Diet & Supplements for Senior Cat with FIV & FIP
Written by: Dr. Jean Hofve, Holistic Veterinarian, DVM
What is the Best Diet and Supplements for a Senior Cat with FIV & FIP?
Question:
I would like to provide the best care for my cat, who is 14 1/2 years old. About six months ago, he was diagnosed with FIV and FIP. He has been an indoor cat for the past 10 1/2 years. He now weighs about 10 lbs., and shows to me a healthy coat and eyes, bowel movement, mobility, etc. Oh, he also has arthritis. Ever since he was a baby, he has had, and still has a heart murmur/or arrhythmia. I feed him: Holistic Natural Feline Formula Feline Kibble from Bench and Field. I still have not found a very good wet formula that is healthy and that he enjoys. Can you recommend a few? Do you think it's best that I make his food? (I tried the raw food diet years ago, and he absolutely hated it, so I don't want to go down that road again).
I have to be careful, because his brother is prone to urinary infections, so the food has to be compatible as well. (His brother is a senior also, is prone to on and off, non-serious bladder infections, and is very overweight - he weighs about 18 lbs.) Besides a good wet diet, are there any other supplements I can give him? I am thinking about a good multi-vitamin and a good immune booster…
Answer:
Any good quality canned food would be appropriate for both of your cats. Only Natural Pet, Nature’s Variety, Wellness, and Merrick are all made with high quality ingredients and offer a wide variety of flavors so that you can usually find several that your cat will enjoy. Home prepared food is, of course, an excellent part of your cats’ overall diet.
Cats are creatures of habit, and frequently protest changing to a healthier diet, especially if they are used to dry food or foods with sweeteners and additives. To help encourage your cats to try new healthier foods you can crumble treats over the food to get them eating. I did this with my own cats (and still do), that were “addicted” to dry kibble to encourage them to eat raw food and healthier canned food. The freeze dried all meat treats are perfect for this. They crumble easily almost to a powder and just a small amount can be sprinkled over the food.
Here are a couple high quality supplements that can help enhance your senior cat's immune systems.
