The good news is that cats are living longer than ever before - almost a third of cats in Europe are over eight years old, the average life expectancy for a pet cat in Europe is now 16 years, and reaching the age of 20 is no longer unusual. What many owners don’t know is that cats tend to age in two clear stages, and their dietary needs change with both of them.

Following an intensive study of the nutritional needs of older cats, Royal Canin has come up with six new foods to helpyour cat mature and grow old gracefully. At seven years old, you probably don’t think your cat is anything other than in the prime of life, and there are very few visible signs of ageing - he or she is still lively, active, playful andalert. In fact though, ageing at cellular level starts around now, and from the age of seven cats need a diet which increases antioxidant levels, contains ingredients to keep joints lubricated, and has adapted phosphorous levels to help support kidney function. Because your cat’s lifestyle also affects nutritional needs, Royal Canin has created Indoor+7, for coat beauty and shine for mostly indoors cats; Outdoor+7, for active cats to keep them on the move; and Sterilised+7 to help maintain ideal weight in sterilised cats. And if your cat prefers wet food, Instinctive+7 offers all the same benefits in chunks in gravy.

By 11 or 12 years of age, it’s much more noticeable that your cat is now a senior citizen - they will probably have slowed down, sleep a lot more, might have difficulty jumping up or grooming themselves, might lose their appetite, and will certainly digest food less efficiently. At this stage, cats need ultra-high quality, easily digestible nutrients - and they’ve got to be really tasty too! Ageing+12 is available as either tender chunks in gravy or a unique double- textured kibble which is crunchy on the outside and soft in the middle, ideal for tender older teeth. Ageing+12 not only helps support the kidneys, joints and supports cellular ageing, it also uses an amino acid called L-tryptophan which is known for its’ soothing properties and helps support your cat’s brain function.

Because ageing is one of life’s normal physiological processes, Royal Canin has produced a free Ageing Cat Guide, which contains everything you ever wanted to know about your ageing cat. Royal Canin +7 and +12 foods for older cats and the Ageing Cat Guide are available from good pet shops throughout the UK - to find your nearest stockist,visit www.royalcanin.co.uk or
call 0845 300 4011.

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