Aging Cats Nutritional Needs Change After Age 11
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Home Family -> subcategory Pets.
Understanding the Nutritional Needs of Aging Cats
Aging Cats: Nutritional Shifts After Age 11
Summary
Cats, America's favorite pets, spend a significant portion of their lives in their senior years. While advancements in veterinary care, nutrition, and knowledgeable owners have enhanced these years, senior cats often struggle with weight due to decreased activity and diminished sensory and digestive functions.Article
Cats are cherished companions, with many living over half their lives as seniors. Despite improvements in veterinary care and nutrition, older cats frequently face challenges with weight management. This is largely due to reduced activity levels and declines in their sensory, nutrient absorption, and fat digestion abilities.
Dr. Arnold Plotnick from Manhattan Cat Specialists in New York City emphasizes the importance of maintaining a stable, healthy weight for senior cats. "One of the most important goals when feeding senior cats is maintaining an ideal weight and keeping that weight stable," he says.
To help aging felines maintain a healthy weight, owners should consider diets tailored to their specific nutritional needs. For example, Purina Pro Plan has revamped its senior cat food line to cater to two distinct senior stages: ages 7 to 11 (mature) and 11 and up (senior).
As cats age, they experience a gradual decline in their body's ability to repair itself, maintain normal functions, and manage environmental stress. Weight fluctuations and illnesses are common during this time.
In the mature years, cats are more prone to weight gain due to decreased activity and slower metabolisms. However, after age 11, weight loss becomes a more pressing concern. During this stage, cats often experience a diminished sense of smell and taste, affecting their appetite. Their ability to absorb nutrients and digest fat also lessens, making the eating process less effective.
This inefficiency leads to more food being wasted rather than converted into energy, resulting in a decrease in lean muscle mass and body fat, potentially causing harmful weight loss.
Apart from providing a suitable diet, owners should closely monitor their senior cats' activity levels, weight, and behaviors such as eating, grooming, and elimination. Any noticeable changes should be reported to a veterinarian.
While many changes are simply part of aging, some might indicate serious health issues. Regular veterinary check-ups, ideally twice a year, are essential during the senior years to catch and treat any potential conditions early.
You can find the original non-AI version of this article here: Aging Cats Nutritional Needs Change After Age 11.
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