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A cat’s overall well-being can quickly become compromised when their urinary system is not at optimum health. Because your cat’s diet impacts what they eliminate, nutrition can play a critical role.
Updated on June 19th, 2026
Do you have questions about how much food to feed your cat or kitten? Visit Petco & find out how much you should feed your cat.
Updated on June 19th, 2026
Learn how to care for your cat, recommended diet and grooming care. Find the right food, supplies and equipment at your neighborhood Petco.
Updated on April 9th, 2026
Looking for the right food for your cat? Answer these questions and we’ll help you find the right food for your pet’s health.
Updated on June 19th, 2026
Vet authorized diets are typically needed only when a pet has specific health issues, but learning about how they're different from "normal" foods can help you be a more well-rounded pet parent.
Updated on June 19th, 2026

We always say that it doesn't matter how good a food is if the pet won't eat it. This is especially true with cats. Your goal with a diet for a kidney patient is to avoid foods that are too high in protein, so you will want to avoid any kitten foods. Most non-prescription diets are very similar in their protein levels because they are made for the needs of an average adult cat. If Cricket was previously on a dry food, I found the best way to get my cat to eat canned food was to grind up dry food, then sprinkle it on the top of his canned food to get him eating. I am attaching a link to a handout below with tips to transition a cat onto canned food. https://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=3041 Since Cricket has been a fussy eater, the most important thing will be to find a food that she likes. I have found that cats tend to like Fancy Feast the best, so that might be an option if you can't find something else that she will eat. Good luck! I hope that was helpful. Thanks for using PetCoach.
Updated on September 24th, 2025

Yes, it is ok to eat renal food, but only as a treat or supplement to the main diet of Hills Rx Senior. Renal food is lower in protein than normal cat food since the kidneys can't handle excess protein when they are failing. So it would be best for long-term health if Tony gets plenty of protein, which is in the senior diet!
Updated on September 24th, 2025

Many cats with renal disease get picky with food so you may end up trying all the brands at some point or alternating between them. You need to feed Mercy a prescription diet for the renal disease. The brand Royal Canin tends to be the most palatable. They make 3 varieties of kibble and 3 varieties of canned food that are all for renal disease. They have different smells/textures...etc so just pick a bag (or all 3) and try it. You will need to ask your normal veterinarian about continuing the milk thistle. The renal diets are lower in protein, higher in fat and higher in fatty acids/antioxidants and this can be beneficial for the liver depending on the cause of liver elevations. Your normal vet will best advise you. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.
Updated on September 24th, 2025

Wow, 23 is very old. You must take very good care of him. I am sorry to hear about his diagnosis. Renal disease as you probably already know is a chronic condition. Dietary change can be a major factor in extending the length and quality of cat's live who have it. However, in a 23 year old cat I would usually recommend just feeding whatever makes him happy. Nutritional intake in general is very important right now, so having to fight with him to get him to eat will end up being quite stressful and maybe counterproductive. If you are dedicated to a kidney friendly diet and the commercial stuff isn't working, you can certainly start thinking about home made diets. This is a link to a website that will guide you into making diets that are good for patients with kidney disease. I believe it is free for the first 14 days. Most of the diets they suggest do require supplementation with certain vitamins and minerals, however, and without them other problems may arise. Hope this helps and best of luck with PJ.
Updated on September 24th, 2025

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I am so sorry to hear about Anano. Although the royal Canin renal diet is ideal, it’s more important that he eats SOMETHING. So go ahead and feed him the meat. Then contact your vet to see if he or she has any other testing or treatments to try. Best wishes to you and Anano.
Updated on September 24th, 2025