Around eight years of age, metabolic or physiological changes are occurring that are having impacts on cat health, according to Emma Bermingham, PhD. Her 11-year study of the same group of cats has focused on the long-term effects of commercially available diets on cats’ health.
. . . at eight years the cats bodyweights started to diverge. Cats on the dry kibble diet started to outweigh the cats on the wet canned diet.” – Emma Bermingham, PhD
Source: Petfood Industry, May 4, 2023. Link.
Older cats have different nutritional needs than younger felines, and the cat foods they have eaten throughout their lives may influence their health in later life.”
INSIGHTS: Despite the small number of cats in the study the results regarding weight gain and loss may help veterinarians adjust diet recommendations for older cats.