Pancreatitis is a potentially life-threatening disease that no pet owner would ever wish upon their favorite furry friend. Unfortunately, all cat breeds, ages, and genders are susceptible to pancreatitis, so the best thing you can do is to seek immediate medical treatment followed by careful supervision and a large dose of loving care. The pancreas is an organ that assists in digestion by producing digestive enzymes. When the pancreas becomes inflamed, these digestive enzymes leak into the surrounding organs, causing detrimental effects. This is called pancreatitis.
Pancreatitis symptoms include weight loss, fever in cats, fatigue, dehydration, depression, and more. If you suspect your cat has pancreatitis, you should seek immediate veterinary attention for your cat. The best chance of curing pancreatitis and returning your cuddly cat to full health is early diagnosis. By keeping a watchful eye on your cat, you may be able to spot pancreatitis before it escalates.
If your cat has been diagnosed and treated for pancreatitis, you may be wondering what to feed a cat who has had pancreatitis. Since this disease is so tough on your cat’s digestive system, it is important to be conscious of what you feed him. Due to the fact that veterinary assistance is essential when treating pancreatitis, your vet will be able to recommend a specific dietary routine that will best fit your cat and his specific needs. However, there are a few general guidelines to follow in regards to what to feed a cat with pancreatitis.
Hydration
The most important part of your feline friend’s diet, once he has undergone therapy for pancreatitis, is to drink plenty of water. Hydration therapy is one way pancreatitis is treated, so keeping those fluid levels high is essential. Make sure your cat has plenty of access to clean water. Cats can often be picky when it comes to stagnant water. Some cats are fine with it, but others prefer running, moving water. Since many of us do not have time to sit and see if the cat will drink out of the faucet, try getting a mechanical cat bowl that circulates the water. This might be just what your cat needs to stay hydrated during this recovery time.
Small Portions
If your cat was hospitalized for a few days for treatment, it is important not to overwhelm his delicate digestive system with heaps of food. Although you want your cat to eat, you should start with small portions. Ease your cat back into his regular routine by giving him very small portions and then monitoring his behavior. If he does not have an adverse reaction to the food, you can slowly increase to the next serving size. The key here is to reintroduce food slowly to eliminate vomiting that will aggravate the digestive system.
Moderate Fat Levels
When dogs have pancreatitis, it is suggested to keep them on a strict low-fat diet. However, that is not the case with cats. People often assume that what they know about dogs can also apply to cats, but the fat level in cats’ food does not need to be as closely monitored. The key with cat food is easy digestion. You do not want to give your cat food that will upset the stomach, so it is best to steer clear of high-fat foods. Low-fat foods are probably the safest best since they are less likely to irritate the stomach; however, moderate levels are perfectly acceptable- especially if the food keeps your recovering kitty happy!
Easy to Digest
When it comes to what to feed a cat who has had pancreatitis, the best thing to keep in mind is digestibility. The easier the food is to digest, the less work your cat’s recovering digestive system will have to do. Most experts recommend canned food as opposed to dry kibble. Canned or wet food is much closer what a cat would experience in nature, which would be high in meat and protein. When selecting wet food, take a close look at the ingredients list. Your safest bet is a wet food that is high in chicken, turkey, or rabbit. These proteins are nutrient-rich and easier to digest than other proteins. It is also not recommended to put your cat on a raw food diet. Canned food will be the easiest option on your cat’s stomach and the tastiest too.
If your cat had pancreatitis, the most important step you can take is to provide him with ample love, care, and attention. As part of your care, make sure your recovering kitty has plenty of water and easy to digest foods. By following these steps alongside close veterinary care, your cat will be feeling purrrfect in no time at all!
