If your cat is putting on weight you may need to reduce the amount of food that you give her, but some older cats may start to lose weight and may need more food (or better quality food). As cats get older their sense of smell and taste may be reduced and if your cat's appetite seems poor - tempt her to eat by feeding richer, strong smelling foods.

Older cats digest their food less well and may need to eat relatively more food to absorb all the nutrients they need. You should always have your cat examined by your vet if she starts to gain or lose weight as this may be a sign of a medical condition that may need treatment. You can get special diets, designed for older cats, are available from your vet. It is not necessary to give cats milk, but plenty of clean fresh water must always be available, as older cats often need to drink more. Increased thirst is often the first sign of illness in older cats, so if your cat starts to drink more water you should ask your vet to examine them.