FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q) ) I have several cats…all different breeds, mostly the same size. How do I know when they are “senior”? And what does it matter…they’ll all live forever anyways.
A) A cat is considered a senior at the age of 8. Cats over the age of 12 are considered geriatric. There are numerous cases where cats have lived for more than 30 years. Older cats have health issues just like everyone. They may not become apparent until the disease is very advanced.
Q) I have heard choline mentioned by my vet. What makes it necessary for older cats?
A) Choline is a nutrient essential for cardiovascular and brain function and for cellular membrane composition and repair.
Q) I have heard that cats don’t have the heart problems that dogs do, why?
A) It is true that senior dogs have a much higher rate of heart disease than cats. The reason for this is not clear.
Q) I have two dogs and a cat. I am faithful in making sure that my dogs have their glucosamine every day. Should I start giving my cat the same? What dosages? She is getting on in years, too and I want her to be as spry as long as possible.
A) The weight-bearing joints of cats are structurally different than dogs. Cats do not experience the joint cartilage destruction as quickly or as extensively as dogs. Senior cats do eventually develop arthritis and can benefit from low dose glucosamine supplements at that time.
Q) My friend’s cat has had kidney problems as he gets older. What can I do to prevent my cat from having the same problems?
A) Kidney disease is the number one health issue in cats. Most veterinarians would agree that chronic renal failure is the leading cause of death among senior cats. It is a slowly progressive essentially untreatable disease.
Q) How does proper oral hygiene factor in a cat’s health? What can I do if she can’t stand the brushing thing?
A) ) Good dental health is important not only for the teeth and mouth of your cat but also for good overall health. The bacteria found in diseased gums has been linked to heart disease. A healthy immune system is key to minimizing the ill effects of poor oral hygiene.
Q) ) I’ve been pumping zinc – anytime I feel a cold coming on – so I get it. But for my cat?
A) Zinc does not seem to boost the immune system in cats, but it helps improve the coat and hair. Zinc works best when used in combination with a fatty acid supplement.
Q) ) I buy the best food money can buy for my lovely little tabby, Izzy. Why does he need supplements?
A) Supplements are not a substitute for good nutrition. The fact you buy the best food money can buy is great. A supplement will support the excellent food you provide by making sure the essential micronutrients cats need are available. The nutrients added to the food are generally not adequate to do this.
Q) I notice that your product has a lot of B-vitamins in it. What’s the big deal?
A) The B-vitamins are essential to the conversion of food to energy. They also play important roles in proper metabolism within the body.
Q) Since when does Vitamin-C become important to a cat?
A) Cats have the ability to make vitamin C in their intestines. Older cats appear to need more vitamin C than the cat can produce. Vitamin C helps older cats fight infection, heal wounds, and manage stress.
Q) Biotin? I take biotin to rid myself of wrinkles. Same for older cats?
A) Biotin is a water-soluble B vitamin important in energy production, maintaining a steady blood sugar level, and for healthy hair and nails in cats.
Q) Cats don’t seem to have the same bone issues as dogs – yet you decided to but Vitamin D, phosphorous and calcium in your product. Why?
A) Cats do not have the same arthritis issues that dogs do, but need Vitamin D, Calcium and Phosphorous to maintain healthy bones.
Q) CoQ-10- wow! I thought that was only for humans. Is that why this product is priced higher than other similar products? Why on Earth does my little kitty need CoQ- 10? Isn’t that overkill?
A) CoQ10 is found in every cell in the body. It plays an important role in cellular energy production within the mitochondria. It is expensive but it provides unique antioxidant properties as well as heart protective properties.
Q) ) Fish oil seems to be everywhere. Why do cats need more?
A) Fish oil is the main source of the long-chained Omega-3’s EPA and DHA. Cats use these healthy fatty acids to maintain healthy eyes, heart and brain. They also are powerful anti-inflammatory nutrients that protect joints, skin, and blood vessels.
Q) What is the big difference between Omega’s? Is 6 twice the potency of 3’s? Their wet food has tons of fish in it. Do I really have to supplement with more fatty acids?
A) Most commercial pet foods contain used vegetable oils which are omega-6’s. They are unsaturated fats that provide energy but no healing properties. They taste good to cats and have lower levels of cholesterol than saturated fats. The omega-3s are not used for energy. They are simply too important for that. You need the omega-3s to balance the amount of omega-6s in the diet. You also need all the omega-3s you can get for the heart, brain and eye benefits they provide.
Q) GLA, EPA, DHA? I am not a scientist here…?
A) EPA and DHA are the omega-3s found in fish oil. GLA is an omega-6 found in plants. All three are essential fatty acids that do amazing things for cats. GLA is necessary for normal brain function, bone health, and stimulation of skin and hair growth.
Q) L-taurine has not been on any other product that I have seen for my good old Cheshire, Tawny. Will it make a difference?
A) L-taurine is an amino acid needed for healthy eyes, coats, and a healthy heart in cats.
Q) Electrolytes I know are important for kidney functions, right?
A) Healthy kidneys keep the body’s electrolytes in balance. In chronic renal failure, the poor kidney function causes electrolyte imbalances. This can cause additional health issues.
Q) Bitsy is as healthy as ever at age nine. Why should I be so concerned if she looks great and has a healthy appetite?
A) A nine-year-old healthy cat has reached the time when key nutrients are very likely to benefit them most. You simply can not be sure these nutrients are present in the diet of even the best eater of the best food.