Aging in cats creates special needs, just like it does in people. But unlike people, cats are not able to tell you what those special needs may be. We may miss or overlook actions that need our attention. Being observant to changes in our cat's behavior can play a vital role in their aging process.
Diet
One of the biggest issues with elderly cats is diet. You may feel that if you buy commercial food labeled for seniors you are doing the right thing. But that's not necessarily true. In many brands, there is almost no different between adult and senior food composition, even though their nutritional needs are not the same.
There needs to be a good balance between the nigh-moisture diets they receive from fresh or canned food and the dry food that they still need to receive.
Another important element of aging is weight. When felines stop running around and jumping from one piece of furniture to another, they don't burn as many calories. This means that you need to make adjustments in the quantity of food you're providing. Obesity is a serious concern!
Are Supplements Needed?
Many people have questions about supplements and if cats need them. Some people feel that the proper diet will offer all the vitamins and minerals that the cat needs while others argue that a senior cat can benefit significantly from the addition of a supplement in their diet.
A wise choice is to add a nutritional supplement containing enzymes, probiotics and antioxidants to your cat's food. These additives can be helpful for aging cats for generally the same reasons that they benefit people.
A favorite supplement is probiotics which help your cat absorb nutrients more efficiently and aid in proper elimination of by-products, thus promoting gastrointestinal health. They also provide a stronger immune system that is better able to fight off degenerative diseases.
In addition to probiotics, antioxidants such as vitamins C and E, CoQ10, and alphalipoic acid help stave off degenerative diseases such as arthritis and cancer and help support brain function.
Elderly cats are prone to constipation so extra bran could be helpful. Increased glucosamine could help with arthritis while antioxidants will offer overall protection against aging. If your cat is having certain health problems, your veterinarian may recommend specific supplements.
If your cat has digestive problems or is not eating as much as he should, he is almost always going to benefit from added vitamins.
Dehydration is Dangerous
The importance of your cat getting enough to drink cannot be stressed enough. Elderly cats are quite susceptible to dehydration. Sometimes the effort of walking three rooms over to get a drink of water hardly seems like a good idea to a cat that has arthritis. Keep a few bowls of fresh water scattered around the home so they are easily accessible. Cats that don't consume enough water are prone to kidney disease and urinary tract crystal formation.
A Little Help, Please!
Your senior cat will not be able to tell you but it may hurt him to jump down from the bed or get up to that sunny window he loves to sleep in. When you start noticing him spending more time near the ground, you may need to buy cat stairs or a ramp. This will ensure he can still enjoy his favorite places.
Although cats are vulnerable to a long list of minor or serious health concerns, early detection and awareness can go a long way to helping make their senior years more enjoyable for both of you!
