Introduction

My cat Whiskers turned seven last month. One day she was chasing laser pointers like a maniac, the next she seemed… slower. Less interested in her food. Sleeping more.

I took her to the vet. Nothing wrong, she said. Just getting older. "She's a senior now," the vet explained. "Think of it like this: a 7-year-old cat is roughly equivalent to a 44-year-old human."

That conversation sent me down a rabbit hole. I spent three weeks researching senior cat food, talked to two vets, and compared labels. I ended up buying a bag of Applaws Senior Chicken. £18 for 2kg—nearly double what I used to spend.

What Is Applaws?

Applaws is a British pet food company founded in 2008. Their philosophy: cats are carnivores, so feed them like carnivores. No fillers, no grains, no mysterious "meat derivatives."

Their senior formula targets cats aged 7 and older—the age when most veterinary associations (including the International Society of Feline Medicine) consider cats to be entering their senior years.

What's Actually in the Bag?

Source: Applaws Senior Chicken packaging label and Tesco UK website (March 2026).

  • Chicken (72%): Real chicken, not meal or by-products.
  • Dried Chicken (18%): Concentrated protein source.
  • Salmon Oil: Omega-3 fatty acids for joint health.
  • Beet Pulp: Fiber for digestive health in sensitive senior stomachs.

Nutritional Breakdown

Nutrient Percentage Why It Matters
Protein 38% Maintains muscle mass
Fat 14% Moderate energy level
Fiber 3.5% Supports digestion

The Verdict: Pros and Cons

After analyzing 200+ reviews across Amazon UK and Trustpilot, here is the summary:

The Good: Excellent palatability for picky eaters, improved coat condition (Omega-3s), and transparent labeling.

The Not-So-Good: High price (£9.10/kg), limited availability outside the UK, and small kibble size which some cats dislike.

So What Happened with Whiskers?

After three weeks on Applaws, Whiskers is eating better. Her coat seems softer, though she still sleeps a lot (she is seven, after all).

I realized I was looking for a magic solution in a bag. It won't stop her from aging, but it provides quality nutrition for her golden years.

Final Thought: Your senior cat doesn't need the most expensive food. They need you to notice them. Watch what they eat, take them to the vet, and spend time with them.

Last Updated: March 2026. This review is for informational purposes and does not constitute veterinary advice.