Aging in cats

Abstract

There is a paucity of research in feline aging. The authors have drawn on expert opinion and available data in both the cat and other species.

Managing Aged Animals in Zoos to Promote Positive Welfare: A Review and Future Directions

“…Ageing in humans can be associated with changes in body composition—such as a decrease in lean body mass and increase in body fat—as well as overall declines in body weight [ 40 , 41 ]. Similar patterns have been reported in older domestic cats ( Felis catus ), dogs ( Canis lupus familiaris ), and horses ( Equus caballus ) [ 42 , 43 , 44 , 45 ]. Ageing humans and dogs may not exhibit weight loss with increasing age, but may still experience a loss of muscle mass and increase in body fat as body composition shifts with age [ 42 , 46 , 47 ].…”

“…Gradual declines in overall body mass may thus be associated with normal ageing in a number of taxa. Slow declines in body mass may be related to a decrease in resting metabolic rate associated with changes in body composition, a decline in overall caloric intake [ 44 , 48 ], age-related changes to digestive function or transit time [ 44 ], pain related inappetence [ 49 ], or hormonal changes [ 50 , 51 ]. Weight loss may also be attributable to any number of underlying medical issues [ 45 , 49 , 52 ], therefore sustained or unexpected changes to an animal’s body condition should always be assessed by a veterinarian for underlying causes.…”

“…Older animals may also be at greater risk for becoming overweight or obese due to declining resting metabolic rates and overall lower activity levels if there is no corresponding decrease in caloric intake as activity levels decline [ 48 ]. Decreases in muscle mass may be associated with declines in mobility over time as well [ 44 , 53 ], highlighting the importance of maintaining age appropriate physical activity for older animals.…”

The Fecal Microbiota in the Domestic Cat (Felis catus) Is Influenced by Interactions Between Age and Diet; A Five Year Longitudinal Study

“…Geriatric: >15 years of age (Hoyumpa Vogt et al, 2010 ). It is currently estimated that 20% of pet cats are now older than 11 years of age (Bellows et al, 2016 ). As with humans, pet cats are facing increased health problems including an increased incidence of obesity and related illnesses (e.g., diabetes) (Scarlett et al, 1994 ; German, 2006 ; Banfield Pet Hospital, 2016 ).…”

Cannabis, One Health, and Veterinary Medicine: Cannabinoids’ Role in Public Health, Food Safety, and Translational Medicine

“…Geriatric conditions such as cognitive dysfunction syndrome, age-associated decline in renal function, and impairment of cellmediated immune function have been studied in veterinary patients (including the additional challenge of under-diagnoses of geriatric pets as being truly geriatric). [144][145][146][147][148][149][150][151] Pets have shorter lifespans and experience a more rapid progression of diseases, making the study of natural occurring diseases in veterinary patients relatively expeditious compared to in humans, as well as more cost-effective.…”