title: Focus on nutrition--Optimal nutrition for older cats.
abstract: Despite the aging of the feline companion animal population, no specific nutrient requirements have been established for older (aged >7 years) cats. This has led to wide variability in commercial "senior cat" diets. To recommend optimal nutrition for their older feline patients, clinicians should perform a nutritional assessment for each cat, including a thorough dietary history and an estimated body composition; identify medical conditions that could benefit from nutritional modification; and be aware of the differences in nutrient levels among senior diets.
authors.forename: Dana
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Hutchinson
authors.forename: Lisa M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Freeman
mesh_terms: D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D000824:Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena / Q000502:physiology*; D000818:Animals; D002415:Cats / Q000502:physiology*; D015596:Nutrition Assessment; D009751:Nutritional Requirements