IIPTF PET FESTIVAL PUNE Vol 12 Issue No 10 October 2019 | Page 25

malnutrition from malabsorption or
maldigestion, parasites, and exocrine
pancreatic insuffi ciency, among
others) may result in normal or
increased appetite.
Your veterinarian is the best person to
talk to about your older cat's individual
diet needs. But for most healthy older
cats, a commercial senior diet is
available. Diets developed especially
for senior cats often have increased
digestibility to offset weight loss and
decreased absorption of nutrients;
increased antioxidants to help boost
a weakening immune system; and
increased palatability and softer
kibbles.
Latest
research
based
on
Nutrigenomics
are
making
breakthroughs in geriatric dog and cat
health. Many global players such as
Hills Pet Nutrition and Nestle Purina
PetCare are studying molecular
nutrition in canines and felines and
trying to come up with genomics
based nutritional therapies for pets.
Cats are very sensitive to oral pain,
and  dental problems  can make
chewing painful, causing a cat
to swallow food whole or avoid
eating altogether. If your cat seems
interested in food but does not eat, it
could be suffering from oral pain. A
visit to your Veterinarian becomes
essential to address your cat’s dental
issues. Dry foods designed for tartar
removal may improve oral health if
the situation is not advanced.
Some older cats experience decreased
senses of taste and smell. If that's the
case with your cat, you will need to
feed him particularly aromatic foods.
Warming food slightly will cause its
aroma to increase, which will often
appeal to older cats. Just be sure to
avoid overheating the food. Some
cats eat better if they are petted while
eating. Some also do better with
several small meals a day.
The nutritional needs of older cats are
infl uenced by any health problems
they may have, many of which —
such as  kidney failure,  diabetes
mellitus  and  heart disease  — are
more common in older cats and
often benefi t from special dietary
modifi cations made in prescription
diets.
It is essential to monitor your
cat's calorie intake, since lack of
appetite is one of the more common
signs of disease. However, a good
appetite does not rule out disease,
because certain conditions (such as
hyperthyroidism,  diabetes  mellitus,
It is sometimes a challenge to keep
your older cat eating what you
want him to, and you may have to
make compromises. Talk to your
veterinarian if your cat has changes
in appetite or weight. Every  cat, and
every situation, is different. Respect
the cat’s needs.
* Dr. Dhananjay Pandit is a
veterinarian by profession. He
specialises in clinical and wellness
nutrition for cats and dogs. He has
a special interest in enhancing the
palatability of pet foods, treats, tablets
and liquids for pets.
October 2019 • Vol. XII • Issue 10 • Noida
25
| Creature Companion