Feline Malnutrition: Common Diseases & Symptoms Explain

01. The Epidemic of Obesity in Cats

In the feline world, obesity has become an epidemic. What's more concerning is that it's not just a matter of weight; obesity often leads to a host of serious health issues in cats, including arthritis, diabetes, hypertension, and even cancer.

Therefore, it's crucial to pay close attention to your cat's diet and calorie intake. Regularly assess your cat's body condition, and if you notice any signs of overweight, act promptly to devise a weight loss plan. For further insights, check out the related articles at the end of this piece.

02. Pancreatitis: A Commonly Overlooked Disease

Pancreatitis is a condition that many cat owners often overlook, but it's a serious one. When the pancreas becomes inflamed, digestive enzymes can leak into the abdominal area, starting to break down fats and proteins in other organs, including the pancreas itself.

It's widely believed that the intake of fats is linked to the development of pancreatitis, as fats can stimulate the pancreas to secrete digestive hormones. So, if you suspect your cat might have pancreatitis, consider assessing the fat content in its diet.

03. Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD)

FLUTD, or feline lower urinary tract disease, is a group of disorders that present similar symptoms, such as inappropriate urination, increased frequency of urination, difficulty urinating, pain during urination, hematuria, decreased appetite, and irritability.

Stress factors, such as the arrival of a new pet or person in the home, changes in daily routines, or environmental shifts, can contribute to FLUTD. Additionally, a lack of exercise, being overweight, and a longterm diet of dry food are significant triggers.

Encouraging your cat to drink more water and increasing the intake of wet food can often be the best solution. It's a simple yet effective way to help manage this condition.

04. Feline Heart Disease: Diet as a Key Factor

Heart disease in cats is often triggered by an imbalanced diet, particularly excessive sodium intake. An increase in sodium content in the daily diet leads to higher levels of sodium in the bloodstream, which can cause vascular edema and elevated blood pressure.

As blood pressure rises, the heart affected by the disease must continue to enlarge to overcome the increased pressure, leading to a vicious cycle. Therefore, if your cat is eating human leftovers, which are often high in salt, you should be particularly vigilant.

05. Diarrhea: A Common but Concerning Issue

Diarrhea is relatively common in cats, and it can manifest in two forms: small intestine diarrhea and large intestine diarrhea. Small intestine diarrhea typically results in frequent, loose stools, while large intestine issues often lead to watery diarrhea.

For cats suffering from chronic diarrhea, adding a certain amount of fiber to their diet can be beneficial. Ideally, both soluble and insoluble fibers should be included. For small intestine diarrhea, a lowfat, easily digestible wet food can be a great aid.