Chapter 9: Therapeutic diets for common conditions

Kidney disease, urinary tract problems and diabetes each need a prescription diet that only a vet can supply. Kidney formulas keep phosphorus low and use high-quality protein to ease the workload, while urinary diets balance minerals and acidity to reduce crystal risk. Diabetic cats do better with higher protein and controlled carbohydrates. Follow the feeding schedule and target weight your vet sets, and do not mix in shop food, or the plan stops working.