Elderly cats: feeding

2023 Author: Alex Livingston | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-11-26 11:39

The needs regarding feeding older cats they certainly change compared to the past, but a correct diet, as their metabolism gradually changes, can certainly have a positive effect on their longevity. There is no standard diet for our elderly felines as this will depend on individual needs and on the presence or absence of any chronic diseases which, if kept under veterinary control and with a balanced nutrition, can help them stay active and healthy even as the years go by. It is therefore important to know what your cat's health problems are and to read the labels of the foods you are buying.

THE problems they might encounter our friends as we age may include the reduction of digestion, the absorption of fat, the elasticity of the skin, the deafness, the health of the coat and the resistance of the nails. But also sense of smell, visual acuity, lung capacity and heart function may decrease. Other problems could include weight loss or gain, dental, thyroid, bladder and ai health problems kidneys, decreased ability to self-heal and more.

For all these reasons, if you have an older cat, you should make sure you have one quality food that it is at the same time appetizing and nutritious. The cat's feeding mode may also need to be adjusted. This would help to ensure the acquisition of the right level of nutrition during his old age years. If you feed your friend the right food and find ways to encourage him to eat, it could all help ease his aging process and improve quality of life.

As we said, a cat's digestive physiology changes as it ages. Around the age of 11 or 12, the ability to digest fat begins to decrease. To make matters worse, research has shown that around 20% of cats over the age of 14 have r reduced ability to digest proteins. By putting these two conditions together and without dietary intervention, a cat will lose fat and muscle mass. Muscle loss is of particular concern because these people are at increased risk of disease and death.

On the basis of all this, i best foods for an older cat have the following characteristics:

• High levels of antioxidants (eg. Vitamins A, C and E, beta carotene and selenium) to counteract the damage of free radicals.
• Low phosphorus levels to protect the kidneys. High-quality protein sources contain less phosphorus than low-quality ones.
• Protein to maintain muscle mass of a cat. Even extra carnitine (an amino acid) can help in this regard.
• Fish oils and other sources of essential fatty acids to counteract the effects of brain aging and promote joint health.

• A moderate to high level of fat, based on the physical condition of the cat. Lean cats need a lot of fat to maximize their calorie intake, while overweight cats can absorb less.

  

Also, if they have difficulty eating stiff kibble, especially if they suffer from dental diseases, you might try switching to a soft canned food, which is easier to eat. Finally, you might want to try purchasing a special food for oral hygiene which can help reduce plaque and prevent gum disease.