Effect of Nutritional Interventions on Longevity of Senior Cats

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate whether antioxidants, alone or in combination with other nutritional supplements, increase health and longevity in a population of older cats. A group of 90 cats between the ages of 7 and 17 years was blocked into 3 groups by age, body condition score, and gender. Cats were assigned to 1 of 3 diets: control (basal diet of nutritionally complete cat food), basal diet with added antioxidants (vitamin E and β-carotene), and basal diet with added antioxidants, dried whole chicory root (source of prebiotic), and a blend of supplemental n-3 and n-6 fatty acids. The diets were fed exclusively for the remaining lifetime of each cat. Physical exams, body condition scores, complete blood count, serum chemistries, plasma fatty acids, serum antioxidant status, fecal microflora, urinalysis, and body composition by dual-energy xray absorptiometry were performed at study initiation and at periodic intervals thereafter. After 5 years, cats fed the diet with the antioxidants vitamin E and β-carotene, dried chicory root, and a blend of n-3 and n-6 fatty acids lived significantly longer than cats fed the control diet. Positive indicators of reduced disease incidence and improved intestinal health were also observed.