My elderly cat has been fed on Hills dried food for years but in recent months took a dislike to it and just refused to eat it. She only has one tooth left (the rest were removed several years ago) but the vet assured me she could still eat dried food as they just bolt it down. I eventually gave in to her refusing the dried food and, after trying several different types of dried food, started feeding her half a sachet of Whiskas senior food in the morning and evening, whilst still leaving a dish of dried food down for her in case she's hungry at other times. She absolutely loves the wet food but too much of it gives her diarrhoea so I won't give her any more than 1 sachet a day. She's also started putting on weight and is getting a little podgy. My problem is that she constantly pesters me and obviously wants more wet food. Should I give in to her and feed her more wet food (and put up with the poo) or try to find another dried food for in between meals? Any recommendations? I've tried Hills (all varieties), Whiskas Senior, James Wellbeloved, Pets at Home own brand and Iams. She also keeps pooing on the floor, but that's a completely different problem!

I would feed her wet food, and feed a different brand like hi life. And cook her some chicken.

Yep, I agree, stick with the wet food if thats what she likes, but try a brand with higher meat and no cereals (Hi Life, Natures Menu, Applaws etc) and she'll be less likely to have the runs. Obviously make any changes gradually to avoid tummy upsets. Wet food is better for them because of the high moisture content and especially so if she's elderly.

I suspect the pooing on the floor is related to having the runs, I think once thats cleared up she'll use the tray (presume she has a litter tray?) It would be worth getting her checked at the vets though just in case there is a medical reason.

Yes, she has a litter tray and doesn't go out much as we used to live in a flat so she's used to being indoors. Even if she goes out, she still comes in to use the litter tray! The result of feeding her wet food is that she wees and poos a great deal more than she used to, so I think she's having trouble getting used to it. She poos on the floor right next to the litter tray. Thanks for the other suggestions cat food wise. I'll give them a try.

My cat does this also. She'll wee in it but won't poo in it for some reason. I've never found out why despite adding several other litter trays to the house. I've recently started her on wet food more for gaining weight after she's had an overactive thyroid. She went off her dried food despite still having all of her teeth. It would be best if you get her checked out at the vets to see if there's no underlying problem.

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