How Diet Affects Common Cat Illnesses

Feeding your cat a good, balanced diet is super important for their health—but do you know why? Here are a few common cat illnesses that are directly linked to what they eat

 1.  Obesity

 Obesity is a big problem for pets in the U.S.—more than half of cats areoverweight,t and being overweight can lead to serious health issues like arthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure, and even cancer.

 To help keep your cat at a healthy weight, watch how many calories and how much fat are in their food. While both are needed in the right amount, too much can cause weight gain. If your cat is already overweight, a special diet with fewer calories and fat can help them slim down safely.

 2.  Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas.

 Pancreatitis occurs when the pancreas becomes inflamed, leading to the abnormal release of digestive enzymes into the abdominalcavity.  When this happens, these enzymes can begin to break down fats and proteins in nearby organs as well as within the pancreas itself.

 According to Jennifer Coates, DVM, dietary fat in cats has been linked to the development of pancreatitis, as it can stimulate the secretion of hormones that trigger the pancreas to release digestive enzymes. It is important to consult your veterinarian to determine whether your cat’s current fat intake may be contributing to an increased risk. If your cat has already been diagnosed with pancreatitis, Dr.  Coates recommends feeding a bland, low-fat, and easily digestible diet, sometimes formulated for dogs, to support recovery.

 3.  Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease

 Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) encompasses a group of conditions that present with similar clinical signs. These may include inappropriate urination (such as urinating outside the litter box), frequent attempts to urinate, difficulty or discomfort while urinating, the presence of blood in the urine, reduced appetite, and signs of general irritation.

 A variety of risk factors are associated with the development of FLUTD. Psychological stress is a significant contributor and may arise from the introduction of a new pet or person into the household, alterations in daily routines (such as changes in work schedules), or modifications to the living environment (including moving to a new residence, rearranging furniture, or undergoing home renovations). Additional risk factors include a sedentary lifestyle, obesity, and certain dietary habits.

 Promoting increased water intake, either by encouraging drinking or by incorporating more canned food into the cat’s diet to enhance moisture consumption, may help reduce the risk of FLUTD. It is advisable to consult a veterinarian to determine the most appropriate preventive strategies tailored to your cat's specific needs.

 4.  Heart Disease

 Cats often have issues with heart disease like we do, especially if their diet isn't properly balanced. One key factor to heart disease in cats is their sodium (salt) intake. "Increased sodium in the diet causes increased levels of sodium circulating in the blood," says Ken Tudor, DVM. "These elevated levels of sodium cause water retention in the blood vessels and elevated blood pressure. As blood pressure increases, the diseased heart must enlarge. It needs to overcome the increased pressure to pump blood from the ventricles."

 Are you feeding your cat table scraps? Is your cat's current food too high in sodium? Talk to your veterinarian about these things. Discuss how your cat will benefit from a diet that is lower in sodium.

 5.  Diarrhea

 Cats suffering from bouts of diarrhea isn't unusual. Did you know there are two main types of diarrhea: small bowel and large bowel diarrhea? "Cats with small bowel diarrhea often produce large amounts of soft stool. They do this just a few times a day," says Dr. Coates."When abnormalities are centered in the colon, affected cats will usually strain to produce small amounts of watery stool frequently throughout the day. This is large bowel diarrhea."

 "For large bowel diarrhea," says Dr. Coates, "a high fiber diet has been shown to be beneficial. Ideally, both soluble fiber (the type colonic bacteria use for food) and insoluble (indigestible) fiber should be included." For small bowel diarrhea, Dr. Coates recommends a bland, low-fat, easily digested diet.

 Discuss with your veterinarian how fat, fiber, calcium, phosphorus, and other dietary nutrients play an important role in your dog's health. He or she may even have important new dietary recommendations to consider for your dog's specific life stage and lifestyle.

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