TD Diet for Cats

Cats develop gingivitis when the germs in their mouths mix their saliva to produce plaque, a sticky film which accumulates on the teeth. Gingivitis is a plaque-related gum inflammation. If untreated, it can lead to periodontitis.


According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, plaque releases toxins as it builds below a cat's gumline. These can damage gum tissue and loosen teeth. Hill's Prescription Diet TD Feline cat food is formulated for cats with gingivitis.

  1. Maximizing TD's Effectiveness

    • TD Diet kibble contains a 10 percent cellulose fiber matrix to scrub each of your cat's teeth, discouraging the development of plaque. The cellulose doesn't crumble easily, completely covering and cleaning kitty's teeth.

      For maximum effectiveness, have your pet's teeth professionally cleaned before starting him on the TD diet. Feed your cat only TD, and always feed it dry. Water softens the kibble so it doesn't scrub properly. Hill's recommends that you supplement kitty's dental program with regular brushing at home. They also recommend semi-annual dental checkups.

    Making the Switch

    • If your cat has been eating canned food, protect her from constipation by keeping plenty of water available when you switch her to TD. Change her diet slowly, replacing amounts of her old food with increasingly larger amounts of TD each day for a week. This introductory phase is the only time you should combine her TD with another food.

      Don't feed TD if your cat is pregnant, nursing, or taking a urine acidifying medication. If she has advanced periodontal disease, have her vet examine and treat her before deciding if TD can help. (See Resource 2)

    How Much to Feed

    • Hill's recommends that you consult with your vet to determine your cat's daily caloric needs. Each cup of TD diet contains 265 calories.

      Hill's suggested feeding guidelines, based on weight, are:

      Cats from 5 to 10 lbs.: 1/2 cup to 2/3 cup
      Cats from 10 to 15 lbs.: 3/4 cup to 1 1/8 cups
      Cats 15 lbs. and up: 1 1/8 cups to 1 1/2 cups

    Finding TD Diet

    • Hill's has established a network of veterinarians, pet stores, and groomers authorized to sell their Prescription Diets. Find one in your neighborhood by using the search function on their site.

      Although you need a prescription to buy TD diet, you can order it online from the Hill's website.