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.


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!

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!

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

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

5 Homemade Dry Cat Food Recipes

When it comes to sorting through the brands and styles of cat food on the market, you might be a bit confused about...

Homemade Dry Cat Food Recipes

Cat Cake Recipes: 5 Vet-Approved Homemade Treats

What’s more festive or celebratory than a decadent cake? We can’t imagine a birthday or holiday without one, and sharing these moments with...

little ginger kitten eats wet food on a plate

3 DIY Tuna Pumpkin Cat Treat Recipes: Vet Approved Treats

We all love treats, and you can find several commercial cat treats for your kitty. But have you ever considered making your own?...

cat eating from feeding bowl

Can You Buy Cat Food With Food Stamps? Important Care Facts

Felines are carnivorous animals. As pets, they cannot rely on themselves to gather all the food they need to stay happy and healthy....

a seal point birman cat eating

More related

Can Cats Eat Cod

Can Cats Eat Cod? Vet Approved Nutritional Facts & FAQ

If you’re a fan of fish and chips, you’re probably already familiar with cod, which is one of the two most common types...

Can Cats Eat Pancakes

Can Cats Eat Pancakes? Vet-Verified Nutritional Facts & Health Advice

If you have a family tradition of eating pancakes for breakfast on a Saturday morning, you might feel bad for excluding your cat....

persian cat eating dry food

My Cat Won’t Eat Dry Food, Should I Worry? 5 Vet-Verified Reasons

Cat owners and toddler parents can agree on at least one thing: dealing with a picky eater is not easy. With preferences changing...

cat being fed a cat treat or cat food by hand

5 DIY Pill Pockets for Cats You Can Make Today

If you’ve ever attempted to give your kitty medication in pill form straight away, you are familiar with their look of disapproval and...

Keep reading

Are Indoor Cats Happy & Fulfilled? Vet-Verified Facts & FAQ

Many cat owners wonder about the happiness and well-being of their cats when it comes to keeping them indoors. On one hand, there’s the idea that a cat should be free to roam outside; on the other hand, some argue...

white Maine Coon cat at home

Are ZZ Plants Toxic to Cats? Vet-Reviewed Houseplants Examined

Famously known as the ZZ plant, the Zamioculcas zamiifolia is a popular houseplant due to its ability to thrive even in unfavorable conditions. These hardy plants grow to about 3 feet tall indoors and have bright-green glossy leaves that some...

Catster_Are ZZ Plants Toxic to Cats

What Can Cats Drink Besides Water? 3 Vet-Approved Options

Did you know your cat probably doesn’t drink enough water? Urinary problems are the reason behind many vet visits, whether it’s treatment for bladder stones, cysts, or other problems falling under Urinary Tract Disease. Urinary problems are actually the leading...

What Can Cats Drink Besides Water

Can Cats Get Kidney Transplants? Our Vet Discusses Facts & Considerations

Kidney disease is one of the most common causes of illness and death in cats, with almost 80% of cats over 15 years experiencing some form of renal insufficiency. Although it is usually associated with older felines, younger cats—through congenital...

two different cats standing side by side outdoors in the garden

How Many Toes Does A Cat Have? Feline Paw Anatomy Explained

Cats have amazing paws. They use them for various activities, from sensing vibrations to spreading pheromones. So, how many toes does a cat have? Most have 18 toes—10 in front and eight in back. The 5th front toe is positioned...

white cat wave his paws

Can Cats Eat Cockroaches? Vet-Verified Facts, Risks & Tips

It can be hard to believe that cats would be interested in cockroaches. These insects are generally considered an unpleasant nuisance, especially compared to our lovable felines. However, cats find them interesting enough to chase and sometimes even eat. Fortunately,...

Can Cats Eat Cockroaches

Why Do Cats Like Bathtubs? 9 Possible Reasons (Vet Reviewed)

While it’s common knowledge that many cats don’t like water, it’s not uncommon for cats to spend time hanging out near bathtubs. They typically don’t like bathtubs that have much water in them, but some cats seem to have an...

a cat sitting in the bathtub

What Causes Sudden Fever in Cats? Our Vet Explains Causes, Signs & FAQ

One of the most frustrating things we face as pet owners is when our furry family members don’t feel well, especially when we don’t know why. Fevers can be especially difficult to diagnose and treat because there often isn’t an...

digital thermometer showing a cat has a fever