Have you been noticing that your fluffball is recently not as active as it used to be?
Has your furry little family member been avoiding its food and napping more than usual?
If you have answered yes to all the above questions, then perhaps it is time for a visit to the vet. Chances are that your little kitty has contracted feline pancreatitis and needs a special diet to cure its condition.
In a Hurry? Here are Our Top Choices
In this blog post we will not only cover the basics of feline pancreatitis but will also tell you about the best food for cats with pancreatitis, including canned and wet foods.
So, cuddle your fluffy pal tightly and read on.
What is Feline Pancreatitis?
Feline pancreatitis is the inflammation of pancreas which is a small organ present between the stomach and intestines. This organ releases enzymes to help breakdown food for easy digestion.
The good news is that feline pancreatitis is not frequent in cats below the age of 10. In fact, around the world, less than 2% of the cats are affected by it as is explained by the Cornell Feline Health Center.
We understand that at this point you must be worried about your little friend. Especially, if you go by hearsay, you’d be inclined to believe that this disease is fatal for the cats. And if truth be told… it is… but only if left uncured. The faster you spot the signs and take your purring little fluffball to the vet, the better.
What Causes Feline Pancreatitis?
It remains unclear what exactly leads to the inflammation of pancreas in cats, but experts suggest that in most cases, the condition is the result of cats eating something poisonous or contracting a parasitic infection. Veterinary Partners suggest that liver diseases like cholangiohepatitis can also lead to feline pancreatitis.
Preferred Diet for Cats with Pancreatitis
As is in the case of jaundice in humans, pancreatitis in cats affects their appetite. Therefore, special care needs to be taken to ensure that your kitty’s diet is rich in nutrients but light on their digestive system.
It has been noticed that cats that are regularly eating commercial cat foods rich in carbohydrates are more prone to pancreatitis. An average can of cat food contains anywhere between 35%- 80% carbohydrate content. Carbs increase insulin levels, putting more strain on their sensitive pancreas.
Experts recommend that if your cat has been diagnosed with pancreatitis, you should immediately adjust its diet. The diet should be and/or include:
- Easy to digest:This will help to give your kitty’s digestive system a little rest, giving its pancreases and other digestive organs like the liver and intestines time to heal. You can look for cat foods that contain natural and wholesome ingredients.
- High in animal protein:Your cat needs a high protein diet to build and repair its A diet that is high in animal protein will give your cat the instant nourishment it needs, without putting too much pressure on its pancreas for digestion.
- Rich in good fats:Good animal-based fats are important to keep your cat healthy. Look for cat foods that contain a balanced proportion of fats because a diet that is low in fats will make your cat malnourished.
- Low carbohydrates:As mentioned above, a diet rich in carbohydrates makes the pancreas work extra hard during digestion. So, substitute your cat’s food with one that has low carb content.
- Rich in moisture:A symptom of feline pancreatitis is dehydration. So, feed your cat meals that contain plenty of water to keep them hydrated through the day.
- Digestive enzymes:You can look for cat food or probiotic supplements that contain digestive enzymes for easier digestion.
The 4 Best Foods for Cats with Pancreatitis
Now that we know about all the basic components to look for while purchasing food for your cat, batting pancreatic inflammation, let’s look at thelist of best food for cats with pancreatitis, to help your kitty recover in no time.
1. Hill’s Science Diet Adult Indoor Cat Food
Hill’s cat food is made with premium quality ingredients and uses real chicken, lamb or salmon protein to ensure that your cat gets a diet rich in animal protein. It is specially formulated with fibre extracts to keep your cats’ digestive systems healthy.
It contains all the essential nutrients; vitamins, minerals and amino acids, and even DHA from fish oils to aid your cats’ brain development and improve their eyesight. It is a perfect meal for adult cats that have lives long enough as your housemates and require added nutritional support to keep them young and agile.
Hill’s Science Diet Adult Indoor Cat Food is a great choice to boost your kitty’s appetite and heal its inflamed pancreas.
2. Royal Canin Digest Sensitive
Royal Canine Digestive Sensitive is one of best food for cats with pancreatitis.
It is made with wholesome ingredients, animal proteins, and contains a perfect balance of essential vitamins, minerals, and natural favours to give your cat the best dining experience.
With sufficient water content, Royal Canin Digestive Sensitive is not only gentle on your cat’s sensitive stomach but also keeps it hydrated through the day.
3. Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Gastrointestinal Feline Cat Treats
Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Gastrointestinal Feline Cat Treats are a perfect blend to feed to your cats suffering from pancreatitis.
You can feed it to them as treats or snacks to boost their digestive health. It is specially formulated for cats with gastrointestinal inflammation and contains probiotics to keep their guts healthy.
With Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Gastrointestinal Feline Cat Treats, your cats will be able to digest their daily meals with ease.
4. ZIWI Peak Canned Wet Cat Food
This all natural, high in protein and grain free cat food offers your unwell kitty the exact nutrients it needs to spring right back up and be out and about in no time.
Made with 100% natural ingredients, ZIWI Peak Canned Wet Cat Food is best for improving your cat’s digestion. Its added benefits include; allergy relief, healthy fur growth, bones development and weight maintenance.
This perfect blend of moist meat loaf is best for your picky little furball who has become extra avoidant of its meals lately.
Our Final Thoughts
It may get very challenging to feed a cat with pancreatitis proper meals again, but it is absolutely vital for their health and wellbeing that you prepare a diet that is rich in nutrients and gentle on the stomach.
We hope you and your pet cat will benefit from our list of best food for cats with pancreatitis.
