The nutritional needs of geriatric cats differ from those of younger animals. Geriatric cats are more prone to health problems, including chronic renal failure, oral health problems, tumors, bone and muscle degeneration, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes mellitus. Most of these diseases can be alleviated, prevented, or entirely cured through diet.
Aging is a complex process during which production of free radicals increases. An animal is protected from these free radicals by antioxidants. As a cat ages, his defense system weakens. An older cat may benefit from a diet enriched with vitamins C and E. Vitamin C may help protect against dental and oral health problems, while vitamin E, which limits production of free radicals, attenuates the effects of aging. These two vitamins also boost the immune system. The daily allowance of these two vitamins for cats aged ten years or older is five to six times higher than for normal maintenance.
Other adjustments must also be made to the older cat's diet. Since appetite and absorption decline with age, a high-calorie, appetizing food is recommended. Softer kibble is also helpful since the older cat may have difficulty chewing.
The scientific community was divided for many years regarding the possible need to reduce protein content in an older cat's diet. Research demonstrates that doing so does not retard aging of the kidneys in any way and can only contribute to muscle loss and weakening of the animal's immune system. However, a decrease in phosphorus is recommended. In addition, after a certain age, foods that increase urine acidity should be avoided, since they favor the development of oxalate calculi, which occur with greater frequency in older cats.
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