dried Carrot, Seaweed Meal, Prebiotic MOS, Glucosamine (300mg/Kg), Chondroitin Sulphate (300mg/Kg), MSM (300mg/Kg), Prebiotic FOS, Yucca Extract, Peppermint, Dried Cranberry, Rosemary Extract, Thyme, Citrus Extract, Fennel.
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Fixed formula recipe
- Clearly listed ingredients
- High-quality animal-sourced protein
- Excellent nutritional content
What We Didn’t Like:
- A little expensive
- Limited product variety
#3 Best Fresh Option: KatKin Fresh Senior Cat Food
Emma Williams / Cats.com
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 16.3% Min
- Age Range: All Life Stages
- Calories Per Ounce: 38
- Typical Cost Per Day: $1.98 per day
KatKin’s subscription-based service can be a great choice for busy cat parents, offering a pleasantly broad range of foods that are all made from 100% fresh, natural ingredients.
Both of my boys enjoyed KatKin, especially Wessie, as the simple ingredients didn’t seem to upset his sensitive stomach. However, it did take Forest a while to warm to this one, with my leading theory being that it’s surprisingly dry for wet food.
While KatKin isn’t specifically formulated for senior cats, its vet-approved recipes do contain beneficial additives like taurine and manganese that can support good heart, joint and brain health, making it a good choice for households with multiple cats of varying ages.
KatKin is also a great alternative to raw-feeding, with its mostly meat-based recipe offering many of the same benefits in a safer format, Dr. Nat adds, “Raw feeding has been linked to the transmission of dangerous infections, not only in pets, but to their owners too. Katkin takes the principles of raw feeding, using high-quality fresh meat that is gently cooked and then frozen, giving your cat the potential benefits of raw food without the risk. As a vet, I would recommend this option as a great alternative to owners interested in raw-feeding”.
Ingredients
Fresh Chicken (Thigh, Liver, Heart), Vitamin A, Vitamin D3, Zinc Chelate, Iron Chelate, Manganese Chelate, Copper Sulphate Pentahydrate, Potassium Iodide, Taurine.
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Vet-approved recipes
- Made with high-quality, fresh meat
- Great alternative to raw-feeding
- Can be purchased as a subscription
What We Didn’t Like:
- Food requires freezing/refrigeration
- Surprisingly dry for wet food
#4 Best Heart-Health Support: Hill’s Science Plan Senior 11+
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 28% Min
- Age Range: Senior
- Calories Per Ounce: 114
- Typical Cost Per Day: $0.68 per day
Hill’s is a well-respected brand, and my two boys and I often rank their products highly in our reviews. This dry food is no exception—its small kibble size makes it easy to munch on, and its fair price is gentle on the purse!
I like that the recipe is backed by vets, food scientists, and Ph.D. nutritionists, and I appreciate the inclusion of heart-healthy additives like omega-3 and -6 fatty acids, vitamin E, and taurine. However, it doesn’t quite measure up to other picks on this list when it comes to prebiotics and gut-friendly ingredients.
Dr. Nat was impressed by this product’s formula, adding, “As a veterinarian, I look for a ‘fixed’ formula recipe when I’m choosing a food for my patients. Every single batch of a fixed formula recipe must contain exactly the same ingredients in the same quantities. So, you can rely on it for both quality and flavor. It is surprising how many foods are not fixed, meaning you never quite know what you’re getting.”
Ingredients
Chicken, Whole Grain Wheat, Corn Gluten Meal, Chicken Fat, Brewers Rice, Egg Product, Flaxseed, Dried Beet Pulp, Chicken Liver Flavor, Wheat Gluten, Lactic Acid, Fish Oil, Calcium Sulfate, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Soybean Oil, vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), Niacin Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement), Calcium Carbonate, Taurine, Dicalcium Phosphate, L-Carnitine, minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Manganous Oxide, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite), Iodized Salt, Oat Fiber, Mixed Tocopherols for freshness, Natural Flavors, Beta-Carotene, Apples, Broccoli, Carrots, Cranberries, Green Peas.
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Food scientist and vet-approved recipe
- High levels of heart-healthy nutrients
- Small kibble size
- Reasonably-priced
What We Didn’t Like:
- Only comes in one flavour
- Lacks some beneficial prebiotics
#5 Best for Vitality: Pro Plan Senior 7+ Sterilised Longevis
Emma Williams / Cats.com
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 40% Min
- Age Range: Senior
- Calories Per Ounce: 108
- Typical Cost Per Day: $0.35 per day
Like the wet food version which we ranked as our top pick, Pro Plan Senior 7+ dry food went down a treat with my two boys. Both found the small kibble size easy to eat, but as the pieces are a little firmer than average, cats with dental issues might find them hard to chew.
Forest, who can be a picky eater, really liked the taste of this food in particular, and looking through other reviews, it seems like it can be a good choice for fussy cats. I also noticed both of my boys were much more energetic after eating Pro Plan for a few days and their coats seemed a little brighter, possibly due to its high levels of antioxidants and prebiotics.
One downside I would note is that the packaging is quite awkward, with the seal being a little too difficult to open and close, which is annoying as the kibble itself has quite a strong smell.
Ingredients
High Quality Turkey (14%) (Including Back and Chest), Rice, Dried Poultry Protein, Corn Protein Meal, Wheat Gluten, Wheat, Wheat Middlings, Soya Meal, Corn Starch, Dried Egg, Minerals, Animal Fats, Dried Chicory Root (2%), Dried Vegetable Fibre, Soyabean Oil, Fish Oil, Digest, Yeasts, Prebiotic
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Energy-boosting ingredients
- Great for picky eaters
- Can improve coat quality
- Promotes good gut health
What We Didn’t Like:
- Kibble can be hard to chew
- Inconvenient packaging
#6 Best Hypoallergenic: James Wellbeloved Senior Cat Pouches
Emma Williams / Cats.com
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 8.5% Min
- Age Range: Senior
- Calories Per Ounce: N/A
- Typical Cost Per Day: N/A
James Wellbeloved Senior Cat Pouches are my top pick for senior cats with allergies or food sensitivities, but it’s also a great product in its own right. It’s free from common allergens like beef, pork, soya, dairy, and wheat, and packed with beneficial nutrients like omega-3 and -6 fatty acids, as well as vitamins E and B1, making it an excellent choice for older cats with sensitive stomachs or food intolerances.
Wessie, who does have some digestive issues, really enjoyed this one, and I noticed that his stool quality improved during our test period. Given its straightforward ingredients and lack of allergens, I’d say James Wellbeloved might be the best on this list for multi-cat households.
Some potential downsides to note, however, are the low protein content and high number of plant-based ingredients, as well as the fairly high price compared to similar picks on this list.
Ingredients
Turkey* 36% (Heart, Liver, Necks, Deboned Ground Turkey), Salmon* (4%), Pea Protein, Oils and Fats (Including Linseed Oil 0.2%), Minerals, Tomato Pomace, Tomato Powder, Chicory Extract (0.06%), Cranberry Extract (0.01%), Yucca Extract (0.005%)
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Hypoallergenic and grain-free formula
- Great for multi-cat households
- Made with natural ingredients
- Highly-palatable
What We Didn’t Like:
- Moderate protein content
- Fairly expensive option
#7 Best for Gut-Health: Scrumbles Meat And Fish Selection in Jelly
Emma Williams / Cats.com
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 9% Min
- Age Range: All Life Stages
- Calories Per Ounce: 26
- Typical Cost Per Day: $3.00 per day
Scrumbles is another brand that the Cats.com team has had very good experiences with, and I’m pleased to say that mine was much the same. Wessie and Forest were immediately interested in this wet food, more than likely due to its high meat content (≈ 50%), and both loved all 3 of the flavours we tried in Scrumbles’ Meat and Fish Selection multipack.
This wet food has plenty of nutritional additives that are particularly beneficial to gut health, including probiotics and slippery elm, the latter of which I don’t think I’ve seen in many other comparable foods. In practice, both of my boys saw improvements in stool and coat quality during their time with Scrumbles, and it’s definitely a food I’m planning on purchasing again.
Dr. Nat had some interesting insights to add, saying, “One of the things that impresses me about Scrumbles food is their focus on gut health, which we know impacts nearly every element of your cat’s health. All their wet recipes include probiotics and slippery elm, which are great for your cat’s microbiome. They also avoid many common allergens, making Scrumbles a great choice for older cats with allergies or sensitive stomachs.”
Ingredients
Chicken Recipe: Chicken 50%, Chicken Liver 10%, Minerals, Salmon oil 0.1%, Sunflower Oil 0.1%, Slippery Elm 0.05%.
Salmon Recipe: Salmon 26%, Chicken 24%, Chicken Liver 10%, Minerals, Salmon oil 0.1%, Sunflower Oil 0.1%, Slippery Elm 0.05%.
Turkey Recipe: Turkey 26%, Chicken 24%, Chicken Liver 10%, Minerals, Salmon oil 0.1%, Sunflower Oil 0.1%, Slippery Elm 0.05%
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Sustainable brand using human-grade ingredients
- No added sugar, salt or artificial preservatives
- High meat content
- Promotes good gut health
What We Didn’t Like:
- Not life-stage specific.
- Lacks some key ingredients good for joint and brain health
#8 Best for Picky Eaters: Lily’s Kitchen Tasty Cuts for Mature Cats
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 9.5% Min
- Age Range: Senior
- Calories Per Ounce: 25
- Typical Cost Per Day: $3.34 per day
My cats and I are long-time fans of Lily’s Kitchen, thanks to their focus on sustainability and use of fresh, natural ingredients.
In terms of this product in particular, I love that it only contains fresh meats, minerals and added nutrients like taurine to promote good digestion and heart health. The transparent and short ingredients list makes it a good choice for picky eaters who might find overly complicated formulas off-putting.
That said, this food does lack some key nutrients for senior cats found in other picks on this list, so you might need to find additional supplements for your cats if you choose this brand.
Here’s what Dr. Nat thinks, “Lily’s Kitchen is an established brand with nutrition-back recipes known to be exceptionally tasty. As a veterinarian, I am impressed with the quality of the ingredients, although it doesn’t contain some of the extras in some of the other foods to specifically support joint and brain health. But overall, it is a high-quality, nutritionally complete and tasty food.”
Ingredients
Chicken (26%), Pork (13%), Salmon (8%), Shrimp (4%), Trout (2%), Minerals.
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Made with freshly prepared meat and natural ingredients
- Highly palatable
- Transparent ingredients list
- Sustainable brand
What We Didn’t Like:
- May contain traces of grains
- Lacks additional ingredients good for joint and brain health
What To Look for in a Senior Cat Food: Our Vets’ Top Tips
Whether you’re choosing from the options above or exploring your own alternatives, here are some key factors our vets recommend looking for in cat foods for senior cats.
Scientific Backing
There are no universal guidelines for nutrient profiles in senior cats, so most companies approach recipe development in their own unique way. Our vets recommend choosing brands that collaborate with qualified veterinary nutritionists when formulating their recipes, and those that provide scientific research to back up their diets.
Transparent Ingredients
Transparent and trustworthy cat food companies will always be happy to display their full ingredient lists on their websites and packaging, allowing you to make an informed decision. This is especially important for cats with dietary sensitivities, as it’s vital to know all the ingredients, not just the main flavor.
Fixed Formulas
Not all cat foods contain the same quantities of ingredients in every batch, which can be an issue for cats with sensitive stomachs or those on controlled diets. Our vets recommend prioritizing foods that follow a fixed formula, so you’ll always know what you’re getting, and your cat will experience consistent taste.
Palatability
As cats age, they often struggle with appetite, typically due to comorbidities like dental pain, arthritis, or other health conditions. Diets that are highly palatable and offer a variety of flavor options are a great choice.
Nutritional Additives
Just like humans, cats can develop joint, heart, and brain issues as they age, which could lead to significant health problems if left unaddressed. From around age 7+, it’s a good idea to switch to cat foods that contain key nutritional additives. Top ones to look for include:
- Joint Support: Glucosamine, chondroitin, vitamin E, vitamin C, omega 3s + 6s.
- Brain Support: Omega 3 fatty acids, antioxidants, fish oil, B vitamins, arginine.
- Gut Health: Prebiotics, probiotics, yucca root extract, chicory root extract.
