Senior cats have specific nutritional needs that differ from younger adults. Understanding these changes supports better welfare management of aging cats.
Senior cat nutrition welfare requires individualized assessment rather than category-based feeding. The common practice of switching cats to 'senior' formula foods at age 7 or 10 may inadvertently reduce protein intake in cats that actually need more protein to maintain muscle mass. Muscle loss (sarcopenia) in senior cats contributes to weakness, reduced mobility, and impaired immune function - a welfare consequence of inadequate nutrition. Simultaneously, cats with kidney disease need specific protein management that differs from healthy seniors. The gap between generic commercial senior diets and individually optimized senior cat nutrition represents a widespread welfare deficit that regular veterinary assessment and dietary guidance can address.