Senior wet food for an 11-year-old Cymric cat

Your vet's advice to increase moisture intake is really common for cats your Cymric's age — and it's good that you're acting on it. Senior cats generally do better with higher protein (not lower, despite the old advice), reduced phosphorus to protect kidney function, and wet food is often the best way to tick both boxes while keeping them properly hydrated. The right choice does depend on whether there are any specific health concerns beyond hydration. So — how old is your Cymric exactly, are there any diagnosed conditions like early kidney disease or digestive issues, and what are they eating at the moment?

That's really useful context. "Kidneys looked a little stressed" on bloods, without a formal CKD diagnosis, is exactly the stage where diet can make a meaningful difference. The goal is to increase her daily water intake significantly — cats on dry food alone often live in a state of mild chronic dehydration, which puts cumulative pressure on the kidneys over years. Transitioning to wet food now is a smart move. Can I ask — is she a fussy eater? And does she have any known sensitivities, or has she always been pretty straightforward with food?

Good to know — a picky cat who's been on dry food her whole life can take a bit of coaxing with wet, so palatability really matters here. Given her age, the early kidney stress flag, and her pickiness, I'd go with Royal Canin Ageing 12+ wet food in gravy. I know she's 11 not 12, but this range is formulated precisely for what her vet flagged — it's designed to support kidney function with controlled phosphorus, it's high in protein, and the gravy format is one of the more palatable options for cats making the switch from dry. Royal Canin's flavour profile also tends to land well with cats already used to their dry food, so the brand familiarity can help with acceptance. It comes in chicken and fish varieties, which suits her preferences. Start by mixing a small amount alongside her kibble and gradually shift the ratio over two to three weeks — her digestive system and her preferences will both adjust better that way.

You don't have to go completely cold turkey on the dry, but the closer you can get to predominantly wet, the better for her hydration. A common approach is to make wet food the main meal — say two to three pouches a day — and use a small amount of dry as a topper or snack if she's resistant at first. Over time, most cats settle into the wet routine well. If she's drinking more water on her own too, that's a bonus, but wet food will do a lot of the heavy lifting. Worth mentioning to your vet at her next check that you've made the switch — they'll likely want to recheck her bloods in six months or so to see if it's made a difference.

Great choice for her situation. The gradual transition is key — don't be put off if she's sceptical the first few days, that's normal for cats who've only known dry food. Stick with it and she should come round. Hope her next blood panel shows the improvement your vet is looking for.