Senior cat food for energy and healthy ageing

A 13-year-old sleeping more than usual is pretty common, but it's worth checking whether diet is playing a role — sometimes senior cats are simply under-fuelled because their food isn't giving them enough usable protein. As cats age, they actually need more high-quality protein, not less, along with reduced phosphorus to protect the kidneys, and plenty of moisture — which is why wet food tends to suit seniors better. The right food really does depend on your cat's specific situation though. How old is he exactly, does he have any diagnosed health conditions, and what are you feeding him at the moment?

That's really helpful. The supermarket dry food is likely where the issue is — most own-brand kibble is fairly low in quality protein and high in carbohydrates, which cats can't use for energy the way they can meat-based protein. At 13, his ability to digest and absorb protein is also declining, so he needs more of it from better sources just to maintain muscle and stay alert. The other thing is hydration — dry-only diets leave many older cats mildly dehydrated, which can definitely contribute to that heavy, sleepy feeling. Has he lost any weight recently, or does he seem to be holding his condition well?

That mild muscle loss combined with increased sleep is a classic sign that he's not getting enough digestible protein — his body is pulling from his own muscle reserves to meet its needs. The good news is this is very addressable through diet. I'd recommend switching him to Royal Canin Ageing 12+ wet food in gravy pouches. It's specifically formulated for cats over 12, with high-quality protein to help maintain muscle mass, reduced phosphorus to support kidney health as a preventive measure, and it's wet — so he'll get significantly more hydration with every meal. The texture is also easy on older teeth and digestion. It's widely available on Amazon UK and most cats take to it readily. I'd transition him over about a week, mixing it gradually with his current food to avoid any stomach upset.

You don't have to go fully wet, but I'd make wet food the majority — at least 80% of his diet. If he enjoys the texture of dry food, you could keep a small amount of a quality senior kibble as a topper or occasional snack, but it shouldn't be the base of his diet at his age. The hydration from wet food really does make a meaningful difference for older cats. If you do keep some dry food in the mix, look for one that's also labelled for 12+ or senior cats with real meat as the first ingredient — not the supermarket own-brand versions.

The diet change is the biggest lever you have right now. Beyond that, if he hasn't had bloodwork done recently, it's worth asking your vet for a senior panel — kidney function and thyroid levels in particular can shift quietly at this age and catching them early makes a real difference. Increased sleep alone isn't necessarily a red flag, but combined with mild weight loss it's worth keeping an eye on. Otherwise, keep him warm, make sure he can reach his favourite spots without having to jump too high, and watch whether the new food makes a difference over four to six weeks — you should see some improvement in his alertness if nutrition was the main issue.