The key to a happy, healthy pet is feeding them the right type and amount of food specific to their individual age and lifestyle.
Their nutritional requirements vary according to their age, lifestage and activity level.
Senior cats require a diet which has an adjusted nutritional composition to cater for their different requirements as they age.
Cats are classed as senior from around 8-10 years of age. When your cat ages they can start to experience a decline in the function of certain organs, including their immune system. They may become less active and their sense of smell and taste can be affected.
A diet which caters for supporting their vital organs for example reduced protein and phosphorus content to support kidneys should be fed. Cats tend to be the opposite of dogs and many cats lose weight and condition as they age. THIS IS NOT A NORMAL SIGN OF AGEING.
Sometimes this is due to deterioration in their sense of smell or taste but often it can be a sign of an underlying chronic disease like hyperthyroidism or kidney disease. Older cats often have increased water requirements and feeding wet food as well as biscuits can help with this.
If you are concerned about your cat please make an appointment to come and see us.
There are a wide range of Senior diets available and where possible you should try and buy the best one you can afford. Premium cat foods offer health benefits as well as providing nutrition. We will be happy to advise you on all aspects of senior diets.
The Senior Consult Lifestage diets made by Royal Canin offer a range of options for your senior cat. They contain a selection of nutrients that helps support vital functions in ageing dogs and cats. This food should be fed as an everyday complete diet for your senior pet regardless of whether they have any ageing signs.
The diet helps:
- support ageing cells by neutralising the free radicals by containing antioxidants
- preserves kidney function by having a reduced level of phosphorus
- supports brain health by containing L-tryptophan, an amino acid that plays an essential role in the regulation of anxiety, sleep and appetite
- helps preserve muscle mass which can be lost with old age by containing a specific balanced formulation of amino acids
- helps maintain mobility with chondroitin, glucosamine and Green Lipped Mussel extract
Senior Consult 1 is ideal for mature cats as it provides suitable nutrients with moderate phosphorus content. There is also a Balance option for the heavier, mature cat.
Senior Consult Stage 2 provides nutrients suitable for senior cats, with reduced phosphorus and enriched with green lipped mussel for joint support. It also helps to maintain their ideal weight. There is also a High Calorie option for senior cats which are losing weight and condition.
Click on video below to find out more about 'Feeding Your Older Cat'
Useful links:
Caring For Your Older Catwww.royalcanin.co.uk/Senior
