Is there a perfect diet for a senior cat?
“There is no perfect food, because every older cat has its set of problems,” Wakshlag says. Feeding a senior cat requires tailoring the diet with the help of your veterinarian to address any specific health problems your pet may have.
How can I keep my senior cat weight under control?
Here are some tips for keeping your aging cat’s weight under control. Work with your veterinarian to find the senior cat food that has the best nutritional balance for your older cat. Read the label on your cat food package. Don’t feed your cat too many calories. Use portion control.
What should I Feed my senior cat with kidney failure?
Kidney Disease : Many cats develop kidney failure as they age. Senior cats with kidney disease may need to be on a phosphorous-restricted diet. Suitable diets for cats with kidney problems often have less salt and protein than standard cat foods.
What should I do if my cat is getting old?
Remember your cat will need two separate feeding areas and water and food bowls should be kept apart. You can read more about how to set up the perfect home for your cat online. Now that your cat is getting older, their diet will need changing to meet their more mature needs. You might notice their activity levels start to slow down.
What makes a good diet for an older cat?
Based on all this, a good diet for an older cat has the following characteristics: High antioxidant levels (e.g. Vitamins A, C, and E, beta carotene, and selenium) to counteract free radical damage. Low levels of phosphorus to protect the kidneys. High quality protein sources contain less phosphorous than do those of low quality.
What should I Feed my 14 year old cat?
Studies reveal that 15% of cats over the age of 12 have a body condition below the ideal, and cats who are over 14 years of age are 15 times more likely to be skinnier than they should be. Senior cat food must contain enough protein to maintain a cat’s muscle mass. Extra carnitine (an amino acid) may also help in this regard.
Can a 14 year old cat lose weight?
Overweight cats can do with a bit less. Research has also shown that around 20% of cats over the age of 14 have a reduced ability to digest protein. Combine this with the declining ability to digest fat, and there’s a good chance that, without dietary intervention, a senior cat will lose both fat and muscle mass.
How old does a cat have to be to be a senior cat?
Studies reveal that 15% of cats over the age of 12 have a body condition below the ideal, and cats who are over 14 years of age are 15 times more likely to be skinnier than they should be. Senior cat food must contain enough protein to maintain a cat’s muscle mass.