Nutritional support for cats with critical illness

Managing critical illness in cats

There are many critical illnesses, and all of these require careful management with nutrition. Let’s explore how to care for a cat with cancer as one example, and how — with the right care and nutrition — you can support your friend through their fight.

What are the common risk factors for cats?

Cancer can affect cats of any breed or age. However, some common risk factors can increase the likelihood of a cat developing an illness such as cancer, including:

Age

Older cats are more likely to develop cancer than younger cats.

Genetics

Certain breeds have a higher predisposition to certain types of cancer.

External Agents

Certain chemicals and environmental pollutants can increase the risk of cancer in cats.

See the Signs

What are the common risk factors for cats?

Cancer can affect cats of any breed or age. However, some common risk factors can increase the likelihood of a cat developing an illness such as cancer, including:

Age

Older cats are more likely to develop cancer than younger cats.

Genetics

Certain breeds have a higher predisposition to certain types of cancer.

External Agents

Certain chemicals and environmental pollutants can increase the risk of cancer in cats.

See the Signs

Sometimes, the signs of illness in cats can be obvious, but other types can be more difficult to identify.

Lymphoma

Cancer of the lymphatic system

Learn More

Oral Cancer

There are many different types of mouth cancer in cats, and some are more common than others

Learn More

Skin Cancer

Aggressive skin disease that develops in the mouth, eyes or foot pads

Learn More

Mammary gland carcinoma

Affects the mammary glands, often prevented by spaying female cats early in life

Learn More

Sometimes, the signs of illness in cats can be obvious, but other types can be more difficult to identify.

Lymphoma

Cancer of the lymphatic system

Learn More

Oral Cancer

There are many different types of mouth cancer in cats, and some are more common than others

Learn More

Skin Cancer

Aggressive skin disease that develops in the mouth, eyes or foot pads

Learn More

Mammary gland carcinoma

Affects the mammary glands, often prevented by spaying female cats early in life

Learn More

An orange cat and a black and white cat look up at a bowl of food

Offering clinical nutrition can support overall quality of life, so be sure to ask your vet for a recommendation. Prescription Diet ONC Care for cats will typically support some key goals:

Encourage an enthusiastic appetite & food intake

with tasty ingredients and satisfying textures

Help maintain muscle mass

with highly digestible protein and an adequate amount of essential amino acids

Support healthy digestion

with ActivBiome+ Ingredient Technology: Proprietary blend of prebiotics shown to rapidly activate the gut microbiome to support digestive health and well-being

Supportive Medication

Your veterinarian may prescribe medication to help your cat with related health issues, such as digestive care, pain management, etc.

Treatment

Depending on your veterinarian’s recommendation, supportive medication, radiation, surgery, and other treatment for cats may be considered.

Love & Care

Whether it’s playing with a feather toy, watching the world from their perch, or getting brushed, a cat’s best friend in this fight is you.

Supportive Medication

Your veterinarian may prescribe medication to help your cat with related health issues, such as digestive care, pain management, etc.

Treatment

Depending on your veterinarian’s recommendation, supportive medication, radiation, surgery, and other treatment for cats may be considered.

Love & Care

Whether it’s playing with a feather toy, watching the world from their perch, or getting brushed, a cat’s best friend in this fight is you.

There are several ways your cat can still enjoy a happy and fulfilling life. Here are some ways you can help your pet and keep them comfortable.

Rally Support

You will need support from family, friends, and of course, your vet.

Do Your Research

Learn all you can about your cat’s diagnosis so you can be an advocate for the best care. International Cat Care can help you better understand your cat’s symptoms and more.

Consult With an Expert

A vet that specializes in your cat’s illness can give the best care. Ask your vet for a referral to a local veterinary specialist.

Assess Your Cat’s Quality of Life

If your cat’s condition is terminal, it can help to understand and assess their quality of life. Lap of Love has a quality-of-life assessment tool.

Learn More

There are several ways your cat can still enjoy a happy and fulfilling life. Here are some ways you can help your pet and keep them comfortable.

Rally Support

You will need support from family, friends, and of course, your vet.

Do Your Research

Learn all you can about your cat’s diagnosis so you can be an advocate for the best care. International Cat Care can help you better understand your cat’s symptoms and more.

Consult With an Expert

A vet that specializes in your cat’s illness can give the best care. Ask your vet for a referral to a local veterinary specialist.

Assess Your Cat’s Quality of Life

If your cat’s condition is terminal, it can help to understand and assess their quality of life. Lap of Love has a quality-of-life assessment tool.