FM2 Pt3-7 Lifestyle Nutrition

Question 1

Why is it important to provide life-stage-specific nutrition for cats?

Answer 1

Cats have different nutritional needs at various life stages, which impact their quality of life, health, and longevity.

Question 2

What factors should be considered when recommending a cat’s diet?

Answer 2

Age, activity level, weight, breed, environment, health status, and neuter status should be considered.

Question 3

What are the benefits of feeding a complete nutritional product to cats?

Answer 3

Complete nutritional products ensure optimum nutrition throughout life stages and can be tailored for diet-responsive diseases.

Question 4

What is colostrum, and why is it important for newborn kittens?

Answer 4

Colostrum is the first milk produced by the queen, rich in antibodies, growth factors, and nutrients, helping gut maturation and providing immunity.

Question 5

At what age are kittens typically weaned?

Answer 5

Kittens are usually weaned between 4-7 weeks, but should be completely weaned by 6-8 weeks.

Question 6

Why shouldn’t kittens be fed cow’s milk?

Answer 6

Cow’s milk contains too much lactose and too few calories compared to queen’s milk, leading to digestive issues.

Question 7

What are the nutritional needs of growing kittens?

Answer 7

Kittens need a high-protein, high-fat diet, with around 40% protein and 20% fat in dry food to support rapid growth and energy needs.

Question 8

Why is DHA important for kittens?

Answer 8

DHA is a vital omega-3 fatty acid essential for brain and retinal development, particularly during the first 12 weeks of life.

Question 9

How can nutrition support a kitten’s immune system?

Answer 9

Good nutrition supports immune development, and added colostrum in the diet can stabilize gut microflora and enhance immune responses.

Question 10

Why should calcium levels in a kitten’s diet be carefully balanced?

Answer 10

Too much calcium can interfere with magnesium absorption, affecting bone health, so the calcium
ratio should be carefully controlled.

Question 11

What age range does the Junior life-stage in cats correspond to?

Answer 11

The Junior life-stage corresponds to 7 months to 2 years in cats, similar to 12-24 years in humans.

Question 12

When can cats transition from kitten food to adult food?

Answer 12

Cats can transition from kitten food to adult food anytime from 6 months to 12 months of age.

Question 13

Why is neutering a key consideration in the Junior life-stage?

Answer 13

Neutering reduces energy expenditure and metabolic rate, leading to an increased risk of weight gain and obesity.

Question 14

What type of diet is beneficial for neutered cats to avoid weight gain?

Answer 14

A diet that is low in fat and high in protein can help maintain lean body mass and prevent fat deposition in neutered cats.

Question 15

What happens to a cat’s energy needs during the Prime/Adult life-stage?

Answer 15

Energy expenditure tends to decline each year, increasing the risk of weight gain.

Question 16

What dietary approach can help maintain a cat’s weight in the Prime life-stage?

Answer 16

Monitoring body weight and adjusting food intake as needed, with a focus on adult maintenance or post-neutering diets.

Question 17

How can super-premium cat foods benefit adult cats?

Answer 17

Super-premium foods contain higher levels of key nutrients and can help reduce the risk of diseases like lower urinary tract and periodontal disease.

Question 18

How can specific dry foods help with dental health in cats?

Answer 18

Dry foods with specially formulated kibble can help reduce the buildup of plaque and calculus, supporting dental health.

Question 19

Why is obesity a significant concern in Mature cats?

Answer 19

Obesity is most common in the 7-10 year age group, requiring careful monitoring and dietary adjustments.

Question 20

How can optimum nutrition affect the longevity of mature cats?

Answer 20

Studies show that diets supplemented with antioxidants, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and prebiotics can enhance longevity and overall health.

Question 21

What dietary changes are recommended for older cats?

Answer 21

Older cats may benefit from diets with highly digestible nutrients, as some become less able to digest fat and protein.

Question 22

What benefits did a long-term study show for older cats on a high-quality diet?

Answer 22

The study showed enhanced longevity, better maintained lean body mass, and a reduction in age-related changes such as thinning of the skin.

Question 23

How do energy and protein needs change in Senior cats?

Answer 23

Senior cats, especially after 13 years of age, often have increased energy and protein requirements to maintain lean body mass.

Question 24

Why is it important to monitor a Senior cat’s weight?

Answer 24

Senior cats tend to lose weight and muscle mass, so continued monitoring and adjusting food intake is essential.

Question 25

What type of food is ideal for Senior cats?

Answer 25

A high-quality, highly digestible food with increased energy density can help maintain optimum body condition.

Question 26

What are common nutritional issues for Geriatric cats?

Answer 26

Geriatric cats often experience reduced fat and protein digestibility, leading to weight and muscle loss.

Question 27

How can nutrition help maintain a Geriatric cat’s health?

Answer 27

High-quality, highly digestible food with increased calories and protein can help maintain body mass and prevent excessive muscle wasting.

Question 28

Should older cats without renal disease have a restricted protein diet?

Answer 28

No, older cats without renal disease generally require increased protein intake to avoid losing lean body tissue.

Question 29

What diet should be fed to a pregnant or lactating queen?

Answer 29

Pregnant and lactating queens should be fed a diet designed for reproduction, such as kitten food, throughout gestation and lactation.

Question 30

How much should a queen’s food intake increase during pregnancy?

Answer 30

A queen’s food intake should gradually increase to 1.5 × normal by the time of birth.

Question 31

How much should a queen’s food intake increase during lactation?

Answer 31

The queen should consume 1.5 × normal in Week 1, 2 × normal in Week 2, and 3 × normal by Weeks 3 & 4 of lactation.

Question 32

Why should calcium supplementation be avoided during pregnancy and lactation?

Answer 32

Calcium supplementation can be dangerous during pregnancy and lactation, so queens should rely on balanced kitten food instead.

Question 33

What senses are most important for a cat when determining food palatability?

Answer 33

Smell and odour are more important than taste for cats when determining food palatability.