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Posted by cyclopsgrl on January 26, 2003 at 10:08:45:

In Reply to: Re: diet for 11 year old cat posted by PHMadameAlto on January 21, 2003 at 20:08:10:

If he checks out healthy w/no signs of kidney failure, I'd ask the vet if you should have him on "Senior" food if the vet says it doesn't matter what you feed him.

I have two brothers from the same litter that are 11. My vet had me switch them to Senior food when they were about 9, at the first sign they put on a little weight from regular food. The exact differences between Senior and Adult food, I do not know, but I do know my vet had me switch.

I'd also recommend a premium food if you do switch. Many of the premium foods keep the magnesium level lower (.08% or so). I have had my males on premium for years. Last year, I decided to try a good grocery brand -- I went to Purina One Senior. Within two months of switching, Stanley had his first ever kidney infection. I discovered, after calling, Purina One Senior had a magnesium level of .13% (they say to keep it under .10%).

I went back to premium brands (Nutro Natural Choice Senior/Science Diet Hairball Senior) and have had no problems since. The vet said switching to the higher magnesium food may have played a hand in the infection.

I have been told males are much more susceptible to urinary tract problems, due to the smaller opening caused by neutering. I have always had good luck with premium brands as they naturally keep the magnesium under .10%. If a food doesn't list the magnesium content on the label, you can almost be assured it is higher than .10%, I've found.

Tammy

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