[Written by a Veterinarian] What is Therapeutic Cat Food? Explaining How to Choose and Feed It

Your veterinarian may have recommended a therapeutic diet for your cat's treatment. Many cat owners wonder, "What's the difference between therapeutic diets and regular cat food?" and "Does my cat really need it?" In this article, a veterinarian clearly explains the basics of therapeutic diets for cats and how to incorporate them effectively.

What is a Therapeutic Diet for Cats? Start with the Basics

Differences Between Therapeutic Diets and Complete and Balanced Foods

Complete and balanced foods are formulated with all the necessary nutrients for cats in a balanced way, designed to maintain their health with just the food and water. Similar to complete and balanced foods are general purpose foods, but these do not consider nutritional balance and are often used to enhance palatability. A therapeutic diet is a special food designed for treating illness, and it is prescribed by a veterinarian.

While complete and balanced foods are sold in pet stores and home centers, therapeutic diets require a veterinary prescription and are therefore sold in limited locations such as veterinary clinics.

Main Diseases Requiring Therapeutic Diets for Cats (Kidney Disease, Urinary Stones, Obesity, Diabetes, etc.)

There are many types of therapeutic diets, ranging from those for diarrhea and vomiting to those used long-term for conditions like kidney disease. The main diseases that require therapeutic diets include kidney and urinary tract diseases such as kidney disease and bladder stones, metabolic diseases like diabetes, weight loss diets, and diets for allergic diseases.

Therapeutic Diets are Not Medicine, but Part of "Dietary Treatment"

Therapeutic diets are required for most diseases that require long-term treatment or lifelong management. Depending on the disease, certain dietary components may need to be restricted. For example, kidney disease requires protein restriction, and diabetes requires sugar restriction. These conditions cannot always be controlled by medication alone, so dietary control becomes a necessary aid to treatment.

Precautions When Feeding a Therapeutic Diet to Your Cat

It is Important to Start Based on a Veterinarian's Diagnosis

Therapeutic diets require a veterinarian's prescription. Although it essentially means purchasing the diet recommended by the veterinarian during a consultation, it is the veterinarian who determines the appropriate food for treatment. Therefore, we generally ask pet owners not to purchase them based on their own judgment.

Furthermore, the veterinarian will also instruct on the quantity of the therapeutic diet. In a past case, a pet owner purchased a therapeutic diet online based on their own judgment and also fed it in self-determined quantities, which led to the cat becoming overweight or unwell. If you are interested in a specific therapeutic diet, please consult your regular veterinarian first.

Tips When Your Cat Won't Eat (How to Transition, Using Scent and Temperature)

Unlike complete and balanced foods, therapeutic diets have adjusted ingredients. Therefore, some cats may not readily eat therapeutic diets. This is especially common with kidney diets, as they restrict protein, which is what cats find savory, making them difficult to accept.

When starting a therapeutic diet, transition over about two weeks from the previous food. This is to help your cat get used to the taste of the therapeutic diet and understand that it is food. Although you might feel rushed to switch to the therapeutic diet, it's important to take your time. Start by replacing 10% of the old food with the therapeutic diet. If your cat is hesitant, you can start with an even smaller amount. Gradually increase the amount of therapeutic diet by 10% each day, transitioning completely over approximately two weeks.

Slightly warming the food can intensify its aroma, which can attract your cat's interest. Before serving, check that the food is not too hot. Using wet food or softening it slightly can also be helpful.

Precautions for Multi-Cat Households

In multi-cat households, one cat might eat another's food, or vice versa. The cat that needs the therapeutic diet might not be getting enough to eat. If you are feeding a therapeutic diet in a multi-cat household, it is best to isolate them during meal times. Do not leave food out; serve it only at mealtimes. You should also put away the other cats' food in the same way.

Frequently Asked Questions About Therapeutic Diets for Cats (FAQ)

Does a therapeutic diet need to be continued for life?

Depending on the illness, some therapeutic diets are only needed temporarily, while others must be continued for life. Your veterinarian will determine the duration of the therapeutic diet, so do not discontinue it on your own.

Is it okay to mix it with regular cat food?

Therapeutic diets should be given exclusively. However, when transitioning food, mixing them is sometimes done. If you have any questions about the food, please consult your veterinarian.

Is it okay to buy therapeutic diets online?

Therapeutic diets require a veterinarian's prescription. Many therapeutic diet manufacturers restrict online sales, making them available only on limited websites. Even for purchases, a referral from an animal hospital is often required. If online purchase is permitted with a veterinarian's prescription, you can continue to buy online. Online purchases offer the advantage of home delivery and being able to specify the delivery date. If you wish to change the type of food, you must first consult your veterinarian.

What are the alternatives if my cat refuses to eat it?

If your cat absolutely refuses to accept the therapeutic diet, you might consider switching to a different brand of therapeutic diet. Even within the same brand, there might be several flavor varieties. First, try to find a therapeutic food that your cat will eat. Softening the food by adding water can also be helpful. If your cat still won't accept it, then treatment with medication will be necessary.

It is not advisable to give anything other than the therapeutic diet based on your own judgment. Always consult your veterinarian.

Summary | How to Choose the Right Therapeutic Diet for Your Cat's Health

A therapeutic diet is a necessary food for treating illness. Therapeutic diets act as an aid to treatment, allowing your cat to lead a healthy life.

Therapeutic diets require a veterinarian's prescription. Do not purchase or discontinue food based on your own judgment; always consult your veterinarian before purchasing.