Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi, I have a 16 year old mixed breed cat who has been diagnosed with kidney disease, and previously diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease (without a confirming biopsy however). She is currently eating the prescription Hill's I/D canned, with Renal K+ gel potassium supplement once or twice daily, and a lactose supplement once daily (Epakitin). She also gets sub-Q fluids two to three times a week.

Here is the issue, she can't tolerate most foods, except this I/D, but it is not very palatable, and she often does not want to eat it. She has lost a lot of weight and is currently down to about 6 pounds (from a high of 10 at her healthiest). She has a good appetite, wants to eat the food my other cat eats, but I know it will upset her stomach (it's Friskies Senior Turkey and Giblets, canned).

What can I feed her that she will WANT to eat, that will cause her to gain some weight, that will be easy on her stomach, yet provide the necessary nutrients and low protein of a CRF diet?

Any help would be greatly appreciated! I should also add that she is rather spry considering her health issues, still enjoys running and playing (she is indoors only), but her low weight makes her seem very bony and fragile.

Don't be concerned about the amount of protein in the diet. If she is losing weight while having a good appetite, and is not hyperthyroid, I suspect she is losing protein through the kidneys, which must be replaced. Check this out with a urine exam. Fresh meat and probiotics should normalize her intestines, and if some of the fresh meat is raw beef kidney, this will also help her own kidneys. As to quantities, let her tell you how much of each food item she wants. She won't eat it if is harmful or unappealing to her.

Thank you for the reply. I'll look into the fresh meat angle. I think she could still live a few more quality years if I can just get her weight back up to a healthy level.