How to Feed Senior Citizen Cats
Dan Chan
Providing proper nutrition for an aging feline companion is a matter of finding out the vigor of your cat. It can be hard to know without a vet checkup. Always keep an eye on your older cat's desire for food, food intake, eating behavior, weight, and body condition. This info will be valuable when you and your veterinarian find out your cat's specific nutritional requirements. Unless your cat has problems digesting regular cat food, is becoming overweight or is on prescription food, complete formulation cat food accompanied by clear water is acceptable.
Because cats are social animals, your senior cat may also be thankful for a cozy nesting place near the center of your family activity. It is suggested to progress older cats onto a specially formulated senior cat food. Store bought cat foods made especially for senior cats provide superior-quality protein and lower levels of phosphorous to diminish stress on the kidneys. The senior citizen cat formulas also add Vitamin E to strengthen the older cat's authentic defenses.
Cats Age Like Humans Do
Cats go through several physical and behavioral changes as they grow older. As your cat's metabolism slows down, the cat's senses begin to diminish. Senior cats have more problems with taste, sight, smell, and hearing. Sadly, these physical problems are a fact of life, and the cat owner must alter the way they feed their cat. Generally, older cats between the ages of 8 and 12 tend to grow fatter and following age 12 tend to become skinnier and metabolically old.
Controlling Disease in Cats Through Diet
There are numerous diseases and conditions that felines develop as they age. There are special diets formulated for cats that have developed heart disease. Cat diets for heart disease by and large have reduced levels of sodium and more of the amino acid taurine. Preservatives have been blamed for a number of problems in cats from food allergies to cancer. This point is still being researched and debated.
Preparing The Cat Food
Cats like to eat lukewarm catfood, not cold, out-of-the-fridge catfood. It is a good idea to wam cat food before serving. Alternatively, you might consider microwaving canned foods for a short time, but be careful of hot spots. In general, avoid serving food that is either too hot or too cold.
Other Things to Ponder in An Aging Cat
You should give your cat fresh water each time you feed it. Older cats tend to get dehydrated easier. Keeping the senior cat properly hydrated is critical. Mature cats are often poor drinkers even when water is available, so giving the cat pure, fresh water makes it better. I suggest numerous bowls of fresh water in several parts in your home.
Don't Forget These Things When Caring For Older Cats
Visiting a veterinarian regularly for geriatric laboratory tests to establish a cat's perfect weight and diet is the key to success. Veterinarians have yet to develop a "one size fits all" older cat diet. The task is merely impossible given the enormous diversity of senior cats and their varying health issues. Listening and following the recommendations of your veterinarian is key to your cat's health.
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