As he or she ages, your cat's nutritional needs may also change. You may find that, although your pet is eating less, he/she still puts on weight. This could be due to a slowdown of metabolism or a decrease in activity.
Excess weight can cause and/or aggravate many feline medical conditions, including diabetes, heart, respiratory, skin and joint problems. To help a larger cat lose weight, try feeding smaller quantities of food or gradually switch to a diet that is lower in calories. Your veterinary surgery is the best place to get advice on dieting and many clinics offer free services such as weight loss clinics run by fully qualified nurses.
Other cats have entirely the opposite problem - they lose weight as they age, sometimes as the result of kidney disease, overactive thyroid glands,known as hyperthyroidism, but also conditions such as heart disease, dental issues and diabetes. Appetite can be reduced or increased in these conditions. In either case, ask your veterinary surgeon for advice about your pet's individual nutritional requirements.