Companion Animals

Cat Nutritional Support During Illness

Nutritional support for ill cats is a welfare priority, as hepatic lipidosis from anorexia can complicate recovery from almost any primary condition.

Key Facts

Cats can develop hepatic lipidosis after as little as 2-3 days of anorexia
Oesophagostomy tubes allow home feeding, maintaining welfare during prolonged illness
Appetite stimulants including mirtazapine and capromorelin support voluntary food intake
Assisted feeding should begin if cats have not eaten voluntarily for 48 hours
Calculating and meeting caloric requirements is essential to recovery welfare

Welfare Considerations

Nutritional support during illness is a critical welfare intervention for cats. Hepatic lipidosis developing from even brief anorexia creates a welfare emergency that complicates the original condition. Proactive nutritional management - appetite stimulants, assisted feeding, or tube feeding when necessary - prevents this avoidable secondary welfare problem.

What You Can Do

Monitor your cat's food intake closely during any illness
Contact your vet if your cat has not eaten for more than 48 hours
Discuss appetite stimulants or feeding tube options if your cat is not eating during illness