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Properly Feeding An Senior Cats |
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Written by Dan Chan
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Wednesday, 04 June 2008 |
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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.
by DanChan
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 more than a few physical and behavioral changes as they age. 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 changes are a reality of life, and the cat owner must fine-tune the feeding of their cat. Weight loss and weight gain both can both be troubles in elderly cats.
Controlling Disease in Cats Through Proper Nutrition
There are several diseases and afflictions that felines develop in old age. Cats with cancer have extra nutritional needs. Increasing omega-3 fatty acids and beta-carotene in the elder cat's diet will aid felines with cancer. Bowel movements may get worse as the cat ages, creating problems such as reduced ability to absorb food nutrients. This can lead to weight loss. Preservatives in cat food have been fingerpointed for everything from allergies to cat cancer. This point is still being researched and debated.
Preparing The Cat's Meal
When getting cat food out of the fridge, it is best to let the cat food warm up. According to how much you give, it can take up to 2 hours to warm. You can warm catfood in a microwave, but it can get hot spots. Just watch to make sure it don't overheat, and mix well after heating to reduce the heat spots. If you want a rule of thumb, it is recommended to not get cat food to cold or hot.
Water For Your Older 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.
Taking Care of an Older Cat Boils Down to This
Like humans, all cats are not made the same. So you can't give an older cat a cookie cutter diet and expect the right results everytime. Be sure to go along with all the guidelines of your animal doctor, even if your cat fights it at first. It is necessary to make sure your cat lives a long healthy life.
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