How heart disease in cats is affected by their diet

Just as it is for humans, your cat’s diet can have a big impact on the health of their heart. A focus on good nutrition is a great step you can take to ensuring your cat’s heart health is the best it can be.

How obesity can lead to heart disease in cats

Weight management is essential for maintaining good heart health in cats. The more overweight the pet, the more strain on their heart. It’s important that your cat stays in the healthy weight range for their breed, as cat obesity is a growing problem in Australia.

Looking at your cat’s physique and activity levels, in consultation with your local Greencross Vets, could be a good starting point. If your cat doesn’t have a defined waistline, it’s an immediate red flag that their weight is an issue. Your Greencross Vet can create a tailored weight management program for your cat to achieve a healthy weight.

The best cat food for heart health

Super premium cat food is specifically formulated to deliver the right balance of ingredients – proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals – to promote overall health in cats of different life stages. Some of these ingredients are included to directly meet your cat’s heart health needs. One very important example for cats is taurine. Cats are unable to produce this amino acid themselves so are 100% reliant on adequate dietary intake. A lack of taurine is incredibly dangerous and can lead to serious heart disease.

Low-sodium pet food formulations are also good to look for when prioritising heart health. For those pets with a diagnosed heart condition there are prescription diets available. In these cases it is incredibly important you discuss your pets nutrition needs with your Greencross Vets.