Cats over 10 years old have distinct nutritional needs that differ from younger adults, and appropriate dietary management is essential for maintaining welfare through their senior and geriatric years.
Nutritional management of senior cats requires understanding the specific ways aging affects feline physiology. The common assumption that older cats need fewer calories is often wrong: many senior cats actually need more dietary protein and calories per kilogram to maintain body condition due to reduced digestive efficiency. Weight loss in older cats is a welfare emergency that often goes unrecognized until the animal is significantly compromised. Monthly weighing of cats over 10 years old provides an early warning system for conditions including hyperthyroidism, kidney disease, and diabetes, all of which are more common in older cats and all of which affect nutritional needs. Veterinary nutritional assessment is a worthwhile investment for senior cats with complex health profiles.