ASPCA Article

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Cats begin to show visible age-related changes at about seven to
twelve years of age. There are metabolic, immunologic and body
composition changes, too. Some of these are unavoidable.
Others can be managed with diet.


Start your cat on a senior diet at about
seven years of age.











The main objectives in the feeding an older cat should be to
maintain health and optimum body weight, slow or prevent the
development of chronic disease, and minimize or improve clinical
signs of diseases that may already be present.


As a cat ages, health issues may arise, including:
- deterioration of skin and coat
- loss of muscle mass
- more frequent intestinal problems
- arthritis
- obesity
- dental problems
- decreased ability to fight off infection


Older cats have been shown to progressively put on body fat in
spite of consuming fewer calories. This change in body composition
is inevitable and may be aggravated by either reduced energy
expenditure or a change in metabolic rate. Either way, it is
important to feed a diet with a lower caloric density to avoid
weight gain, but with a normal protein level to help
maintain muscle mass.


Talk to your veterinarian about increasing your senior cat’s
vitamin E intake. Antibody response decreases as cats age.
Increasing the intake of vitamin E in cats older than seven years of
age can increase their antibody levels back to those seen in
younger cats!  


Antioxidants such as vitamin E and beta-carotene help eliminate
free radical particles that can damage body tissues and cause signs
of aging. Senior diets for cats should contain higher levels of these
antioxidant compounds. Antioxidants can also increase the
effectiveness of the immune system in senior cats.


Routine care for geriatric pets should involve a consistent daily
routine and periodic veterinary examinations to assess the
presence or progress of chronic disease. Stressful situations and
abrupt changes in daily routines should be avoided. If a drastic
change must be made to an older pet's routine, try to minimize
stress and to realize the change in a gradual manner.
A Dog's Day, LLC
Adventures for the 'Every' Dog
Feeding Older Cats