Studies have shown that a higher lean body mass in cats is associated with longevity, while the loss of lean body mass in dogs is linked with shorter survival times. Research shows that higher protein diets can help preserve both LBM and body weight in cats and dogs.

Preserving lean body mass in aging

At all stages of life, maintaining ideal body weight is key to maintaining LBM. However, Purina studies show that cats commonly lose body weight and LBM after about 12 years of age. In some aging cats, this loss of weight and LBM leads to what may be referred to as the “skinny old cat syndrome.” Although nutrition cannot completely prevent sarcopenia in aging cats (or dogs), nutrition can play a role in delaying some of the age-related changes in body weight and body composition of these older felines

A cross-sectional study of 256 cats showed they begin to lose both LBM and fat at approximately 12 years of age.

This progressive loss of LBM, called sarcopenia, poses a risk for health problems and a shorter life span.

A longitudinal study of aging, non-obese cats, showed that every 10-gram increase in LBM resulted in a 2% increased chance of survival.

Research also demonstrated that older dogs fed a high-protein diet showed slower age-related loss of LBM than dogs fed a diet lower in protein.

Key things to remember