Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

Are there side effects of appetite stimulants for cats on kidney diet?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Male | neutered | 18 years and 8 months old | 9.5 lbs

Hi if tony should need an appetite stimulant to help him want to eat his kidney diet are there going to be any side effects of an appetite stimulant? Tony is only in early stages of kidney trouble but my vet has asked me to try kidney food. Thx!

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on September 23rd, 2018

Not really. The appetite stimulants are only used intermittently until the cat is eating well on their own. They don't have many side effects. There are multiple companies that make a prescription kidney diet. You should pick one and try it. If Tony doesn't like it, you can always try a different one. I personally like Royal Canin diets but Hill's kidney diet is also great. Purina also has a veterinary prescription line. All have dry and canned versions. I prefer the canned diets for cats with kidney disease due to the high water content. ( ) ( ) I agree with your vet. These prescription diets are very helpful with early kidney disease. I hope this helps. Please post again if you have more questions.

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By Makenzie Kurth, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on September 24th, 2018

    Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. In general, the appetite stimulants we use for cats are very safe with few side effects. That being said, no medication can be guaranteed not to have side effects. For a cat of this age with this condition though, the benefits of the appetite stimulant FAR outweigh any possible rare side effects in my mind. Side note: You many already know this, be sure to switch very slowly to the kidney diet. Some cats take several weeks to transition to kidney diets. Call you vet office for more advice on slow transitioning if needed. Best wishes to you and Tony!

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?
Is your dog's dry skin a concern? A certified vet offers expert advice on finding the best fish-based dog food alternatives to Science Diet for essential oils.
Updated on February 04, 2026
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
What's the best way to feed my hamster when I'm going on a trip?
Planning a trip to Chicago and need to feed your Syrian hamster? A certified vet offers expert advice on feeding options for short and long trips, plus finding trusted pet sitters.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
Can chickens eat bell peppers daily and what about veggie salads?
Can your chickens eat bell peppers and salads? Veterinarian Dr. Elizabeth offers expert advice on safe feeding, frequency, and how fresh veggies boost vibrant yolks.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
Is Purina Layer Pellets good for chickens? What other feeds exist?
Is Purina Layer Pellets the right choice for your flock? Get expert advice from a Petco veterinarian on Purina and other top chicken feed brands for your chickens.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
My newly adopted pet won't eat hay. What can I do to encourage it?
Adopted a pet not eating hay? Dr. Stafford, a certified vet, offers expert guidance on encouraging hay consumption, including adjusting pellets and trying fresh types.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
My mice eat all their food together from one bowl. Is this normal?
Do your mice quickly eat together from one bowl? A Licensed Vet Tech explains normal mouse eating behavior and when to watch for aggression. Get expert insights.
Updated on December 04, 2025
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored