Cat sitting for cats with special dietary needs

Updated 19/02/2024

As a house and pet sitter, it will only be a matter of time before you take care of a kitty cat with special requirements - that’s if you haven’t done so already. We’ve got guides to looking after indoor cats, cats with separation anxiety, and senior cats, and here we’re bringing you the low down on cat sitting for cats with special dietary requirements. From the nuances of individual diets to special considerations you may need to make, we take a look at how to cater to your furry friend’s unique needs and preferences.

Understanding special diets for cats

While your furry feline might eat certain fruits and vegetables, cats are obligate carnivores. This means that they need to eat meat sources to fulfil their nutritional needs, including essential amino acids, vitamins, and fatty acids, some of which are only found in animal proteins. However, it is sometimes necessary for them to be on a special diet for cats to help manage a range of different conditions. The nature of this diet will depend on how the vet has assessed the kitty cat’s needs, but all these diets will be formulated to maintain the cat’s overall health and wellbeing, as well as managing their health complaint. 

Food allergies and dermatitis 

Vets typically suggest starting off with a food elimination trial for cats with suspected food allergies or dermatitis to identify the underlying cause. During these trials, cats are often placed on either a “hydrolyzed” diet (where the proteins in the food have been broken up to avoid an allergic reaction) or a “novel protein” diet (an alternative protein source that the cat may never have eaten before) for several weeks. Single protein sources are then gradually re-introduced to pinpoint the cat’s trigger.

Gastrointestinal conditions 

Cats with digestive disorders and sensitive stomachs may be put on a diet that’s high in energy, rich in nutrients, and easy to digest. 

Diabetes and obesity 

The best cat food for overweight indoor cats or those with diabetes is usually low in calories but high in fiber and protein. The quantity of food may also be reduced if the goal is to lose weight. 

Kidney disease and urinary conditions

Furry felines with kidney disease often follow a special kidney diet for cats known as a “renal diet”, which is low in protein and sodium and high in essential fatty acids. Cats that have urinary issues may be on a diet that alters the urine pH (how acidic or alkaline the urine is) and contains supplements to improve the health of the bladder.

Congestive heart failure and high blood pressure

It’s thought that a low-sodium diet may help to reduce blood pressure for cats dealing with hypertension. Cats with heart conditions such as congestive heart failure might also follow a similar diet, rich in proteins, nutrients, and omega-3 fatty acids. These cats must maintain their body weight as they are at risk of becoming underweight, so it’s important to feed them something they genuinely enjoy eating.

Liver disease

Cats with liver disease should eat high-quality proteins, fats, and carbohydrates along with added antioxidants and vitamins. Their food should be easy to digest and low in sodium. 

It’s important to seek the advice of vets if you suspect your furry friend is suffering from any of the conditions above. They will be able to advise you on how best to switch up your kitty cat’s diet, and they may also need to prescribe medication or other treatments to help get your kitty cat back to health. 

Caring for cats with special dietary needs

If you’ve found yourself in the company of a purr pal with a particular palette, you’re in for a treat (pun intended!). Before you begin the house sit, make sure the pet parents have given you clear instructions on their furry feline’s dietary requirements, including what to feed them, how much, and when. Stick to the cat feeding guidelines they outline for you and don’t deviate from this unless instructed differently by them, or their vet. Remember to make sure they have access to clean water at all times and keep in mind that each kitty cat’s feeding regime may be different depending on their dietary needs, as well as their age, activity levels, and whether they’re an indoor or outdoor cat. You should also avoid the temptation to give any additional treats or scraps to them, unless instructed by the cat’s owner. Feeding alternative snacks can undo the good all the work of their special diet.

Other considerations

Your furry friend may also require special treatment in areas other than their diet. For example, overweight cats require more encouragement to exercise, and those with kidney or liver disease may need daily medication in addition to their special diet.  

If your furry feline suffers from a health condition, you’ll also need to be extra vigilant and monitor any changes in their health or behavior. Keep in touch with the owners about their fur baby’s well-being (even if it’s just to give them the good news!) and send some photos for extra brownie points!

Meet our veterinary expert, Rebecca

This article has been checked by veterinarian Rebecca MacMillan, BVetMed MRCVS. Rebecca is a companion animal vet who has always had a passion for writing and client communication. Since her graduation from the Royal Veterinary college in 2009 she has gained a wealth of experience in first opinion small animal practice, in both clinical and managerial roles. She currently works in the South West and deals with a variety of routine and emergency appointments, but particularly enjoys medicine cases. Outside of work and writing, she enjoys spending time with her family, including her bouncy flat coated retriever George!

So there you have it, a summary of special diets for medical conditions and how to take care of your furry feline’s needs. Before we go though, we want to make it clear that it’s not the pet sitter’s responsibility to change the diet of the kitty cat under their care. If you have any concerns about the type of food your furry feline’s eating while pet sitting, speak to the pet parents about it. They’ll need to consult their vet about any potential changes.