Senior cat eating kitten food.

Hey all.

We have just got a new kitten (4 days ago) and our elderly cat (who is 16) has gone off her food. She will lick the jelly off her own food or just walks away. She does have an appetite as she wants the food in the first place and will eat cheese... and kitten food. Is this ok for her? She ate almost an entire sachet of chicken flavour Whiskas kitten. I let her because I want her to eat something rather than starve. She seems a bit sad also and am worried the new kitten - even though the kitten more or less leaves her alone - has upset her. I read on here that senior cats need more protein so kitten food is ok for them, its just higher in calories but as my elderly cat isnt eating as much as usual Im guessing this wouldnt be a problem?

Can anyone give any pointers or advise please?

Hi and welcome to TCS. It could very well be that the new kitten has disturbed the routine and upset your older cat into not eating. Kitten food is generally better nutrition than adult foods, being higher in protein and fat, so as long as your older cat is not overweight, it should be fine for her especially if she needs the extra calories. Older cats do have higher protein needs. I wouldn't feed her too much cheese, but sprinkled on top of the food you want her to eat will make for great enticement.

Thanks for your reply. Tara isnt over weight, she had a check up at the vets around 6 months ago and no mention of her weight was made. The cheese was just a test if she had an appetite or not as I know she does love it and yes, sprinkling it on her food is a good idea.  I do suspect it is the kitten who has made her sulky but I hate it when cats refuse food but thanks for your help