We often hear people say that a cat's one year old is equal to a person's five years old, but this conversion method is not accurate because cats' diseases and habits are very different from humans. From the cat's point of view, we can divide their age into three key nodes: 7 years old, 11 years old and 15 years old.
Seven-year-old cats, although they may still maintain their cute appearance in appearance, their physical functions have begun to decline. Some problems that have accumulated before, such as oral problems, diabetes, etc., may sprout during this period. However, most cats may simply seem pickier and more sleepy at this stage.
By the age of 11, the signs of aging in cats are even more pronounced. The prevalence of medical diseases, especially thyroid and kidney diseases, skyrockets. Kidney disease has a significant impact on cats, with data showing that 30%-40% of cats aged 11 and above have kidney problems. In addition, joint problems may also flare up or worsen during this period.
And the 15-year-old cat is already considered to be a long life. While some cats live to be 15 years old or even longer, most cats will face at least one chronic disease or lesion during this period. For the shovelers, this means more perseverance and energy to take care of them, including meticulous care and more frequent medical check-ups.
As cats age, their diet needs to be adjusted accordingly. Here are some suggestions:
1. Maintain a reasonable weight
The first dietary principle for older cats is to maintain a reasonable weight. Although some long-lived cats are overweight, this does not mean that we can allow our cats to gain weight uncontrollably. Adequate muscle and body fat can help cats recover from their condition, but excessive obesity can also cause them problems such as joint pain and diabetes. Therefore, we need to find a balance that is neither too thin nor too fat.
2. Increase protein intake
Cats need 3-5 times more protein than humans, and they lose muscle faster as they age. Therefore, ensuring adequate protein intake is essential for older cats. Before the age of 11, we can try to get the cat to lose weight or at least get used to a moderate level of hunger, but after the age of 11, it is important to make sure that they have enough to eat. After the age of 12, some cats' ability to digest protein and fat will decline, so low-fat and low-protein foods should be avoided. It is best to choose a cat food with a high-protein medium-fat formula, which can provide nutrition to the cat without making the cat too obese.
3. Serve soft foods
Oral problems are one of the most common problems in older cats. Problems such as periodontal disease and exposed tooth roots can cause cats to be unable to eat hard food. Therefore, after the cats are 6-7 years old (or earlier if possible), soft food should be provided to meet their nutritional needs. Whether it's soft homemade food, pureed meat, or canned staple food, you can gradually increase your supply. At the same time, we should also observe the condition of the cat's teeth, and if necessary, perform anesthetic surgery to remove the diseased teeth.
4. Antioxidants and probiotics
The intestines and pancreaticobiliary ducts of older cats are more prone to inflammation and inflammation is less manageable. This may be related to the antioxidant stress brought about by aging, the decreased ability to scavenge free radicals, and the excessive simplification and inactivity of the intestinal flora. In order to alleviate these problems, we can try to make the cat's diet more diverse, and appropriately supplement prebiotics and probiotics.
In addition to dietary modifications, there are a few other things to keep in mind:
1. Fiber supplementation
Fiber plays an important role in stabilizing blood sugar, increasing satiety, and stabilizing bowel movements. For older cats, supplementing with fiber can help them have better bowel movements. We can choose to use ingredients such as psyllium husk powder, chia seed powder, etc., to make fiber powder and mix it in cat food.
2. Kidney disease prevention
Kidney disease is one of the common diseases in older cats. When it comes to preventing kidney disease, we need to pay attention to the calcium-phosphorus ratio in food as well as the level of phosphorus in the blood. It doesn't matter if a healthy cat eats a 1:1-2:1 calcium-phosphorus ratio, but older cats can try to move towards a calcium-phosphorus ratio of 1.5:1 or lower (not less than 1:1). At the same time, we should also regularly check the cat's blood phosphorus level and adjust the phosphorus level in the food as needed. It should be noted that low protein and salt do not prevent cat kidney disease, but may be harmful to cats.
3. Regular physical examination and treatment
For elderly cats, regular physical examinations and diagnosis and treatment are essential. This can help us identify and deal with cats' health problems in a timely manner, thereby improving their quality of life. During the physical examination, we can pay attention to the cat's weight, teeth, intestines and kidneys, and make corresponding adjustments and treatments according to the doctor's recommendations.
Conclusion: How old is your cat now?
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