Kidney disease is unfortunately very common in cats, especially as they age. Over time, toxins can build up in a cat’s bloodstream if their kidneys are not functioning properly. This buildup of toxins can make cats feel unwell and lead to further kidney damage if left untreated.
One of the main treatments for cats with kidney disease is to switch them to a veterinary prescription kidney diet. These special foods are formulated to be easier for damaged kidneys to process. They have reduced levels of phosphorus, protein, and sodium – nutrients that are difficult for diseased kidneys to excrete.
While kidney diets are very beneficial for cats with renal issues, many cat owners face frustration when their feline turns up their nose at the new food. Cats are notoriously picky eaters and often resist changes to their diet. It’s understandable that after years of eating a particular food, a cat may not immediately take to the new kidney diet prescribed by the vet.
This reluctance can be worrying for cat owners who know their pet needs the special food. However, there are ways to encourage picky cats to transition to the kidney diet. With patience and creativity, most cats can be converted to the food that will help manage their kidney disease.
Understanding Kidney Diet Food
Kidney diet cat food is specially formulated to support cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD). It contains lower levels of certain nutrients like protein, phosphorus and sodium that can put extra strain on damaged kidneys.
Protein is restricted because cats with CKD have a harder time processing the waste products from protein metabolism. Too much protein can overwhelm their kidneys and lead to further damage. Phosphorus is limited because damaged kidneys cannot properly excrete excess phosphorus, leading to dangerous mineral buildup in the body.
Sodium is also reduced in kidney diets because excess sodium can increase thirst and urine production, further taxing the kidneys. Decreasing these nutrients eases the workload on the kidneys so they can continue functioning for as long as possible.
At the same time, kidney diet cat food is formulated to be highly palatable and appealing to fussy eaters. It contains increased levels of omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil, which have anti-inflammatory effects and may help slow CKD progression. Antioxidants like vitamin E also help fight disease-causing inflammation.
By supporting kidney function and overall health, feeding cats a kidney diet helps preserve quality of life and may extend lifespan. However, it’s important to choose a kidney diet formulated specifically for cats, as their nutritional needs differ greatly from dogs with kidney issues.
Why Some Cats Resist Kidney Diet Food
There are a few key reasons why cats may resist eating kidney diet food prescribed by their veterinarian. Firstly, cats are notoriously picky eaters and the change in taste or texture can put them off. Kidney diets tend to have reduced sodium and phosphorus, which alters the flavor profile. The food may also have a different mouthfeel due to changes in protein sources or moisture content.
Additionally, cats rely heavily on their sense of smell which is thousands of times more powerful than humans. Even minor changes to their food’s aroma can make it unappealing. Kidney disease itself can also negatively impact a cat’s appetite and sense of taste due to buildup of toxins in the blood.
Furthermore, cats form strong attachments to the food they are used to. Unlike dogs, they do not see food as purely fuel and the familiarity of a long-term diet is comforting. Sudden switches can be confusing and stressful, making them hesitant to try the new food.
Kidney diets are also very low in phosphorus, which is abundant in meat. Since cats are obligate carnivores, the reduction in meaty flavors and proteins can make the food unenticing. Cats may continue holding out for their usual diet in hopes of getting it back.
Lastly, kidney disease itself can cause nausea, mouth ulcers and other issues that lead to reduced appetite. The disease makes cats feel unwell, and the unfamiliar food compounds their discomfort and reluctance to eat.
Effects of Kidney Disease on Appetite
Kidney disease has several effects that directly impact a cat’s appetite and willingness to eat unfamiliar foods.
Firstly, toxins build up in a cat’s bloodstream as the kidneys fail to filter properly. This can dull their sense of taste and smell, making food unappealing. It can also cause nausea, putting them off their meals.
Secondly, mouth ulcers are a common symptom as toxins get excreted through the saliva. This causes oral pain and discomfort when eating. Dehydration from kidney disease also reduces saliva, making chewing and swallowing difficult.
Thirdly, anemia is a frequent side effect as failing kidneys produce fewer red blood cells. This leaves cats feeling weak and lethargic, reducing their interest in food.
Lastly, high blood pressure damages blood vessels which in turn causes reduced blood flow to the intestines. This impairs digestion and nutrient absorption, leading to poor appetite.
In summary, kidney disease makes cats feel too unwell to want to eat, especially unfamiliar foods with altered taste, texture and scent. Working closely with your vet to manage symptoms and make diet changes gradually is key to getting your cat to accept the new kidney diet.
Gradual Transition to Kidney Diet Food
When transitioning your cat to a new kidney diet food, it is crucial to take things slowly. A gradual transition over several weeks will help prevent digestive upset and increase the chances your cat will accept the new food.
Reduce Current Food Over Time
Start by replacing a small portion of your cat’s current food with the new kidney diet food. Over the course of a few weeks, slowly decrease the amount of original food while increasing the new food. For example, mix 1/4 new food with 3/4 original food for a few days, then increase to 1/2 new food, and so on. This gradual process allows your cat’s digestive system to adjust.
Serve New Food Separately
It can also help to serve the new kidney diet food in a separate dish from the old food. Cats prefer consistency in texture and mixing the foods together may cause them to reject both. Place the dishes side-by-side and allow your cat to sample the new food at their own pace.
Be Patient
Transitioning to a new food can take 4 weeks or longer. Stick to the gradual process and do not force your cat to only eat the new food right away. With patience and encouragement through treats or praise, most cats will eventually adapt to the kidney diet. Consult your veterinarian if your cat refuses to eat after several weeks.
Addressing Texture and Flavor Concerns
Cats can be very particular when it comes to the texture of their food. Unlike humans, cats do not enjoy a variety of textures in their meals. In fact, mixing the old and new kidney diet cat food together can actually be counterproductive. Cats have a much stronger sense of taste and smell compared to humans, so even small changes in texture can put them off their food entirely.
It is best to transition cats slowly to the new kidney diet food using separate dishes, as outlined in the previous section. Allow your cat to get fully accustomed to the new texture before mixing any foods together. Their sensitivity to texture changes is one reason why a gradual transition is so important.
As for flavor variety, it is a common misconception that cats need a wide assortment of flavors like humans do. Most cats are perfectly content eating the same nutritious food every day. Kidney diet cat food does come in a few different flavor varieties, so you can rotate between them occasionally if you wish. However, flavor is not the main driver of food acceptance for cats.
Focus first on transitioning your cat slowly to the new texture and meeting their nutritional needs. Once they are happily eating the kidney diet food, then small additions like broths or tuna juice can enhance flavor if needed. But the key is adjusting to the new texture through gradual exposure over time.
Key Points
Cats dislike sudden changes in food texture, so mixing old and new foods can deter eating.
Transition slowly to the new food using separate dishes.
Cats do not require as much flavor variety as humans.
Prioritize texture, then enhance flavor once eating the new food.
Dealing with Persistent Eating Problems
If your cat continues to turn up their nose at the kidney diet food, don’t despair. Here are some tips for dealing with ongoing eating issues:
Consult your veterinarian
Your vet is your best resource when it comes to getting your cat to eat their special food. Let them know your cat is still refusing the kidney diet. They may be able to recommend trying different textures or flavors of the food to see if your cat responds better. The vet can also rule out any underlying medical issues making your cat not want to eat.
Consider dietary supplements
If your cat refuses to eat any type of kidney diet food, ask your vet about giving a phosphorus binder supplement. This can be mixed into your cat’s regular food. It binds to the phosphorus, preventing its absorption. This reduces the workload on the kidneys. However, other important nutrients will still be missing from regular food. Check with your vet before starting any supplement.
With patience and your vet’s guidance, you can hopefully find a solution to get your finicky feline to eat their kidney diet. Don’t give up! Their health is worth the effort.
Conclusion
Kidney disease is unfortunately common in cats, especially as they age. While a prescription kidney diet may seem unfamiliar or unappealing to your feline friend at first, it is an essential part of managing this chronic condition. As cat owners, we want our pets to live their longest, healthiest lives possible. That’s why transitioning to a kidney-friendly food, while challenging, is so important.
The key is to go slowly, be patient, and make the health of your cat the priority. By gradually introducing the new kidney diet food and making adjustments to texture and flavor as necessary, you can help ensure that your cat is getting the nutrition they need to manage their kidney disease. Consulting with your veterinarian is crucial in finding the best solution for your cat’s eating issues and addressing any underlying medical concerns.Remember, it may take time for your cat to adjust to the new food, but their health and well-being are worth the effort. With persistence and the right guidance, you can successfully transition your cat to a kidney-friendly diet and help them live a longer, healthier life.