Switching a senior cat to wet food

Switching a 10-year-old cat from dry to wet is genuinely one of the best things you can do for them at this stage — you've read the right stuff. Senior cats are especially prone to chronic low-level dehydration, and their kidneys take the hit first. Wet food addresses that directly, it's more digestible, and most cats find it far more palatable as they age. That said, a sudden switch can upset their stomach, so we'll want to do this gradually. To point you toward the right product: does your Selkirk Rex have any health conditions — kidney issues, dental problems, weight concerns? And what dry food are they on currently?

That's really helpful — a lifelong dry food cat who's picky about strong smells is actually the most common challenge with this switch. Pâté and fish-heavy recipes are often the first things rejected. What tends to work better is a more neutral, meat-based recipe in a jelly or broth rather than gravy, which can smell quite intense. Given she's healthy and you're doing this proactively, you have the luxury of going slowly. What's her current weight roughly, and how many meals a day does she have?

Perfect — 4kg is a healthy weight for a Selkirk Rex and two meals a day is the right structure for wet food anyway, since it shouldn't be left out like dry. Here's my recommendation: Applaws Natural Wet Cat Food in the senior chicken breast in broth variety. It's a whole-muscle chicken recipe, very low smell compared to fish or pâté options, minimal ingredients, and the broth format means she's getting a good hydration hit without it being overwhelming. It's also grain-free with a high meat content, which is a significant step up from most dry foods nutritionally. Start by mixing a small amount into her dry food over about two weeks — increase the wet and reduce the dry gradually. At her age and weight, you're looking at roughly two 70g portions a day once fully switched. She may turn her nose up at first, but warming it slightly often helps with picky cats.

That's a very common concern and honestly the dry-food-cleans-teeth idea is mostly a myth. Most cats swallow kibble whole or crack it in a way that does very little for tartar. Vets generally recommend dental chews, tooth brushing, or dental water additives for actual oral hygiene — not relying on kibble texture. At 10, regular vet dental checks are more important than ever regardless of food type. The hydration benefits of wet food at her age far outweigh any marginal dental argument for dry.

A few things worth watching: loose stools in the first week are normal and usually settle — if they don't after two weeks, slow the transition down further. Also watch her water intake; some cats actually drink less once on wet food because they're getting moisture from the food itself, which is fine. If she goes off her food entirely for more than a day or two, check in with your vet — senior cats shouldn't fast for long. Otherwise, you're doing exactly the right thing. Most owners notice their older cats become more energetic and interested in food once fully switched. Good luck with her.