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Help! My cat with renal failure isn't eating. What should I do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Female | spayed | 6 years and 1 month old | 7.5 lbs

My cat, who is 6 years old was recently diagnosed as being in renal failure. The vet gave her SubQ fluids and are scheduled to return on Thursday for more fluids. The reason for the vet appt to begin with was a loss of appetite. We cannot get her to eat anything, wet food, real chicken ect. The only thing she will eat just a bit of is hard cat treats. Is there anything we can do to get her to eat? You can tell she wants to but won’t. She still cuddles and trots at meal time but won’t eat.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on April 10th, 2018

Find a food with a strong smell/odor. Warm it slightly then offer it to Precious. You can also mix a teaspoon of warmed baby food in with her food. Discuss appetite stimulants, such as mirtazipine, with your veterinarian. The vet may also suggest some kidney friendly diets such as Hill's k/d or Royal Canin Renal Support. Bloodwork should be submitted to check kidney function. Elevated BUN and creatinine levels may cause nausea and inappetance. Hospitalizaton and IV fluids may be necessary to decrease levels.

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    Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

    Licensed Veterinary Technician

    Published on January 26th, 2018

    Without a physical exam, it is difficult to determine what is happening with Wales. Ideally, she should be examined by your veterinarian. The symptoms described have multiple causes that should be narrowed down via exam and diagnostics (blood work, xrays, etc). In the meantime, supportive care (IV ro subcutaneous fluids, parenteral nutrition, etc) may be indicated after an exam or until a diagnosis is made. Keep her warm, dry and as stress free as possible until she sees teh doctor. Warm her food slightly or mix in a teaspoon of baby food to stimulate her appetite. Offer small, frequent amounts of water or unflavored PediaLyte or similar electrolyte replacement beverage.

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