FM2 Pt3-7 Lifestyle Nutrition Flashcards
Why is it important to provide life-stage-specific nutrition for cats?
Cats have different nutritional needs at various life stages, which impact their quality of life, health, and longevity.
What factors should be considered when recommending a cat’s diet?
Age, activity level, weight, breed, environment, health status, and neuter status should be considered.
What are the benefits of feeding a complete nutritional product to cats?
Complete nutritional products ensure optimum nutrition throughout life stages and can be tailored for diet-responsive diseases.
What is colostrum, and why is it important for newborn kittens?
Colostrum is the first milk produced by the queen, rich in antibodies, growth factors, and nutrients, helping gut maturation and providing immunity.
At what age are kittens typically weaned?
Kittens are usually weaned between 4-7 weeks, but should be completely weaned by 6-8 weeks.
Why shouldn’t kittens be fed cow’s milk?
Cow’s milk contains too much lactose and too few calories compared to queen’s milk, leading to digestive issues.
What are the nutritional needs of growing kittens?
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.
Why is DHA important for kittens?
DHA is a vital omega-3 fatty acid essential for brain and retinal development, particularly during the first 12 weeks of life.
How can nutrition support a kitten’s immune system?
Good nutrition supports immune development, and added colostrum in the diet can stabilize gut microflora and enhance immune responses.
Why should calcium levels in a kitten’s diet be carefully balanced?
Too much calcium can interfere with magnesium absorption, affecting bone health, so the calcium
ratio should be carefully controlled.
What age range does the Junior life-stage in cats correspond to?
The Junior life-stage corresponds to 7 months to 2 years in cats, similar to 12-24 years in humans.
When can cats transition from kitten food to adult food?
Cats can transition from kitten food to adult food anytime from 6 months to 12 months of age.
Why is neutering a key consideration in the Junior life-stage?
Neutering reduces energy expenditure and metabolic rate, leading to an increased risk of weight gain and obesity.
What type of diet is beneficial for neutered cats to avoid weight gain?
A diet that is low in fat and high in protein can help maintain lean body mass and prevent fat deposition in neutered cats.
What happens to a cat’s energy needs during the Prime/Adult life-stage?
Energy expenditure tends to decline each year, increasing the risk of weight gain.
What dietary approach can help maintain a cat’s weight in the Prime life-stage?
Monitoring body weight and adjusting food intake as needed, with a focus on adult maintenance or post-neutering diets.
How can super-premium cat foods benefit adult cats?
Super-premium foods contain higher levels of key nutrients and can help reduce the risk of diseases like lower urinary tract and periodontal disease.
How can specific dry foods help with dental health in cats?
Dry foods with specially formulated kibble can help reduce the buildup of plaque and calculus, supporting dental health.
Why is obesity a significant concern in Mature cats?
Obesity is most common in the 7-10 year age group, requiring careful monitoring and dietary adjustments.
How can optimum nutrition affect the longevity of mature cats?
Studies show that diets supplemented with antioxidants, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and prebiotics can enhance longevity and overall health.
What dietary changes are recommended for older cats?
Older cats may benefit from diets with highly digestible nutrients, as some become less able to digest fat and protein.
What benefits did a long-term study show for older cats on a high-quality diet?
The study showed enhanced longevity, better maintained lean body mass, and a reduction in age-related changes such as thinning of the skin.
How do energy and protein needs change in Senior cats?
Senior cats, especially after 13 years of age, often have increased energy and protein requirements to maintain lean body mass.
Why is it important to monitor a Senior cat’s weight?
Senior cats tend to lose weight and muscle mass, so continued monitoring and adjusting food intake is essential.
