Older cats have changing nutritional needs including altered protein metabolism, dental considerations, and risk of muscle loss that require adapted dietary management to maintain health and quality of life.
Nutritional deficiency in aging cats causes progressive welfare decline through muscle wasting, reduced immunity, and impaired organ function. Many owners continue feeding the same diet throughout a cat's life not recognizing that senior cats' needs differ substantially from those of young adults. Dental pain may cause cats to avoid food without owners recognizing the cause. Unmanaged hyperthyroidism or kidney disease progresses causing chronic suffering. Biannual veterinary assessment of senior cats including body weight, body condition, muscle condition score, and routine bloodwork provides the foundation for nutritional intervention before welfare compromise becomes advanced.