老貓怎麼這麼瘦？｜Muscle Loss in Senior Cats

老貓和老人不同，無需吃低蛋白低脂肪的飲食。

貓咪的身體各項機能隨著年齡增長，在抵達巔峰後，就會漸漸的開始衰退。12歲以上的貓咪即使食慾沒有減退，由於消化機能的老化，造成吸收的營養減少，難以維持肌肉的消耗，因此許多17-18歲的高齡貓咪總是看起來骨瘦如柴。同時運動量的減少，就算吃得再多，有可能都空長肥油肚腩而非肌肉。

除了生理機能的退化，急遽的消瘦也有可能是其他慢性疾病所造成。甲狀腺機能亢進是許多老貓易發生的疾病，通常透過血檢即可正確診斷，只要持續服用藥物即可得到好的控制。

貓的糖尿病或是慢性腎衰竭也有可能造成體重急遽的變化。

不管貓咪年齡大小，體重的變化通常就是疾病的徵兆。如果貓咪體重在一周內下降200克以上，就應盡快就醫做相關檢查。

相關文章：老貓飲食建議、兼顧完整的營養、纖維很重要

Feline bodies degenerate over the years, and the process only accelerates after their prime years. Cats over 12 years of age, even when eating a more than normal amount of food, may still be gradually slimming. Cats over the age of 17 to 18 can easily become skin and bones if given the wrong food, especially "indoor" or "senior" formulas, which provide poor nutrition. These formulas are almost always too low in fat with not enough protein.

Gradual slimming can also simply be the result of the aging of digestive systems. Absorbing less nutrients, it becomes harder for the body to provide enough energy needed for muscle maintenance.

Some chronic diseases such as hyperthyroidism may also speed up the process. This is the reason why regular check ups are essential for senior cats. Many of these symptoms can be easily controlled with the correct diagnosis, treatments, and medications.

Regardless of your cat's age, dramatic weight change indicates that something is wrong. We should treat it in a serious manner, and take the cat for medical attention if more than 200 grams of weight is lost within a week.