As cats get older, they need more nutrients that a fur parent can provide through dietary supplements. “With better nutrition and better veterinary care, cats live longer. The aging process creates imbalances that may require additional support. Supplements can help bridge the gap in meeting your older cat’s daily needs, ”said Pet Basics in Senior Cat Care: Nutrition and Supplements.
The special needs of cats
Cats need more protein than dogs, said Pet Basics. They also like frequent, small meals throughout the day. Early in life, cats tend to develop preferences for the size, shape, and taste of their food, according to Pet Basics.
Kyujo, a confiscated senior cat adopted by Ei Leen of Cat Care Phillippines, was emaciated and sick when Ei Leen brought him out of a shelter and adopted him. He looked like BooBoo, Egg Leen’s cat who died of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Now Kyujo aka QQ lives like a king, with good vitamins and care products. Diet and Nutritional Needs of Elderly Cats As they age, “a cat often needs more calories, changes in its digestive system, and can suffer from joint problems and other negative effects of aging. Assessing your cat’s nutritional needs as they age can help them stay healthy for years, ”says Pet Basics. Up to about 10 to 12 years of age, cats need fewer calories and tend to be overweight or even obese. A cat’s caloric needs can increase between the ages of 10 and 12. An older cat may lose weight at this point. You will also lose muscle mass, a condition called sarcopenia.
Kyujo when he was rescued from the pound by Ei Leen. “Aging cats can also have impaired digestive function and decreased absorption of certain vitamins and minerals. The normal bacterial flora that keeps cats’ intestines healthy can change as cats get older, ”said Pet Basics.
Supplements for older cats
Signs of aging in cats include changes in mobility, self-care or grooming, activity levels, and social and exploratory behavior. These are signs of deteriorating joint health, stiffness, or discomfort in a cat, Pet Basics said. “Many of these changes are rarely seen during veterinary exams, but they can be important clues in determining whether an older cat is stiff or unwell and could benefit from supplements that help maintain healthy joint mobility,” said Pet Basics.
Ask your veterinarian about dietary supplements for cats that can help your pet stay healthy as they age. Pet Basics listed the following important nutritional supplements: Antioxidants to support normal body system functions in aging cats and to eliminate harmful free radicals, thereby reducing negative effects on the body. Glucosamine, green-lipped mussel and chondroitin sulfate support the structure and function of the joints in older cats. Omega-3 fatty acid supplements help relieve occasional joint stiffness, among other potential health benefits. Probiotics and prebiotics help maintain a healthy microbial balance and support proper digestion and gut health in older cats. Other ways to keep an older cat comfortable
These kittens were just out on the street near a construction site. Rescuer Tet Santos saw her and decided to save her immediately. Tet gave them good food and plenty of water to keep them healthy and strong. This will also ensure that as older cats they don’t have many medical problems. They’re very good cats, said Tet. She named them Bridget (more like white cat) and Gie (gray and white cat). Both are already neutered. Aside from evaluating your older cat’s diet and talking to the veterinarian about supplements, Pet Basics shared the following tips to help an older cat stay happy and comfortable: “Make all resources easy for an older cat to access. If an aging cat has to walk or climb for food or water, it can go without it. Offer multiple upholstered beds or resting places with easy access or ramps. Provide your older cat with a large, low-sided, litter box with sand litter. Create safe hiding spots for your cat in case he is stressed or just needs to relax. Ask your veterinarian about ways to stimulate and entertain your cat by enriching the environment. ”
The Best Cat Vitamins For Overall Health
Lysine, glucosamine, and probiotics are very good for older cats, said theangle.digital/petsupplies. These substances “support your cat’s immune system, digestion and joint health. Whether you have an elderly cat with arthritis or a young cat with bowel problems, these nutritional supplements can get your cat back on the road to being a happy and healthy self. “Cats feed on meat as carnivores. This diet results in them having specific nutritional needs that are sometimes not met by a normal diet. A cat’s immune and kidney systems need support as they are prone to diabetes and kidney failure. Dietary supplements are helpful for the overall health of your cat or kitten, ”he said.
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