Best Food for Senior Cats in New Zealand

As our feline friends start to clock up the years, their nutritional needs change. Just like humans, cats experience shifts in energy levels, metabolism, and health as they age — and their diets should adapt accordingly. If you’re caring for an older kitty, choosing the best food for senior cats in New Zealand can make a world of difference in maintaining their health and happiness. At Petdirect, we get pet — and we’re here to help you support your senior cat through every stage of ageing with expert advice and top nutrition picks.

Why Senior Cats Have Special Dietary Needs

Senior cats — generally those aged 7 and above — often have unique requirements compared to younger cats. While some may still be sprightly and zoomy, others may need a little extra help in keeping weight off, managing joint pain, or supporting weakened kidneys.

Common signs your cat may benefit from senior-specific food include:

• Weight loss or gain without a change in activity
• Less grooming or a dull coat
• Reduced activity or stiffness in movement
• Changes in appetite or digestion

Specially formulated cat food for seniors offers targeted support, including highly digestible protein, limited fat, and added supplements for joints, kidneys and cognitive health.

Top Ingredients To Look For In Senior Cat Food

When choosing the right diet for your golden oldie, look for these key ingredients:

• High quality, digestible protein – Supports lean muscle mass as cats may lose muscle with age.
• Omega fatty acids – Help maintain a healthy skin and coat, and support cognitive function.
• Joint support supplements – Glucosamine and chondroitin can help maintain mobility in ageing joints.
• Taurine – An essential amino acid for heart and eye health.
• Controlled phosphorus – Important for kidney health, which is often a concern in older cats.
• Added fibre and probiotics – Support digestive health and minimise hairballs.

Explore our expert range of science-led nutrition to find foods that tick all the right boxes for your senior cat.

Best Senior Cat Food Brands At Petdirect

Wondering where to begin? These top-rated brands offer senior-specific cat food trusted by New Zealand pet parents:

• Royal Canin – Offers age-tailored kibble textures and precise formulas to support mobility, kidney function, and overall vitality in older cats.
• Hill’s Science Diet – Specially crafted by pet nutrition experts to support ageing cats with antioxidants, gentle fibre and controlled minerals for kidney health.
• ZIWI – A premium, grain-free option using high-meat content, air-dried ingredients. Great for fussy eaters or cats with sensitivities.
• Feline Natural – Proudly New Zealand-made, using natural, freeze-dried ingredients perfect for cats who thrive on a raw-inspired diet.
• Black Hawk – Wholesome, Australian-made food with protein-rich, nutrient-dense recipes designed to support senior wellbeing.

If your cat has specific medical needs, talk to your vet about vet-approved diets tailored for kidney, urinary, or weight management support.

Wet, Dry Or Freeze-Dried — What’s Best?

Senior cats often do best with food that’s gentle on the teeth and easy to digest. Wet food helps keep them hydrated, as cats naturally don’t drink a lot of water. Dry food provides dental benefits and can be useful for grazers. Freeze-dried diets offer raw nutrition with added convenience and are often gentler on older stomachs.

Why not mix and match using our toppers and mixers to add variety, boost nutrients, and entice picky seniors? You can also explore wet food options, dry food formulas, or freeze-dried cat food to suit your cat’s taste and lifestyle.

Other Ways To Support Senior Cat Health With Diet

In addition to choosing the best food for your older cat, you can help support their health holistically by adding targeted supplements such as:

• Joint supplements – Help keep them climbing, pouncing, and stretching comfortably.
• Digestive support – Reduce hairballs and tummy upsets.
• Skin and coat supplements – Keep their fur soft and shiny.

Don’t forget regular check-ups with your vet — senior cats benefit from annual wellness checks to catch any age-related issues early on, especially kidney or dental problems.

Make Mealtimes Easier For Older Cats

If your golden oldie is slowing down or seems more sensitive, choosing the right accessories can really help. Try raised cat food bowls to reduce joint strain, and a pet smart water fountain to encourage regular hydration. You might also find that switching to an automatic litter box or extra-soft bedding supports their aging bodies.

A Lifetime Of Love Deserves Gentle Nutrition

Senior cats fill our lives with love, loyalty and the occasional meow-demanded cuddle. Giving them the best nutrition in their golden years is one of the greatest ways we can return that love. With age-appropriate ingredients, high quality brands, and helpful additions like supplements and smart feeding solutions, your cat can enjoy a comfortable, healthy life well into their twilight years. At Petdirect, we’re here to make it simple for you — because We Get Pet.

Explore our full range of senior cat food and enjoy convenient shopping with AutoDeliver, earn rewards through our Pet Perks loyalty programme, and collect Airpoints every time you shop.