Monday, March 26, 2012

Aging Cats' Nutritional Needs Change After Age 11

By Derek van der Linde


America's most popular dog, the cat, lifestyles More than half of their existence in the senior years. Despite the fact that developments in veterinary care, far better nutrition and informed entrepreneurs possess helped enhance the amount and excellence of these types of a long time, scientific studies reveal that mature pet cats always have a problem with weight because of reduced activity ranges along with a steady drop within sensory faculties, nutrient assimilation and also fat digestive function.

"One of the most important goals when feeding senior cats is maintaining an ideal weight and keeping that weight stable," said Dr. Arnold Plotnick, who developed a senior wellness program to address the special needs of aging cats at his veterinary clinic, Manhattan Cat Specialists in New York City.

Owners of senior cats can help their aging felines maintain an ideal body weight throughout the senior lifestage by feeding a diet that addresses their unique nutritional needs.

Purina Pro Plan, for example, provides reformulated the whole distinct senior kitty foods to handle the particular altering Nutritional needs associated with ageing pet cats in two diverse levels from the mature lifestage: ages 7 to 11 (older) as well as 11 and up (senior).

Since pet cats age group, there's a steady drop within the human body's power to repair by itself, maintain normal physique features and adjust to tensions in the surroundings. Disease and also fat modifications are common throughout the senior lifestage.

Cats are more likely to face weight gain during the mature years when activity level declines and metabolism slows. But around age 11, weight loss becomes a greater concern.

The 11-plus years are particularly problematic for cats because their sense of smell and taste often diminish at this time, which affects their interest in food. The ability to absorb key nutrients and digest fat declines, making eating itself less efficient.

The undesirable result is that more food passes through as waste and less is used for energy, causing a drop in lean muscle mass and body fat that leads to potentially harmful weight loss.

In addition to providing the proper diet, owners of senior cats should pay close attention to their cats' activity levels, weight, and eating, grooming and elimination habits and report anything new or different to their veterinarian.

Though many of these changes are a normal part of aging, others may signal a more serious problem. Scheduling veterinary visits at least twice a year is good practice during the senior years as many potentially serious conditions are treatable if caught early.




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