Feeding Recommendations for Elderly Cats with Kidney Disease
For elderly cats with kidney disease, it is beneficial to allow them to eat multiple small meals throughout the day according to their appetite, rather than restricting them to set meal times. This feeding approach helps maintain adequate nutrition in cats that often struggle with decreased appetite while managing their kidney disease.
Understanding Nutritional Needs in Cats with Kidney Disease
Appetite Challenges
- 43% of cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have abnormal appetite patterns 1
- 52% of these cats have poor appetite or require coaxing to eat 5-7 days per week 1
- Anorexia or hyporexia (decreased appetite) is a common problem that may lead to inadequate nutrition 1
Nutritional Considerations
- Elderly cats with CKD often face:
- Weight loss and muscle wasting
- Decreased food intake
- Metabolic changes related to kidney dysfunction
- Potential concurrent diseases (hyperthyroidism, heart disease, inflammatory bowel disease) 1
Optimal Feeding Strategy
Meal Frequency
- Allow free access to food or multiple small meals throughout the day
- This approach:
- Helps maintain adequate caloric intake
- Accommodates fluctuating appetite
- Reduces the risk of malnutrition
- Supports quality of life
Diet Composition
- Feed a veterinary therapeutic diet formulated for kidney disease 2
- These diets are typically modified in:
- Protein (moderate restriction)
- Phosphorus (reduced)
- Sodium (reduced)
- Enhanced omega-3 fatty acids
Evidence-Based Benefits
Research shows that cats with CKD fed appropriate renal diets experience:
- Significantly lower rates of uremic episodes (0% vs 26% in cats fed maintenance diets) 2
- Reduction in renal-related deaths 2
- Better maintenance of blood bicarbonate levels 2
Practical Implementation
- Offer food in multiple locations around the home
- Use shallow, wide dishes that don't irritate whiskers
- Warm food slightly to enhance aroma
- Consider offering a variety of textures (wet and dry food)
- Monitor weight weekly to ensure adequate intake
Pitfalls to Avoid
- Don't restrict access to food - this can worsen malnutrition
- Avoid restrictive feeding schedules - these may not accommodate periods when the cat feels well enough to eat
- Don't force feed - this can create food aversion
- Avoid high protein diets (>1.3 g/kg body weight/day) as these may accelerate kidney disease progression
Special Considerations
- Ensure constant access to fresh water
- Consider feeding from elevated dishes for older cats with arthritis
- If appetite remains poor despite these strategies, consult with your veterinarian about appetite stimulants or alternative feeding methods
By allowing your elderly cat with kidney disease to eat multiple small meals throughout the day according to their appetite, you can help maintain adequate nutrition while supporting their quality of life and potentially slowing disease progression.