The Changing Nutritional Needs of Cats After 11yrs. Old
March 11, 2009 by Cats
Filed under Keeping Your Cat Happy
Domesticated house cats are the most popular pet in the U.S. Since it lives most of its life in senior years, many studies have shown there nutrition needs are different than that of younger cats. Older cats tend to have weight problems and a decline in nutrimental intake. Advances in veterinary care advances can help improve better nutrient understanding and educated cat owners can help improve the quality of life for cats with a long lifespan.
Dr. Arnold Plotinick, founder of a senior wellness program for cats in New York City, said “One of the most important goals when feeding senior cats is finding a healthy weight for the cat and maintaining that weight.
There are many ways of maintaining a cat’s healthy weight level. The owner must choose the best formula of cat food for aging cats. Managing the cats intake of food is a very important part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle for the pet. Feedings should be scheduled and consistent, as in what time of day, how many times a day, and so on. There are a few types of cat food that cater to the older aged cats and dogs. Purina Pro Plan, for example, has reformulated the entire line of senior cat foods to help with the nutritional needs of these older cats.
The older a cat gets the more resistance to proper healing and repairing itself. The cat will often have difficulty in maintaining normal body functions and finds it harder to adapt to stress. Diseases and weight gain are also common conditions a cat will develop with age.
Weight gain is one of the concerns of an aging cat as the activity level starts to decline. The tables are turned with cats over the age of 11 years old. Weight loss then becomes the greater concern.
Cats over the age of 11 often start to lose their sense of taste and smell. This affects the way the cat eats and their interest in food diminishes. The cats will soon lose the ability to absorb key nutrients and digest fat, making food with vitamins less efficient.
The cat owner must watch the aging cat’s diet, activity level, weight, and eating habits very closely. If anything has changed with the cats daily habits such as grooming and sleeping, a veterinarian should be notified.
An aging cat should visit the veterinarian at least two times a year. Some of the symptoms of old age in cats could also be symptoms of a more serious situation, which may be treatable if caught early.