Pancreatitis in cats is an inflammatory condition of the pancreas, an organ that helps digest food and regulate blood sugar. When the pancreas becomes inflamed, digestion is disrupted, and cats often experience pain, nausea, and loss of appetite. Nutrition is one of the most important parts of recovery, so many pet parents ask: “What should I feed my cat with pancreatitis?”
Here’s a clear, vet-aligned guide to feeding cats with pancreatitis.
Understanding Pancreatitis in Cats
The pancreas produces enzymes that break down food. In pancreatitis, those enzymes activate too early, irritating the pancreas and surrounding organs.
Common symptoms include:
- Vomiting or nausea
- Diarrhea or greasy stools
- Lack of appetite
- Lethargy
- Weight loss
- Abdominal pain
Because symptoms can overlap with other conditions, a proper veterinary diagnosis is essential.
Nutrition Goals for Cats with Pancreatitis
The right diet should:
- Be highly digestible to reduce strain on the pancreas.
- Provide moderate, high-quality protein.
- Be low to moderate in fat (since fat is harder to digest).
- Include moisture-rich foods to prevent dehydration.
- Be calorie-dense to help maintain weight.
Best Foods for Cats with Pancreatitis
1. Veterinary Prescription Diets
- Hill’s i/d Low Fat
- Royal Canin Gastrointestinal Moderate Calorie
- Purina EN Gastroenteric
These diets are formulated for digestive disorders and are often the safest option.
2. High-Quality Wet Food
- Choose grain-free, limited-ingredient wet foods with easily digestible proteins (chicken, turkey, rabbit).
- Pâté-style foods are gentler than chunky or gravy-heavy formulas.
- Wet food helps maintain hydration.
3. Homemade Diets (Vet-Supervised)
Some cats do well on carefully prepared homemade meals:
- Boiled chicken or turkey breast (skinless, boneless).
- Small portions of plain pumpkin or sweet potato for fiber.
- Balanced with supplements recommended by a veterinary nutritionist.
Feeding Tips
- Small, frequent meals are easier to digest than large meals.
- Warm food slightly to improve aroma and appetite.
- Avoid fasting—cats who don’t eat for even 24–48 hours are at risk of hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease).
- Use syringe feeding or vet-recommended appetite stimulants if necessary.
Supplements That May Help (Vet Approval Required)
- Omega-3 fatty acids – Anti-inflammatory support.
- Digestive enzymes – May help in some cases, though evidence is mixed.
- Vitamin B12 injections – Often needed, as cats with pancreatitis can’t absorb B12 well.
Foods to Avoid
- High-fat foods (gravy-heavy wet foods, fatty meats).
- Dairy products (difficult to digest, may worsen symptoms).
- Raw diets (increase risk of bacterial infections during recovery).
- Multiple protein sources in one meal (harder to identify triggers).
When to Call the Vet
Seek veterinary care immediately if your cat shows:
- Refusal to eat for more than 24 hours
- Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
- Signs of pain (hunched posture, reluctance to move)
- Lethargy or weight loss
Pancreatitis can become life-threatening if untreated.
Final Thoughts
So, what should you feed a cat with pancreatitis?
The best options are vet-prescribed gastrointestinal diets, easily digestible wet foods, or carefully balanced homemade meals under professional supervision. Stick with small, frequent feedings, avoid fatty foods, and work closely with your vet to manage flare-ups.
At Petsaw, we know how stressful caring for a sick cat can be. With the right diet and veterinary support, many cats with pancreatitis can recover well and live healthy lives.
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