FEEDING THE OLDER CAT
 
 
Proper feeding is one the foundations of health in the “senior” cat. Because the function of the internal organs decreases with age, diet can help the body maintain the delicate balance of good health. There is no “perfect diet” for the older cat. The right food for your cat depends on your cat’s specific health conditions. For instance, kidney patients should receive foods low in protein, while the diabetic patient needs higher protein levels to control their blood sugar. Examination and diagnostic testing will reveal what diet is best for your cat.
 
Some of the issues involved in choosing the right food include:
 
KIDNEY DISEASE can be controlled with special diets containing low protein of very high quality. Extra Vitamin B (which is lost in the urine) and Potassium help replace these nutritients.  Low phosphorus also minimizes the toxic wastes formed in the body.   However, these diets are not appropriate until the urinary waste products in the blood rise above normal; diets high in good quality protein may help delay the onset of kidney problems. 
 
POTASSIUM levels are often low in the blood of older cats, resulting in weakness, sore muscles, and poor kidney function. Many “senior cat” diets contain extra amounts of potassium to replace the potassium lost in the urine.  In many cases, even more potassium is needed, and supplements can be used to maintain the proper balance of this electrolyte.
 
WEIGHT LOSS is a common problem in older cats, and foods that are highly digestible and “nutrient dense” (high calorie) can be helpful.
 
CANNED FOODS may suit the needs of many geriatric cats better than dry food. Cats with a sensitive mouth due to dental problems may have difficulty eating dry food, but they may welcome a soft canned food. The senses of smell and taste may become weaker in the old cat, and the stronger smell of canned food can stimulate the appetite. In addition, the high moisture content of canned food helps maintain good hydration. In addition, the low carbohydrate content of canned food often helps control diabetes.
 
DIABETIC CATS require low carbohydrate/high protein food to keep their blood sugar in check.  Canned kitten food or a food designed for the diabetic cat may eliminate the cat's need for insulin injections.

 
DIETS: “Prescription Diets” designed for specific health problems are available thru your veterinarian. Carefully chosen premium-quality diets are available at pet stores, and your veterinarian can help you choose the right food for your cat. Often this will involve blood or urine tests to define your cat’s specific needs.