1) Food Strategy (budget + senior-friendly)

What to buy (framework, not brand-specific):

“Complete & balanced” (AAFCO/FEDIAF) for adult/senior maintenance.
High protein to maintain muscle in seniors:
- Dry food: aim ≥30% protein (as-fed).
- Wet food: ≥9–12% protein (as-fed) (≈ 40–60% on dry matter).
Moderate phosphorus helps aging kidneys: prefer ≤0.8–1.0% DM or ≤250 mg/100 kcal if listed.
Calories per 100 g or per cup: compare RM per 100 kcal (see quick formula below).
Simple digestibility: avoid frequent recipe changes, choose consistent formulas.

Compare cost fairly (do this once, saves a lot):

Find “kcal per cup” (dry) or “kcal per can/pouch” (wet).
RM per 100 kcal = (Price ÷ Total kcal) × 100.
Pick the lowest RM/100 kcal food that still meets the protein & phosphorus targets.

Hydration on a budget (key for urinary & kidney health):

Do “gravy coat”: mix 1–2 tbsp warm water into each meal; or 1–2 tsp wet food blended with warm water over kibble.
Two water stations minimum; a simple stainless bowl refreshed 2×/day beats a neglected fountain.
Add extra wet meals (even small pouches) for the seniors.

Feeding pattern:

2) Senior-Smart Enrichment (RM-friendly)

Daily (10–15 min × 2): gentle wand play (slow “prey” arcs), end with a tiny snack to complete the hunt sequence.

Easy DIY enrichments

Box city: rotate 2–3 cardboard boxes with side holes; tape a towel “roof”.
Paper scrunch + treat hunt: crumpled paper balls; sprinkle a few kibbles to “forage”.
Egg-carton puzzle feeder: drop kibbles in cups; close some with paper lids.
Sniff trails: drag a treat in a zig-zag path on a towel; let them “track” it.
Window “bird TV”: move a perch to a safe window; add a DIY rice-filled doorstop to steady it.
Catnip/valerian rotation: 1–2×/week only, to keep novelty.

Senior comfort tweaks (prevents injuries & vet bills)

Low-entry litter boxes in 2–3 locations; add one near favourite sleeping areas.
Non-slip rugs/runner on jump routes.
Ramps/step stools to sofa/window.
Warm, orthopaedic bed (rolled towel under a thin pillow works).
Short nails every 2–4 weeks; cardboard scratchers placed beside beds.

Weight & appetite log monthly.
Resting breathing rate while sleeping: <30/min is typical; >40 consistently → vet.
Watch for subtle signs: more thirst/urination, constipation, reluctance to jump, bad breath, new vomiting. Early call saves money.

Buy larger bags only if you’ll finish in 6–8 weeks; decant into airtight bins.
Mix model: affordable dry as base + small wet topper for hydration.
Loyalty/bulk deals; avoid frequent food switches (GI upsets cost more).
Look for VOHC-accepted dental chews when on promo (brush 2–3×/week if possible).