Get

In Your Inbox

Catster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

6 Homemade Cat Food Recipes for Senior Cats (With Pictures)

Homemade Cat Food Recipes for Senior Cats

We all know that a nutritionally balanced diet made up of high quality ingredients is vital to a long and healthy life. But with so many types of senior cat food on the market, how can you be sure that you’re choosing one that fits your elderly feline’s dietary restrictions? Well, in short, extensive research! This is only one option though – you might also opt for a few vet-approved recipes that you can create in your own kitchen.

Now, before making any sort of drastic switch in the food you serve to your cat, you should clear it with your veterinarian.  Unfortunately, there isn’t one size fits all when it comes to transitioning your cat to senior food. So, your vet will have a better understanding of the health of your feline and what they require as they enter their golden years!

Although cats are obligate carnivores, there is a lot more involved than just giving them some meat. It’s important to make sure they are getting the right amount of protein, fats, vitamins, and minerals, and this is particularly important for our older felines. This can be really tricky to do at home, which is why AAFCO-approved and formulated cat foods are the safest way to go. There are lots more options these days when it comes to commercial cat food, with companies like Smalls that make freshly prepared meals that are just like homemade but have been tested to ensure they meet AAFCO standards.

The following recipes will provide you with some great inspiration for creating some healthy homemade recipes for your geriatric feline, but we recommend that these are only given once or twice a week as a special treat.

divider 3 paws

The 6 Homemade Cat Food Recipes for Senior Cats:

1. The Easiest Senior Cat Food Recipe

cutting-boiled-chicken

Chicken & Tuna Senior Cat Food

If you're looking for a great cat food recipe for senior cats, you've found it. This is the world's easiest recipe - just blend three simple ingredients - and it provides great nutrition to your elderly kitty, which is low in fat for more sedentary lifestyles, with fiber to help keep them regular. Serve your cat a healthy treat!
Prep Time 2 minutes
Cook Time 4 minutes
Total Time 6 minutes

Equipment

  • Blender or food processor
  • Storage container

Ingredients
 

  • 1/2 cup chicken breast (plain) cooked
  • 1/2 can tuna within springwater with oil
  • 1 tbsp cooked sweet potato or pumpkin

Instructions
 

  • Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces
  • Combine with the tuna & veg and serve!
  • If your elderly cat struggles with eating chunks, you can combine all three ingredients in your blender or food processor to create a paté consistency.
  • Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to three days or the freezer for up to three weeks.

Notes

Image credit: Tagwaran, Shutterstock
Keyword cat food recipes, cat food recipes for senior cats, senior cat food recipes

2. Tuna Patties

This easy to assemble recipe includes 4 ingredients that will keep your senior cat both intrigued and satisfied. Ready in a whopping 15 minutes means you will able to whip this meal up for your feline in a jiffy. The recipe yields 6 patties and depending on your cat’s feeding schedule will last two or three days in the fridge. The best part about this recipe is that the ingredients are simple enough to stockpile in your pantry. Make sure that when you are choosing canned products, that you select the ones that are free of any additives.


3. Supplemented Chicken Cat Food

old black and white cat eating
Image Credit by: Elizabett, Shutterstock

This recipe will require a bit more of a commitment from you as it takes about an hour to prepare and includes a few supplements that senior cats may benefit from. Now before supplementing your feline with any of the vitamins in this recipe it is important that you receive approval from your vet! Once you have the A-OK, you can proceed with this hearty senior cat food recipe!

While sharing human food with your cat is not always safe, we have a solution that will keep you both smiling.

We've currently got a 40% discount to share on the HUMAN-GRADE premium cat food that ranked number #1 in our reviews! CLICK HERE & use code Catster24 to SAVE 40% on Smalls cat food!


4. Mackerel Recipe for Senior Cats

Fish is an excellent source of fatty yet nutritional oils for cats. When we think of their love for fish, tuna might be the first swimmer to pop into our heads, but mackerel is a much healthier option. This recipe would be a great treat for a senior cat once or twice a week to ensure they get their fill of the healthy fats mackerel provides! Sardines are another great alternative if you are looking to swap mackerel occasionally.

Our Favorite Product Right Now

Since you invest a lot of time curating the perfect homemade recipes for your cat, it would only make sense to present it in a high-quality, modern bowl to match. Serve your cat in style with the Hepper NomNom Cat Bowl! Dual, stainless steel bowls are wide and shallow for optimum comfort and an elegant wide tray collects crumbs or splashes. Learn more about the NomNom Bowl here.

Hepper NomNom - Spill Proof Elevated Cat Bowl
  • NO MESS - The 360° tray on this cat food and water bowl set has a raised design to catch and...
  • WHISKER FRIENDLY - Shallow and wide metal containers with flat bottoms ensure your kitty can enjoy...
  • CHEW-SAFE MATERIALS - Kittens and cats love chewing on silicone and soft rubber - but it's a choking...

At Catster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!


5. Homemade Chicken Cat Food

cat eating chicken dinner
Image Credit: Chendongshan, Shutterstock

This recipe is a great option if your senior cat also has a sensitive tummy. This recipe is cooked, simple, and sure to be a favorite of your mature feline! There are only 4 ingredients, each natural and free of additives, making it easily digestible.


6. Homemade Beef Cat Food

Here is another great option for senior cats with sensitivities. Limited and all-natural ingredients and simple preparation make this recipe one for the books!

Get Free Cat Food Recall Alerts!

Your cat’s health matters. Get instant notifications about cat food recalls here

divider 1 paws

Wrapping Up

Of course, old age is inevitable, but that doesn’t mean we need to start preparing for the worst. It means we should prepare for the long haul! Maintaining the health of your feline as they age should be a priority and starting with their food is an excellent idea.

We hope that you have found these unique yet simple recipes useful when learning how to make cat food for senior cats!

Looking for more great recipes for your feline? Check these out!


Feature Image Credit: Kristi Blokhin, Shutterstock

Want content like this delivered to you?

Sign Up For Our Newsletter

News, insights, expert advice, and everything cat

* By submitting, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Catster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

Recipe Rating




Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

Cat Peeing in Front of the Litter Box? 14 Vet-Reviewed Solutions to Try

Discovering a little puddle of cat pee in front of the litter box can be frustrating, but your cat is not doing this...

Can Cats Watch Baby Sensory Videos? Is It Good for Them?

Indoor cats are wonderful pets and companions that bring millions of people joy and comfort. However, one drawback to being an indoor cat...

“Play Him Off, Keyboard Cat!” Why Did It Go So Viral?

Most of the time, meme culture moves too fast to perceive. If you want to feel old, listen to this: Steamed Hams, the...

190+ Big-Eared Cat Names: Creative and Funny Ways to Call Your Pet

Whether you have an Oriental Shorthair or another pure breed with big ears or your mixed-breed kitten has massive ears, their name is...

More related

Do All Cats Have a Primordial Pouch? Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ

Cats can be a real mystery for a lot of reasons. They’re unique and independent creatures that often leave us scratching our heads....

What Do Cats Feel When They’re in Heat? Vet Explained Pain, Cycles & Estrus

Perhaps you have been sitting on your couch, enjoying your favorite show, when you have heard the unmistakable sound of a cat howling...

Is It Safe to Vacuum Cat Litter? Facts & Cleaning Tips

Ask any cat owner what the least fun part of living with their pet is, and most will probably say dealing with the...

EveryCat Health Foundation Honored Recipient of Cat Writers’ Association Annual Fundraiser in 2025

EveryCat Health Foundation has been honored with the November 10th Donation Award from the Cat Writers’ Association, in conjunction with the CWA’s 30th...

Keep reading

When Will My Current Cat Stop Hissing at My New Kitten? Vet-Verified Tips and FAQs

Bringing a new pet home, especially a kitten, is exciting. The new addition to your family almost always brings joy to their new family members, but if you already own an older cat, it can be tricky to get them...

cat-smelling-kitten

How to Save a Cat From Choking: Can I Do the Heimlich Maneuver? Vet-Reviewed Guide

True choking occurs when something is stuck at the very back of the throat, which leads to the windpipe being obstructed. This often occurs when the animal doesn’t chew thoroughly or eats something that they shouldn’t. Fortunately, cats are quite...

cat cough

Can Cats Eat Veggie Straws? Vet-Verified Facts & FAQ

Human treats are not known for being “healthy”. The average potato chip is mostly fat, oil, and salt, with artificial additives and flavorings and zero nutritional value. Enter: Veggie Straws, a crispy vegetable snack (shaped like a short straw) that...

Can Cats Eat Veggie Straws

Can Cats Eat Goldfish? Vet-Reviewed Risks & Precautions

Cats are popular pets that are obligate carnivores, meaning they need nutrients found in animal protein to survive. They also happen to be exceptional hunters who skilfully catch and consume various live prey. Most domestic cats will eat a commercial...

Can Cats Eat Goldfish

15 Hazards That Could Hurt or Kill Your Cat & How to Avoid Them (Vet Reviewed)

When you are at home relaxing with your cat, you might be totally oblivious to all the hazards around the home. After all, we don’t foresee some events, making it difficult to navigate. While we could go on for hours...

vet wrapping cat's injured paw with bandage

Can Cats Eat Roses? Vet-Reviewed Safety Facts & Information

Have you ever walked into your rose garden and caught your cat nibbling on rose petals? Or perhaps you’ve found them snacking on your beautiful bouquet in your kitchen, and you’re worried about whether or not roses are safe for...

Can Cats Eat Roses

Can Cats Eat Toothpaste? Vet-Verified Risks & Precautions

Toothpaste is a standard personal care item found in most homes and some handbags and briefcases. If your beloved feline has found their way into your dental care products, you might be wondering if toothpaste can be harmful to cats....

Can Cats Eat Toothpaste

Can Cats Drink Distilled Water? Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQs

If you’re unsure about the quality of your tap water, you may be concerned about drinking it yourself or offering it to your cat. Distilled water is an alternative to tap water, but can cats drink distilled water, and is...

Can Cats Drink Distilled Water