When should I switch my kitten to adult cat food?

Most kittens are ready to transition to adult food around 12 months. Larger breeds like Maine Coons may benefit from staying on a kitten or all-life-stages formula until 15-18 months, as they continue growing longer. Transition gradually over 7-10 days by mixing increasing amounts of the new food with the old.

At what age is a cat considered senior?

Different veterinary organisations use different cutoffs, but a common convention is mature around 7-10 years and senior around 11-14 years, with geriatric applied to cats 15 and older. From a practical standpoint, more frequent vet monitoring becomes valuable from around 7-10 years regardless of the exact label used.

Does my senior cat need senior cat food?

Not automatically. 'Senior' is a marketing category on pet food, not a regulated AAFCO life-stage designation. A healthy older cat may do well on any good adult maintenance food. If your senior cat has a specific health condition -- like kidney disease or hyperthyroidism -- your vet can guide you on whether a specific formula or prescription diet is appropriate.

Why is my older cat losing weight even though they seem to be eating normally?

Unexplained weight loss in a senior cat despite a normal or good appetite is often a sign of an underlying condition -- hyperthyroidism and kidney disease are among the most common causes in older cats. This warrants a vet visit rather than simply increasing food portions, so the underlying cause can be identified.

Can I feed my cat the same food their whole life?

Only if it's appropriate for each life stage. A kitten needs a growth formula; an adult can stay on a good adult maintenance food for years; a senior with health changes may need adjustments. A food labelled for 'all life stages' is technically suitable from kittenhood through adulthood, though individual health conditions in later life may call for specific formulas. Regular vet check-ups are the best guide for when changes are needed.

Understanding Cat Life Stages | PetCalculator

Cats are categorised into life stages -- kitten, adult, mature, and senior -- that shape their nutritional and veterinary care needs. Here's how those stages are defined and why they matter for food selection and health monitoring.