Aging isn\u2019t a disease \u2014 so it\u2019s said \u2014 but advancing age in both people and pets is often associated with chronic health conditions. If you have a \u201cmature\u201d cat, you may already know about some of those issues, including how challenging it can be to ensure your older kitty receives optimum nutrition. Since nutrition can be a powerful tool to help maintain your mature cat\u2019s health and to help manage some age-related diseases, we\u2019ll take a closer look at the best diet for senior cats.<\/p>\n
Cats live much longer now compared to 20 years ago as a result of better nutrition, increased veterinary care and an indoor lifestyle. While today\u2019s indoor kitties live an average of 14 years, many live into their late teens and early 20s with few age-related health problems.<\/p>\n
According to the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP), older cats can be put into one of three groups<\/a>:<\/p>\n Just as with kittens (and older people), mature cats need more attention and care from their owners and veterinarians.<\/p>\n Like people, some cats appear to age faster than others and can experience considerable physical changes that affect their nutritional needs. You can help maintain your older cat\u2019s health and weight if you\u2019re aware of the age-related changes that may occur, consider your kitty\u2019s age and adjust their diet as needed. Sometimes, a senior cat diet is warranted. But not always.<\/p>\n Aging is usually associated with lower energy needs and the tendency to gain fat and lose muscle. However, it really depends on the cat\u2019s age. Middle-age cats may need to watch their waistlines, while senior and geriatric cats may have a hard time keeping weight on.<\/p>\n Many cats start putting on weight about the time they reach 7 years old due to slowing metabolism, sedentary lifestyle and calorie-dense foods. To keep your kitty from becoming overweight or obese, you may need to gradually switch them to a controlled-calorie food such as Diamond CARE Weight Management Formula for Adult Cats<\/a>. The higher protein and lower calorie content of a weight management formula can help cats maintain \u2014 or lose \u2014 weight while still meeting all of their nutrient needs.<\/p>\n Around 11 to 12 years old, however, some cats start losing weight and actually may require more calories to maintain an ideal body condition. Several causes may be responsible for this weight loss:<\/p>\n Nutrient requirements for healthy older cats are similar to those of younger adult cats. However, older cats with chronic health concerns \u2014 such as chronic kidney disease, diabetes, heart disease or hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid disease) \u2014 often benefit from diets designed specifically for their needs. In fact, changes to the diet can be an important part of disease management in these older cats. And, depending on the issue, a therapeutic diet \u2014 not just a \u201csenior\u201d diet \u2014 may be what the doctor orders.<\/p>\n RELATED POST: What is hyperthyroidism in cats and should I worry?<\/a><\/p>\n\n
How aging may affect older cats\u2019 need for a senior cat diet<\/h3>\n
Energy needs, activity and weight may change with advancing age<\/h3>\n
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Chronic health issues are more common in older cats and may dictate a senior cat diet<\/h3>\n