Vetaqua
SLAVE TO THE RHYTHM
- Joined
- Nov 3, 2009
- Messages
- 1,242
- Reaction score
- 47
- Points
- 38
Andrew H. Sparkes, BVetMed, PhD, DipECVIM, MRCVS
Feeding Old Cats - An Update on New Nutritional Therapies
Topics in Companion Animal Medicine
Volume 26, Number 1, February 2011
Abstract:
Aging is associated with a wide variety of physiological changes that compromise the ability of the body to
respond to stress or change, and ultimately contribute to morbidity and mortality. Much research has been
done on the aging process in humans and experimental animals, and the impact of diet, but there is relatively
little data from companion animal studies. However, although many of the aging changes are likely to be
similar between different mammals, it is known that there are some differences with cats. In contrast to dogs
and humans, elderly cats experience an increase in their maintenance energy requirements rather than a
continued decline, which may be mediated partly through a better-maintained basal metabolic rate but also
through progressive compromise in fat and protein digestion. Old age is also associated with a progressive loss
of lean body mass that may be mitigated in part by feeding higher protein levels. Diets designed for healthy
elderly cats should therefore concentrate on being energy dense, highly digestible and with an increase in the
proportion of protein calories, and being fed with the aim of supporting optimal body weight. There is also
strong evidence emerging that dietary manipulation in cats may be able to modify aspects of the aging process,
with a long-term longitudinal study of cats demonstrating both survival and health benefits from feeding a diet
supplemented with antioxidants, fatty acids, and a prebiotic source.
Feeding Old Cats - An Update on New Nutritional Therapies
Topics in Companion Animal Medicine
Volume 26, Number 1, February 2011
Abstract:
Aging is associated with a wide variety of physiological changes that compromise the ability of the body to
respond to stress or change, and ultimately contribute to morbidity and mortality. Much research has been
done on the aging process in humans and experimental animals, and the impact of diet, but there is relatively
little data from companion animal studies. However, although many of the aging changes are likely to be
similar between different mammals, it is known that there are some differences with cats. In contrast to dogs
and humans, elderly cats experience an increase in their maintenance energy requirements rather than a
continued decline, which may be mediated partly through a better-maintained basal metabolic rate but also
through progressive compromise in fat and protein digestion. Old age is also associated with a progressive loss
of lean body mass that may be mitigated in part by feeding higher protein levels. Diets designed for healthy
elderly cats should therefore concentrate on being energy dense, highly digestible and with an increase in the
proportion of protein calories, and being fed with the aim of supporting optimal body weight. There is also
strong evidence emerging that dietary manipulation in cats may be able to modify aspects of the aging process,
with a long-term longitudinal study of cats demonstrating both survival and health benefits from feeding a diet
supplemented with antioxidants, fatty acids, and a prebiotic source.