Calorie-Intensive Supplements for Sick Cats

When your cat is sick, it may not have much of an appetite. But this is exactly when your pet needs the most calories. A cat's body needs proper nutrition in order to recover from an illness or injury. Going just one or two days without eating can be life-threatening for a feline. Adding a calorie-intensive supplement to your cat's diet can ensure your pet maintains the strength it needs to get well.

  1. Background

    • Supplements are used to provide nourishment and essential vitamins and minerals to cats that aren't receiving enough nutrition from a regular diet, whether it's because they are too sick, injured or stressed to eat or are simply finicky about food. When a cat isn't eating, its stomach can shrink, making it even more difficult for its body to absorb necessary nutrients. Calorie-intensive supplements work to expand a cat's stomach, boosting metabolism and appetite.

    Ingredients

    • Cat supplements typically come in the form of gels, pastes or soft chews and are composed of a sweet base --- usually made from sweeteners, oils, gelatin and malt flavoring --- along with Vitamins A, D, and E, calcium, iron, folic acid, riboflavin and other essential nutrients. Some supplements include omega-3 fatty acids, which are intended to stimulate appetite. Most supplements are also available in kitten formulas that contain a smaller dosage of the same ingredients.

    Application

    • There are several methods for administering calorie intensive supplements. If your cat is voluntarily eating some of its food, try squeezing the recommended dosage of product in a food dish, directly on top of some kibble. Of course, if your pet is not eating at all, you may need to get more creative. Some pet owners have had luck squeezing a ribbon of product onto their finger and allowing their cat to lick it off. Another trick is to apply the high-calorie supplement directly to your pet's paw. Cats dislike the sticky feeling and will eat the gel as they lick their foot clean.

    Dosage

    • Proper dosage depends on everything from the brand and variety of supplement to your cat's particular sickness to its age and weight. For instance, too much calcium can increase the risk of bone disease in a growing kitten, according to PetPlace.com. In some cases, using a calorie-intensive supplement can make an underlying condition worse. Older, overweight cats that have developed fatty liver disease instinctively eat less; stimulating their appetite with a supplement can actually cause more liver damage. While OTC supplements usually provide a dosage ratio --- for example, a certain number of teaspoons per 10 pounds of body weight --- the only way to guarantee you are administering a safe and correct dosage is to consult your veterinarian.