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My senior cat with FLUTD won't eat enough wet food. Is this normal?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | 10 lbs

One of the many options I have considered for my senior cat with FLUTD is giving him an all canned food diet. He currently eats dry food and some wet. When I look at the can, the feeding suggestions state 1 can per 2.5 pounds. So that would be about 4 cans. He’s lucky to finish an entire can in a day. Does this indicate that a canned diet might not be best or do some cats eat less than than that suggestion or because he has dry too? I’ve only ever gave cats dry food so this all new to me. Thanks

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Published on October 4th, 2018

He may not like that type of canned food. They aren't all the same! Some are pate, shreds, gravy, juice, fish vs fowl, etc. It may take quite a trial to find something that Patches likes. I would continue to see if you can get him on a canned diet, but some cats just prefer kibble. It's ok if that is the case. You can try putting water or broth on the dry food. Or use a pet fountain to increase water consumption.

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on February 25th, 2019

    Yes, this can be normal. When cats are have flu, they become congested and can't smell their food. If they can't smell their food, they won't eat. Wet food is smellier than dry food, which would be why Buddy is eating that only. Try gently heating some really smelly wet food like fish or sardine based to see if he will eat more of it. I hope this helps.

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