Our cat Grey, above (more commonly known as “Greybie”) lived to be almost twenty years old! He literally died just a few weeks before his twentieth birthday.
(By the way, if you’re struck by the fact that naming a grey cat “Grey” is the single more un-original thing you’ve ever heard of, it helps a little to realize that he was born in our laundry room, to a black cat who had several black kittens — and only one who was grey.)
Watching your cat get older can be difficult for many reasons, but one way that you can help your older feline buddy age gracefully is by switching their diet to one that is specifically geared towards improving their oral health.
In this post, we’ll look in detail at the best food options for senior cats with poor teeth.
And don’t forget to scroll all they way down to the bottom of the post, where we’ll talk about cat dental health in general.
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Hill’s Science Diet Dry Cat Food, Oral Care
Hill’s Science Diet Dry Cat Food, Oral Care
Hill’s claims to be the #1 Veterinarian Recommended brand, with more than 220 veterinarians, food scientists, technicians and Ph.D. nutritionists working together to develop their food.
Hill’s Science Diet Dry Cat Food Dental Care is a great soft dry food for cats without teeth because it helps to reduce tartar and plaque accumulation in older cats. It promotes not only proper dental hygiene but also a well-balanced diet.
It’s produced using high-quality, natural components. Reviewers (or rather, their cats) liked this dry food because it has the ideal blend of flavor and crunchiness. At the same time, it’s a soft, dry cat food that’s simple to chew.
This meal is extremely beneficial to your pet’s general health, with with vitamin E and omega 6 fatty acids that contribute to a healthy fur coat.
This dry food has no artificial ingredients, making it fully safe for your cat. This product is produced in the United States and is highly recommended by veterinarians.
Another nice side benefit is that it effectively freshens your cat’s breath as they eat it!
One Amazon reviewer said this food improved her cat’s teeth quickly and was a lot cheaper than a professional cleaning:
I bought this food because I noticed that my cat had lots of tartar on her back teeth. I looked up the prices for a tooth cleaning and with anesthesia it was more than $500 per session! Sometimes when you own a pet you do have to make sacrifices like that, however first I wanted to try something else …
… my cat has been eating this food Mixtown about 1/3 of this food with 2/3 of her normal food. First of all she eats these big crunchy pieces for so I think she likes them more. Second of all I just checked her back teeth after about 34 months of eating this food and the tartar in the back is literally completely gone. I am so impressed with us! It’s saved me so much money on a tooth cleaning!
However, it’s important to note that this dry food is not advised for kittens, pregnant cats, or nursing cats, so keep these meals separate if your older kitty with teeth issues is sharing food with other kitties in the house.
Pros:
- Vitamin E and omega-6 fatty acids are included
- It is easily absorbed and digested
- Contains fiber that cleanses the teeth and helps to prevent plaque development
Cons:
- The kibble size seems to be a little bit, so some cats may have trouble consuming it
- It may become a little messy at times
Hill’s Prescription Diet t/d Dental Care
Hill’s Prescription Diet t/d Dental Care
T/D is the “Prescription Diet” line from Hill’s that’s sold by veterinarians. It has the same purpose as the Oral Care food listed above, but is a little more expensive.
Science Hill describes the difference this way on the Amazon product page:
Prescription Diet t/d is for pets with periodontal disease, since it not only provides unsurpassed reduction in accumulation of plaque, stain and tartar but gingivitis as well. Science Diet Oral Care is the best maintenance food for healthy pets, since it provides the superior nutrition of Science Diet, plus the benefit of cleaning teeth and freshening breath with every bite.
The difference in efficacy between Prescription Diet t/d and Science Diet Oral Care is related to the size of the kibble. Prescription Diet t/d has a larger kibble, which increases chewing time and therefore the mechanical cleaning action…
This dry food has been clinically proved to decrease tartar, stains, and plaque accumulation. For senior cats with poor teeth, this wet food provides a balanced diet and nourishment.
It has a unique kibble size and shape specially designed to aid in tooth cleaning. It contains vitamins and minerals, which makes it extremely useful to a cat’s general health.
The ingredient include chicken by-product meal, corn gluten meal, powdered cellulose, chicken fat, calcium sulfate, potassium chloride, and brewers rice. It is rich in water content and does not include any artificial additives.
Many reviewers said they used these kibbles as treats as opposed to a meal, as per their vet’s recommendation, and therefore one bag lasted a long time.
Pros:
- Fiber is present, which aids in tooth cleaning
- Defends against bacteria
- Struvite danger is reduced
Cons:
- Sells for a higher price
- Contains soybean oil
Royal Canin Adult Cat Sensitive Digestion Dry Adult Cat Food
Royal Canin Adult Cat Sensitive Digestion Dry Adult Cat Food
If your cat has terrible teeth and you’re looking for dry food, this Royal Canin Sensitive Digestion dry food is a good choice. It’s designed specifically for cats with poor oral health.
It aids in the improvement of a cat’s overall dental health. In just seven days, it has been clinically demonstrated to decrease plaque by 41%. Its kibbles are crispy, and the cat’s teeth are cleaned as he nibbles them.
This dry food is designed with nutritious components that are good for your cat’s general health. Teeth cleaning is quite tough, especially for senior cats. As a result, utilizing dry food like this one aids in maintaining a cat’s dental hygiene.
One of the advantages of this dry food is that it tastes delicious and is well-liked by cats. It also contains fiber, which aids digestion.
Pros:
- This food is easy for older cats to digest
- Vet-recommended
- Protein-dense
Cons:
- Can be pricey
- The kibble can be hard for cats with severe teeth issues to chew
Hill’s Science Diet Canned Wet Cat Food
Hill’s Science Diet Canned Wet Cat Food
Hill’s Science Diet canned wet cat food gives your cat the nutrients and support it needs. It’s created with high-quality protein and other ingredients imported from nations all over the world, including Canada, Japan, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand.
All of the nutrients in this product are easy to digest and will help your senior cat’s immune system, which tends to be weaker than those of younger cats.
This product also has a distinct taste that cats seem to enjoy. It appeals to cats because of the high-quality protein it contains.
Pros:
- Vet-recommended
- Contains all-natural ingredients
- Supports healthy fur, skin, and bowel movements
Cons:
- Slightly pricier than some other foods
- Includes a few by-products
Royal Canin Aging 12+ Wet Canned Cat Food
Royal Canin Aging 12+ Wet Canned Cat Food
This wet food is specifically designed for senior cats 12 years and older. It contains both Omega-3 fatty acids to help maintain healthy joints and controlled phosphorus levels to help with kidney support. It’s suggested to mix it with Royal Canin Dry food.
This food comes in tiny cubed chunks with a lot of gravy, making it easy for a senior cat to pick up with its teeth or lick.
This reviewer said this food was a game-changer for her 16 year old cat that was in poor health:
My 16 year old Manx has been in steady decline. She’s on thyroid medication and has failing kidneys; she had lost half her body weight and was skin and bones. She has always been very active and vocal but was spending her days sleeping; she wouldn’t “talk” to me in the mornings anymore.
I bought this food because she showed interest in the baby cat food I had bought for the kitten. She loves it! And she’s like a different creature now! She has gained a little weight and is more active; I even caught her playing with the kitten’s toys. She’s back to greeting me in the mornings and “talking” while I get ready for work. I hear her purr more often and she “asks” for her food every morning and evening. I am so, so happy and relieved that we don’t just have more time with her, but that it’s quality time.
Pros:
- Easy for older cats to eat
- Good for cats with sensitive gums
- High in protein and essential fatty acids
Cons:
- Expensive
Purina Pro Plan Weight Control Senior Pate Wet Cat Food
Purina Pro Plan Weight Control Senior Pate Wet Cat Food
Purina Pro Plan is Purina’s line of premium cat foods that tailors its recipes to specific traits. It’s a little more “high-end” than the cans of food you’ll find on the shelves of Kroger or Walmart.
This reviewer is one of many who said that their picky cat loved it:
… After comparing a lot of different brands, I took a stab at this one, and crossed my fingers …
I had no reason to be concerned! This stuff is amazing, definitely the best we’ve gotten in the same price range!It’s completely smooth, smells great, and she goes nuts when I open a new can! She hasn’t been this excited about eating since I brought her home after a long stint in the street. And I love everything they have to say about it on the package. They address all major concerns. This is the cat food we’ve been waiting for! She’s crazy about it, and I finally feel like I’m really doing right by her, instead of only just meeting a basic need. I highly recommend this brand to other finicky cat parents. Trust me, you can’t go wrong here …
Pros:
- Nutrition designed for healthy aging
- Smooth texture
- Wide variety of flavors
Cons:
- Contains fish
Sheba Perfect Portions Wet Cat Food Paté in Natural Juices
Sheba Perfect Portions Wet Cat Food Paté in Natural Juices
The marketing for this cat food kinda cracks me up, between the photo, the use of the words “pate” and “entree,” and the fact that the food is served on a “tray.” Ooh-la-la!
Chicken, turkey, salmon, and beef are among the “entrees” available in this wet cat food.
It comes in a variety of sizes and shapes for food trays. All you have to do now is peel the potatoes and serve the dish straight from the tray.
Unlike canned meals, each tray includes the proper amount of portion size, so you won’t have to worry about wrapping up leftovers and putting them in the fridge, only to forget about them and re-discover their nastiness several days later. (Or is that just me?)
The best part about this wet food is that it’s free of potentially harmful substances like soy, wheat, cereals, maize, and colorants.
Pros:
- There are no artificial flavors
- Vitamins and minerals can be found in this food
- Tasty
Cons:
- Expensive
- Packaging is not that impressive
Purina ONE Natural Dry Cat Food, Sensitive Skin & Stomach Formula
Purina ONE Natural Dry Cat Food, Sensitive Skin & Stomach Formula
If you’re searching for dry cat food that’s also affordable, this Purina One Natural Sensitive Formula is a good option. The best part about this dry food is that it has turkey as the main component and is made up of 34% protein, ensuring that your furry buddy will like it.
The stomachs of older cats are frequently delicate, and they have trouble digesting food. This composition is simple to digest and helps cats’ teeth and bones. It also nourishes the skin, making it a good choice for senior cats.
This food also contains high-quality protein. This food is one of the best options for felines that are prone to tummy troubles. Exercise caution with regards to how quickly you switch your elderly cat’s food.
Pros:
- Contains no fillers
- Rich in protein
- Contains essential vitamins and minerals
- The main ingredient is 100% real turkey meat
Cons:
- Contains chicken
- May cause gas or bloating in cats with sensitive stomachs
- Kibble is relatively small
Purina Fancy Feast Natural Gravy Wet Cat Food Variety Pack
Purina Fancy Feast Natural Gravy Wet Cat Food Variety Pack
Moist food is one of the finest things for senior cats with dental issues, not only because wet food is easy to chew, but also to digest.
This product comes in a variety of tastes, including chicken, beef, and turkey. So you’ll always have the proper flavor for your cat, no matter what his or her preferences are.
The benefit of this meal is that it gives your cat with complete and balanced nourishment. Your kitten will be able to devour the food without difficulty because it contains tiny bits.
This tasty gravy is included in this moist cat chow, and it tickles the tastebuds of our feline friends.
Pros:
- Food contains essential vitamins and minerals
- Supports general health
- Budget-friendly
Cons:
- Known to cause a runny tummy in older cats
- Contains meat by-products
IAMS Proactive Health Senior Dry Cat Food
IAMS Proactive Health Senior Dry Cat Food
Cats’ health begins to decline as they get older. As a result, eating nutritious meals is critical to maintaining their immune system’s strength and overall health.
This Iams Proactive Health Healthy Senior is a great selection for the finest healthy solution for elderly cats with bone and tooth issues.
It is high in protein and helps to nourish your cat’s muscles. It contains vitamin E, which is excellent for an elderly cat’s immune system. Apart from that, the crunchy kibbles in Iams proactive health healthy senior assist in the elimination of tartar development.
It contains critical nutrients that help your feline friend’s general wellness.
This reviewer says this food was perfect for their cat who only has three teeth:
My boyfriend and I adopted a cat that the humane society said was 10 years old, but our vet told us was likely closer to 15. He only has 3 teeth, so we were feeding him wet food exclusively, but he was acting hungry all the time even though we were feeding him at least 3 times a day. I ordered him this food and he LOVES it. Even with his 3 teeth, he happily munches if down and actually prefers it to wet food. He was a little underweight, but has filled out nicely since being on the iams and has a lot more energy! Would 100% recommend for any senior cat.
Pros:
- Calcium, omega-6 fatty acids, and potassium are all present
- L carnitine is a substance that aids in the maintenance of a healthy weight
- There are no artificial preservatives in this recipe
- There are no fillers in this product
- Encourages proper digestion
Cons:
- Constipation is quite common when switching to this food
- Small kibble size
Hill’s Science Diet Dry Cat Food
Hill’s Science Diet Dry Cat Food
This Hill’s scientific diet dry cat food is especially good for elderly cats since it has a lot of beneficial components that help with bone health, muscular health, and the immune system.
This product contains extra taurine, which is good for heart health. It also contains nutrients that are beneficial to the kidneys and bladder. This product is created in the United States and uses all-natural components. It is simple to digest.
This food is especially great for older felines who struggle with bone or joint pain, as well as those cats that have bladder issues and are prone to infections.
Pros:
- Aids in the maintenance of a healthy coat and skin
- Antioxidants that have been scientifically proved
- There are no artificial preservatives in this recipe
- It’s delicious
Cons:
- Kibble is tiny
- Quite pricey
Blue Buffalo Healthy Aging Natural Mature Dry Cat Food
Blue Buffalo Healthy Aging Natural Mature Dry Cat Food
Buffalo Blue Healthy Aging Dry Cat Food is without a doubt the greatest value-for-money cat food for elderly cats with damaged teeth. This product is exceptionally inexpensive due to its lengthy shelf life and low processing cost.
Buffalo Blue’s formula is completely natural, with no artificial flavors or by-products. The major element is a protein derived from chicken flesh, and the taste will tempt even the pickiest cat.
It also includes vitamins to help their aged immune system.
However, there is only one taste of this food, so if your cat doesn’t like it, you’re out of luck. But it doesn’t affect our opinion of it; it’s still my top pick for the greatest value and oral health in older cats.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Ingredients are all-natural
- There are no by-products or artificial flavors in this product
- Immune system booster
- Long-term storage
Cons:
- Only available in one flavor
Now! 152323 Fresh Grain Free Food For Senior Cats
Now! 152323 Fresh Grain Free Food For Senior Cats
Look no farther than Petcurean’s Now Fresh Cat Food if you’re seeking for grain-free cat food for your senior cat. Your cat will enjoy delectable 100% fresh salmon, duck, and turkey, as well as 100% fresh omega-3 and -6 oils.
Alfalfa sprouts, carrots, kelp, lentils, and spinach are among the healthy vegetables and fruits included in the meal. There are no grains, gluten, by-products, artificial flavors, or other fillers in the food.
It’s safe for cats over the age of seven, and it also helps with weight loss.
This item is more pricey than the others on this list, but it is definitely worth it for the health and happiness of your little kitty.
Pros:
- Includes 100 percent fresh duck, salmon, and turkey and is grain-free and gluten-free
- It contains fruits and vegetables
- Cats over the age of seven will love it
- Omega 3 and 6 oils are included
Cons:
- Expensive
Purina Beyond Grain Free, Natural, High Protein Pate Wet Cat Food
Purina Beyond Grain Free, Natural, High Protein Pate Wet Cat Food
Purina’s Beyond Wild Prey-Inspired Canned Cat Food comes in a variety of tastes to appeal to your cat’s natural meat-eating appetite. It’s a grain-free meal using fowl and turkey as the primary components.
It also contains vegetables and is high in Vitamin A, vital amino acids, and iron. It is a very low-cost, high-protein product.
It does, however, include liver from various animals, which may cause allergic reactions in certain cats. Some cats may also turn their noses up at the liver flavor.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Grain-free
- The major components are chicken and turkey
- Various flavor options
- Vitamins and minerals are included
Cons:
- Some cats may be allergic to liver, and some cats may not enjoy the flavor
Do Rotten Teeth Hurt Cats?
It can.
Sometimes it’s not always obvious when your cat has painful tooth decay. According to Wag Walking, some of the common symptoms include:
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- Bad breath
- Decreased desire to groom (typically seen in poor coat condition)
- Weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Drooling
- Bleeding from the mouth
Do Senior Cats Lose Their Teeth?
They sometimes do, but it’s an expected or normal part of aging. According to Senior Cat Wellness, older cats may lose their teeth due to:
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- Dental disease and decay (tooth resorption)
- Trauma caused by accidents and injuries
- Unbalanced diet (lack of phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and magnesium)
- Compromised gums (periodontal disease)
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Brushing your cat’s teeth at least twice a week will go a long way toward preventing these problems.
Can a Cat Eat Without Its Teeth?
It might sound surprising, but cats without teeth can still eat canned food — or even dry kibble — just fine. Being hunters, they can swallow chunks in a way that we humans don’t — and those rough kitty tongues help them pull food into their mouth.
You may to play around with a few different foods in the list above to see which your cats prefers. Some toothless kitties like to eat soft food, but others prefer dry food.
Can Cats Get Gum Disease?
According to the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, 50 and 90% of cats older than four years of age suffer from some form of dental disease, but fortunately the most common forms of these diseases are largely preventable or treatable with appropriate preventive dental care and monitoring.
The three most common dental diseases in cats are gingivitis, periodontitis, and tooth resorption
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- Gingivitis — a condition in which the gums around the teeth become red, swollen, and painful.This is usually due to the buildup of plaque and can be prevented by regular tooth brushing. (Note: Don’t use human toothpaste, as it can be toxic to cats.) Fortunately, gingivitis is usually reversible.
- Periodontitis — Untreated gingivitis can lead to periodontitis, which is when the tissues that attach the tooth to the underlying gums and bone are weakened. It can lead to loose teeth and bone loss.
- Tooth Resorption — The most common cause of tooth loss in cats, this is when the tooth structure breaks down, beginning inside the tooth, and often progressing to other parts of the tooth. The cause is unknown.
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Thanks for reading this post. I hope you’ve learned a lot about how to keep your kitty in good dental health and how to give them food that best meets their needs.