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Senior cat with kidney disease refuses prescription food. Can I feed regular?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Female | spayed | 18 years and 7 months old | 5 lbs

Hi, I have a senior (18-year-old) cat with kidney disease who is on prescription pet food. Over the past few days she has been EXTREMELY fussy (pretty out of character for her) and refusing to eat her prescription food even though we buy her favorite kind--she only eats our other cat's regular food. If we give her normal food, we know it will shorten her life, but we also feel like she'll be happier and will stop starving herself. Is it okay to switch back or will it put her in a lot of pain?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on May 29th, 2019

Yes, if you give her normal food it will shorten her life span but I agree with you, her quality of life is more important and she needs to eat! When it comes to kidney disease a food that is as low in phosphorus as possible is recommended. Unfortunately, no over the counter foods are low enough in phosphorus to be beneficial. Hence, the prescription diets. Now, there are many different companies that make prescription diets - I would suggest you try another brand before just giving in to her. The new Hill's kidney diets have E.A.T. (Enhanced Appetite Trigger)™ Technology for cats that has been shown to enhance appetite & increase food intake. Royal Canin and Purina also make kidney diets. Please try these first and if all else fails, just give her what she will eat. Cats are sometimes their own worst enemy! Hope this helps. Best wishes.

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    Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on October 13th, 2023

    hHello, thank you for using PetCoach. I'm sorry that Cuddles that is having this issue. Weight loss is very difficult to manage in a cat with advanced kidney disease especially if the cat will not eat the prescription diet. The weight loss is typically muscle wasting. The prescription diets are restrictive in phosphorus which is essential in keeping kidney damage to a minimum. These diets also have a reduced sodium content to prevent dehydration, are high in specific amino acids to promote muscle mass and contain other ingredients, like omega-3 fatty acids, that support kidney health. Being picky about the diet is common as they are often nauseous due to toxin build up in their blood from the kidneys not filtering properly. You should talk to your vet about using Cerenia or Zofran for this issue to see if it helps. She may also need an appetite stimulant drug either mirtazapine or Entyce. Please talk to your vet about these. The only way for her to gain weight is to eat better. I don't know if you are aware but there are many companies that make prescription kidney diets. If she won't eat one brand she may eat one of the others. I suggest you try different ones. If purchased from your vet, if your cat does not eat it, the pet food company will typically take the food back and refund your money so you are not out the money of trying the food. In my experience, cats tend to like the Royal Canin kidney prescription diets the best but Hill's, Purina and Blue Buffalo also have them. You can try this supplement to help her eliminate phosphorus absorption from her GI tract to help alleviate the strain on the kidneys especially if she will not eat the prescription diet. This would be an adjunct will is not specific for weight gain. Again, the only way to get her gain weight is to get her to eat more (manage nausea and give an appetite stimulant). ( https://worldtails.securevetsource.com/itemView/view/223965_HomeDelivery.pml?productId=114903 ) Hope this helps. Best wishes.

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    Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 9th, 2019

    I recommend to call your veterinarian again. Depending on the blood levels, given that she is not eating, she may need an antiacid, an appetite stimulant or something for an upset stomach. Some of these pets also need subcutaneous fluids administered until they stabilize. It is best to keep your veterinarian in constant contact and stay on top of the situation. Best of luck.

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