Senior cat food for weight control after gain

Weight gain on a senior food is frustrating — it happens more than you'd think, because many senior formulas are actually quite calorie-dense despite the marketing. Senior cats generally do need higher protein to maintain muscle mass, reduced phosphorus to protect kidney health, and often benefit from wet food for hydration. But the right formula really depends on your cat's health picture. How old is your cat, are there any health conditions in the mix, and what were you feeding when the weight crept up?

Got it — 600g on a Tonkinese in six months is meaningful, and 5.8kg is genuinely heavy for the breed. The Hills Senior is a decent food but it's not calorie-restricted, so cats that are less active or metabolically slower can gain on it easily. Since there are no kidney or thyroid issues flagged yet, you have good flexibility. Can I ask — is she currently on dry food only, or does she get wet food too? And is she indoor-only?

That combination — dry only, indoor, low activity — is exactly the recipe for gradual weight gain, especially once metabolism slows around 8–10 years. Dry food is calorie-dense, and cats aren't great at self-regulating portions. My clear recommendation here is Royal Canin Satiety Weight Management for cats. It's a properly formulated weight-loss dry food with high protein to protect muscle while cutting calories, plus added fibre to help her feel full. It's specifically designed for overweight cats and has a good track record. I'd also suggest adding even one small wet meal a day — it reduces overall calorie density and keeps her hydrated. But start with the Satiety and measure portions precisely using the guide on the pack for her target weight of 5kg, not her current weight.

It's safe long-term — it's nutritionally complete and balanced, not a crash diet. Some cats stay on it indefinitely if they're prone to weight gain, which indoor cats often are. Once she reaches her target weight you could reassess, but many owners of less active cats stick with it permanently or transition to Royal Canin Indoor, which is lighter than a standard adult food but less aggressively calorie-restricted. For now though, Satiety is the right tool. I'd check weight every four to six weeks — you should see gradual loss of around 0.5kg per month if portions are accurate.

Great — you're doing the right thing catching it at 10 rather than waiting. Tonkinese are active cats at heart, so getting her back to a healthy weight will make a real difference to her energy and joint health as she gets older. Good luck with her.