Although cats happen to be the most popular pet and most are considered to be part of the family, only 14% of senior cats undergo regular health screening. As a result, chronic disease fully manifests, even when early evidence often demonstrates that these conditions could be slowed down. Many cats start showing early clinical signs years before, and they are often missed. Some of the most common conditions that affect the ageing cat include chronic kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, osteoarthritis, cardiovascular disease, gastrointestinal disorders (IBD, constipation, hepatobiliary disease), dental disease, and finally cognitive disorders (often mistaken for behavioural issues). As such, the nutritional objectives for our senior cats should not only include health and vitality support, but should also help slow down the progression or even the onset of age-related health illnesses, while improving their quality of life and, if possible, life expectancy.
Royal Canin is the cornerstone for veterinary nutrition, and have an unwavering commitment to providing HEALTH THROUGH NUTRITION. They offer a wide range of Urinary SO formulas, as well as an array of Multifunction formulas that cater to our patient’s concurrent conditions. No more nutritional compromises for our family members, and now no more compromises for our senior cats.
Introducing the NEW Royal Canin Feline URINARY SO AGING7+ + Calm wet (loaf in sauce) and dry. Not only does this diet provide the same urinary health benefits found in the existing URINARY SO formulas, but it is also a great option for:
concurrent early renal disease, due to its restricted amount of phosphorus and supplemental EPA & DHA- feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC), or any other stress-related condition, as this formula helps relieve stress, reduces anxiety, improves sleep regulation, and creates a calming effect through the addition of milk protein hydrolysate, supplemental tryptophan, and nicotinamide
- cognitive health function by supporting brain health through supplemental L-tryptophan, phosphatidylserine, and antioxidants
- supplemental joint support in our ageing feline patients with supplemental glucosamine, chondroitin, and EPA & DHA (dry formula)
Another great option for our senior cats is the Royal Canin SENIOR CONSULT dry and wet. Often overlooked, this formula has been part of the Royal Canin portfolio since 2012, and is currently (depending on the concurrent condition) one of the most recommended diets through the Royal Canin Veterinary Case Consultation Service. Although it’s not exclusively part of the Urinary category, it does carry an S/O Index for urinary health, it is also a good option for early renal disease due to restricted amounts of phosphorus and supplemental EPA & DHA. This formulation also supports cognitive function by supporting brain health through supplemental L-tryptophan, phosphatidylserine, and antioxidants. Both wet and dry formulations also provide joint support with supplemental glucosamine, chondroitin, and EPA & DHA. Where the dry formulation takes joint support to the next level with some supplemental green-lipped mussel powder (GLMP).
Our feline family members, unfortunately, do not live as long as we all wish they could. So why not offer them a formula tailored specifically to their individual needs? In doing so, we hope to slow down the progression of chronic disease, and ultimately lead to a better quality of life. Royal Canin is committed to propelling veterinary health nutrition to the next level. Their goals and values are rooted in their passion for our cats and dogs, while through knowledge, they continue to improve and offer health through nutrition.
To find out more about Royal Canin’s formulas, please contact your Royal Canin Technical Sales Representative
Melissa Watson BSc, DVM
Technical Services Veterinarian
Royal Canin Canada
References:
- Epstein M, Kuehn NF, Landsberg G, et al. AAHA senior care guidelines for dogs and cats. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc 2005;41:81-91. Available at: https://www.aahanet.org/PublicDocuments/SeniorCareGuidelines.pdf
- Vogt AH, Rodan I, Brown M, et al. AAFP-AAHA feline life stage guidelines. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc 2010;46: 70-85. Available at: https://www.aahanet.org/PublicDocuments/FelineLifeStageGuidelines.pdf.
- Pittari J, Rodan I, Beekman G, et al. American Association of Feline Practitioners Senior Care Guidelines.Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery (2009) 11, 763-778. Available at: https://catvets.com/public/PDFs/PracticeGuidelines/SeniorCare-ClientHandout.pdf