Senior cats have distinct nutritional requirements that differ significantly from adults. Understanding these needs enables owners to support healthy aging through dietary management.
Nutritional mismanagement in senior cats causes preventable suffering through two main mechanisms: excessive restriction of healthy nutrients (protein restriction in non-CKD cats), and inadequate management of disease-associated nutritional needs (uncontrolled phosphorus in CKD). The protein requirement of senior cats is well-established but frequently misunderstood — owners and some general guides recommend protein restriction for all senior cats, when evidence supports restriction only in CKD patients with specific phosphorus management needs. Well-nourished senior cats maintain muscle mass, healthy weight, and the energy to engage with their environment. Malnourished senior cats show muscle wasting, lethargy, and reduced quality of life that appropriate nutrition could prevent.