How to Get a Cat With Kidney Problems to Eat

Feline kidney disease, which occurs when the kidneys lose their ability to concentrate urine, is a common problem in older cats. The traditional approach of severely restricting protein--once almost universally recommended--now has its detractors. According to the Feline Chronic Renal Failure website, experts differ in their opinions on the effectiveness of this diet in treating renal failure--some believe that a low-protein diet contributes to weakness and muscle wasting, and maintain that giving high-quality protein may be preferable to simply reducing overall protein. Since many cats seem to find the commercial low-protein foods unappealing, getting them to eat can be a problem. The current consensus seems to be that keeping the cat's food intake and body weight up is of paramount importance. If your cat with kidney problems is reluctant to eat, there are techniques you can use to encourage it to take in vital nourishment.

Things You'll Need

  • Clam juice, liquid from tuna, or oil from anchovies
  • Catnip
  • Diazepam, prescribed by your veterinarian (optional)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Consult your veterinarian for recommendations on the type of food you should offer. Most vets will recommend a food that is low in salt and phosphorus in order to eliminate the amount of waste materials that must be filtered by the cat's system.

    • 2

      Offer commercial cat food if your cat consistently refuses the specially formulated diet; any food is better than no food. Check the label to make sure the food is relatively low in phosphorus.

    • 3

      Warm the food in the microwave to enhance the aroma. Cats' appetites are dependent on their sense of smell; the more you can enhance the odor of the food, the more chance that your cat will eat it. Test the food with your finger before offering it to make sure there are no hot spots that could burn your cat's mouth.

    • 4

      Stir in water, clam juice, liquid from a can of salt-free water-packed tuna, or oil from canned anchovies. These extra liquids will not only help to keep your cat hydrated, but will make the food more appealing.

    • 5

      Garnish the cat's food with catnip. Most cats find the flavor and scent of this herb almost irresistible.

    • 6

      Put a dab of soft, palatable food on your cat's paw to stimulate its grooming reflex, and have a bowl of the same food nearby. When your cat tastes the food, it may reflexively go on to eat more of it.

    • 7

      Take the cat to a quiet room with no distractions, hold it on your lap, and offer dollops of food by hand. Sometimes a cat who will not eat from a bowl will take food from the hand of a much-loved human.

    • 8

      Stay near your cat after offering food; stroke it gently and speak to it softly to coax it to eat. Unlike dogs--which may be irritated or distracted by being touched while they eat--cats often respond to closeness, physical contact and encouragement.

    • 9

      Ask your vet about the short-term use of small amounts of diazepam, to be given to your cat before mealtimes. According to the Care Pets website, this tranquilizer can serve as an appetite stimulant.

    • 10

      Take your cat back to the vet if it continues to eat poorly in spite of your efforts. Subcutaneous fluids and syringe feedings may be necessary; your vet can advise you.