What should be the diet of a sick cat?


The diet of the sick cat is very useful to fight its pathology: here is what to feed a cat that is not well.

The eating habits of a cat have changed a lot over time: from hunting animal (of mice) it has become a perfect house cat. And as a result, his eating habits have also changed considerably, even when his health is not the best. It is a mistake that only a drug therapy can help a cat to heal, since nutrition is also a fundamental support for regaining strength and energy. In particular, there are different types of diet for each pathology that can afflict the cat.


Sick cat diet: homemade meals

With a balanced diet, and targeted in the case of the sick dog, the healing process of the cat is accelerated not only from the point of view of organs and tissues, but also bone. A correct diet is of great support to an adequate drug therapy. In a debilitated situation, the immune system is weak and needs to strengthen itself. When a diet is targeted, and then we will see in the various cases of the most frequent diseases in cats, the energy supply is guaranteed.

Alongside a correct diet, however, it is necessary to be followed by an experienced veterinarian: some doctors may also recommend giving the cat natural remedies or simple dishes to prepare at home. Here are some examples.

  • Beef broth: the meat can be seasoned with cloves and very little salt, even better if filtered, eliminating all the fat. To be given to the cat every six hours.
  • Pearl barley broth: better if enriched with honey every three hours.
  • Rice porridge: to be seasoned with parsley and cheese, perhaps mixing it with potatoes and milk. The mixture will need to be fed to the cat every three hours.
  • Oatmeal: to be diluted with water and with the addition of low-fat yogurt, to be given to the sick cat every four hours, perhaps using a teaspoon.
  • Tapioca jelly: when the mixture is gelatinous, it is better to add milk or honey to dilute it slightly.

Sick cat diet: beneficial foods

Alongside meals to be prepared at home quickly and easily, there are a number of foods that serve as a condiment to the main meal. Here are some examples of the great variety of simple and healthy ingredients, but also tasty, which will make the dishes more delicious for our cat.

  • Honey: with essential minerals and vitamins, excellent as a natural calming, antiseptic and purifier. Be careful not to overdo it: the cat could face obesity problems.
  • Apple cider vinegar: remedy for rheumatism and arthritis, it also disinfects the digestive and heart systems. Better if administered in small doses, diluted with water.
  • Valerian: useful in case of convalescence or fatigue. Its effects are similar to the benefits of catnip; better if added to the mixture of the baby food.
  • Parsley: herb to add both to baby food and to make an infusion.
  • Turmeric: against indigestion, it fights intestinal parasites, while purifying the liver and heart. Being a particularly ‘strong’ spice, it is better to use it in small doses or dissolve it in warm milk.

Diet of the cat with renal insufficiency

A cat, especially elderly, is particularly prone to chronic renal failure: in this case the kidney no longer works well. But to be clear, the problem will already be too serious to intervene. Furthermore, the function of the kidneys in cats is essential because the cat gets rid of toxic substances through the urine. Otherwise they accumulate in the body, creating problems for other organs as well. In this case, the power supply serves not to solve, but only to not worsen the situation. You need:

  • low protein,
  • little phosphorus,
  • lots of potassium,
  • lots of vitamin B.

Diet of the cat with bladder stones

The formation of bladder stones is very common in neutered male cats. Given the size of a cat, compared to a dog, for example, it is obvious that smaller stones cause damage that is also quite serious. The diet in this case inhibits the formation of other stones, but does not cure those already present (to be removed surgically). Better to avoid giving too many minerals, such as magnesium and calcium, and too many fats that make the cat gain weight and induce immobility. Vitamin C, on the other hand, makes the urine more acidic, which dissolves the stones.


Diet of the liver sick cat

The liver and its proper functioning determine the health of our cat. However, if its functions are compromised by disease or obesity, it can even cause death. The cat can stop eating, suffer from episodes of diarrhea and vomiting and, therefore, suffer from dehydration. This is why it is important to encourage him to eat those foods that can be absorbed easily: meals with a high energy level, rich in both fats and sugars and proteins (for example eggs and milk) should be preferred. As for minerals, it is best to limit copper, which inflames the liver.


Diet of the cat with diabetes

Diabetes in cats is as serious as it is frequent, because it cannot be cured but therapy is required for the entire life of the cat. It is a disease that affects the pancreas, which stops producing insulin: nutrition helps to maintain a stable state of health or at least not to worsen. Better to limit carbohydrates and sugars, and increase the portions to avoid excessive weight loss of the cat. If your cat refuses to eat, you should contact a veterinarian and seek advice on the most suitable methods to feed him.


How to stimulate a sick cat to eat

  • Better to prefer small portions of food at frequent intervals (every one or two hours).
  • Change the brand and type of food.
  • Follow a specific diet to keep the cat strong (recommended by the veterinarian).
  • Reheating the food to make it feel its aroma better and stimulate it.
  • Do not hide the medicine in food, as his sense of smell will notice and refuse to eat.
  • Never let him run out of water.
  • Use a syringe without a needle.

If our cat is sick and none of the previous methods help him to get better, the advice is to immediately contact a trusted veterinarian and submit him to a series of visits.


Cat BreedsCat Food and Nutrition
Tips for Cat OwnersCat Training
Cat BehaviorKittens
Cat HealthCat Grooming
Cat AdoptionTravel with Cat
Holiday Season- Cat

Leave a Comment