Cats, like humans, age over time. And if a person has a rather large age, then the old age of a cat begins as early as 7 years old. But adherence to proper and healthy feeding, physical activity and constant medical examinations can prevent many diseases in old age, while prolonging the life of old animals as long as possible.
How to feed an old cat with chronic diseases?
As cats and cats get older, they may develop some health problems. And if a healthy cat continues to eat as before, then old people with diseases should reconsider their diet. Much depends on nutrition: how the disease will behave, and how the animal will feel at the same time. Proper feeding at such a respectable age will help avoid excess weight and the complications of chronic diseases.
Cats with kidney failure (CRF) need to drink a lot. If an animal with chronic renal failure does not drink enough, fluid is injected intravenously so that the body does not become dehydrated. Dry food can also lead to dehydration, so it is recommended to switch cats with CI to wet food. Wet food should be low in potassium, phosphorus and various food additives. The feed must contain substances that remove excess phosphorus (it negatively affects the kidneys).
Older cats often suffer from dental disease. This is stomatitis, gingivitis, caries or tartar. For such diseases, it is recommended to purchase special food with large, dense pieces. The cat will have to gnaw them, and this is a good prophylaxis against tartar.
Hyperthyroidism disease is more and more common among old cats. It consists of an excess of thyroid hormones, which are produced by a tumor in the thyroid gland. Because of this, the cat has an increased appetite, reduced weight, anxiety. Veterinarians with hyperthyroidism recommend feeding wet foods based on chicken, veal, beef or lamb. Choose food in tetrapacks (like Bozita) or plastic bags (like Yams or Ekanuba), but not in metal cans.
Old cats often suffer from chronic constipation. This is due to decreased physical activity. In this case, it is worth introducing more fiber (vegetables, bran, cellulose) or dry food with a high moisture content into the diet. Foods with such additives will also help cats with diabetes mellitus and suffering from colitis.
Cats suffering from intestinal and anal inflammation can eat foods that contain highly digestible protein.
For cats with heart problems, a diet high in taurine is recommended. But the sodium content in such feeds should be much lower.
Cats with cancer should be on an antioxidant diet.
Natural feeding
Cats in old age become finicky in the choice of food. It happens that a pet begins to eat something that has never been eaten. This is due to the fact that with old age the gustatory nerves lose their sensitivity. Older cats and cats should have more high-quality fats in their diet. They awaken the appetite of capricious animals with their strong smell. Diversify the old man's diet with liver, chicken breast, beef heart, offal. For vegetables, offer him beans, zucchini, or pumpkin.
Fish should not be given to a cat at any age, and even more so at the old one. It contains a lot of phosphorus, which is poorly excreted from the body and damages the kidneys.
If your cat has gum pain, he will refuse solid food. In such cases, offer the animal strong veal or beef broths, spiced with meat puree and oatmeal. This diet will quickly soothe restless gums. Later, you can offer the cat boiled soft meat, cut into small elongated pieces so that the cat can eat them without chewing.
An old cat with bad teeth should not be offered solid food. Oatmeal with minced meat, milk soup with rice, kefir, cottage cheese, omelet with a little oil, grated cucumber are perfect.
For constipation, always add 1 teaspoon of bran per feed. Fiber will help normalize your cat's bowel movements. Always use vegetables in a natural diet, they are also rich in fiber.
Avoid high-protein foods when feeding older cats. Feed a low-calorie meal to keep your cat from gaining weight. It is better to give food often, but in small portions. Add vitamins to natural feed, especially A, B, B6, B12, E, C and glucosamine. They strengthen the internal organs of old animals and keep them in shape.
