Cats in their Old Age and Nutrition

The Latter Years
Nowadays, cats live longer and healthier lives than in the past. Thanks to advances in veterinary medicine, a better nutrition and effective vaccines, the life expectancy of a cat can be up to twenty years. Cats age gracefully and you can do a lot to ensure a happy and healthy “retirement” for your loyal companion.

 A twelve year old cat can be considered elderly because its age is equal to seventy years in a person. When it grows old it will start to move more slowly and spent more time napping in a warm place. Hearing and sight deteriorates gradually and joints harden a little. The fur loses some of its old glory and the eyes a little of the shine.

 You might notice it being thinner; it will also feel colder, so fix it a warm place in the house. If it seems reluctant to go out on cold days fix it a litter box indoors.

 A very old cat can develop senility and must be kept safe at all times. If it feels confused it may wander and get lost or find a quiet place and die and you will never be sure what happened to your cat.

Nutrition
When cats get old they’re less capable of digesting the protein and fat in their diets and need to ingest more food to satisfy their daily energy requirements. Serve small rations, many times a day, instead of only two important meals. You can buy cat food for older cats that contain high quality protein and extra fat to compensate the reduced function of the digestive system. Sardines in oil prevent constipation, a condition which is common in old cats. Fresh food, such as rabbit, chicken and fish, are nutritious and easy to digest.

How Old Is Your Cat?
The popular belief is that one cat year is equal to seven human years. For a more adequate comparison see the table below. Kittens mature faster than children, but develop slower after two years.

Cat Years Human Years

• 1 15
• 2 25
• 4 40
• 7 50
• 10 60
• 15 75
• 20 100

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