Imagine being hurt or injured and not able to ask for what you need to feel better. That is exactly what your cat feels during a serious illness, or after an accident or surgery. All she wants to do is pounce and play, but she needs adequate time and nutrition to recuperate. She'll need additional care and attention from you at this time.
Helping your cat recover
You should always give medication at the correct times, and take care of wounds and dressings as instructed. It’s also important to provide your cat with lots of love, reassurance and encouragement to eat (cats tend to avoid eating when they are sick or hurt), and only feed the cat food recommended by your veterinarian.
Correct balance of nutrients
Because the body has difficulty obtaining enough energy during this time, cat food needs to be high in energy, easily digestible, and extra-rich in essential fats, proteins, vitamins and ,minerals.
What happens during recovery?
There will be times in your cat’s life when she will need help to recover. This could be due to a wide variety of conditions— from minor illness or elective surgery to something more serious like an accident or cancer. Cats need extra energy and nutrients, in an appetizing form, to speed up the recovery process. Even if a cat is not severely distressed, you can help recovery by feeding the right cat food and giving plenty of care and love at home.
Is your cat making progress?
Recovery can be delayed by a number of factors including incorrect nutrition and not eating enough. Whatever the reason, it’s important to look for the following signs. If you notice any of them, contact your veterinarian.
- Weight loss
- Poor appetite
- Increased thirst
- Tired, lacking energy
- Wound is not healing
- Sensitive to touch
- Increased breathing rate
IMPORTANT: Rapid ,weight loss, particularly when combined with loss of appetite indicates a stress response requiring attention. If you are in any doubt, consult your veterinarian immediately.
Remember to keep a close on eye on your cat's condition to help her get through this difficult time. In addition, watch for other conditions and complications, such as infections.
Tasty Tips
The importance of nutrition
The food your cat eats plays an important role in her overall health and well-being. The food you feed her can have a tremendous effect on her ability to recover. She will be under a lot of stress from healing and dealing with her condition, so she will need more energy to deal with these changes. However, she may be reluctant to eat.
Most food won't have the right consistency or taste for cats who don't feel like eating. These cats will need therapeutic food that provides exceptional taste and has the right consistency to be spoon fed, if needed. Also, her regular foods may not provide the added fat, protein and key nutrients cats need during recovery. Feeding her a cat food that is highly digestible and has increased levels of key nutrients will speed her healing.
Balanced nutrition is an essential part of an active, healthy lifestyle. When your cat is recovering from an illness or operation, it’s even more important to feed the right cat food. For accurate diagnosis and treatment options, always consult your veterinarian and ask them to recommend the best food for your cat’s recovery.
Ask Your Veterinarian About Recovery from Serious Illness, Accident or Surgery:
- Are there any foods I should avoid giving my cat because of her condition?
- Ask how human food can affect your cat’s health.
- Would you recommend a Hill’s® Prescription Diet® cat food for my cat’s recovery?
- Ask about special nutritional concerns for your cat
- How much / how often you should feed the recommended food to your cat
- How quickly should I expect to see signs of improvement in my cat’s condition?
- Can you provide, me with written instructions or a booklet on recovery care for my cat?
- What is the best way (email/phone) to reach you or your hospital if I have questions?
- Ask if you need a follow-up appointment.
- Ask if a reminder email or notice will be sent.
Related products
Hill's Science Diet Kitten Tender Chicken Dinner
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Hill's Science Diet Kitten Sensitive Stomach & Skin Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe
Highly digestible food that is gentle on the stomach. Nourishes skin & promotes lustrous fur.
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Senior Vitality Chicken & Rice Recipe Cat Food
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Hill's Science Diet Adult Liver & Chicken Entrée Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of minced liver & chicken to help fuel the energy needs of cats during the prime of their life
Hill's Science Diet Adult Tender Chicken Dinner cat food
Delectable chunks with tender chicken smothered in a rich gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Urinary Hairball Control Savory Chicken Entrée cat food
Supports the health of the whole urinary system with optimal levels of magnesium
Hill's Science Diet Adult Tender Dinners Can Variety Pack Cat Food
Delectable chunks with tender chicken smothered in a rich gravy
Hill's Science Diet Perfect Weight Salmon & Vegetable Canned Cat Food
Over 70% of cats lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Hill's Science Diet Adult Tender No Corn, Wheat, Soy Chicken & Vegetables Stew Cat Food
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Perfect Digestion Chicken, Barley & Whole Oats Recipe Cat Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome for cats age 7+
Hill's Science Diet Adult Multiple Benefit Chicken Recipe cat food
Supports ideal body weight for cats with different body types
Hill's Science Diet Adult Indoor Salmon & Vegetable Medley Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition for indoor cats with the delicious taste of savory salmon and vegetables
Hill's Science Diet Adult Healthy Cuisine Roasted Chicken & Rice Medley Cat Food
Delicious roasted chicken and rice in a mouthwatering sauce
Hill's Science Diet Adult Urinary Hairball Control Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Supports the health of the whole urinary system with optimal levels of magnesium
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Savory Turkey Entrée Cat Food
Delicious taste of gourmet minced turkey in precisely balanced nutrition. Provide a synergistic ingredient blend to help support energy & activity level.
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Senior Vitality Chicken & Rice Recipe Cat Food
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Digestion Chicken, Vegetable & Rice Stew Cat Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Hill's Science Diet Adult Hairball Control Light Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Natural fiber comfortably reduces hairballs
Hill's Science Diet Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Canned Cat Food Variety Pack, Chicken & Beef, Salmon & Tuna 2.8 oz. pouch, 12 pack
These irresistible foods are specially formulated to support digestive health, nourish skin & promote a lustrous coat.
Hill's Science Diet Senior Vitality Adult 7+ Tuna & Vegetables Stew
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Related articles
Training Your Cat: Basic Things to Work On
With proper understanding and patience, cats can be trained. Learn how to properly train your new cat or kitten with these easy-to-follow tips.
Wet vs. Dry Cat Food: Which Is Best?
Wet vs. Dry Cat Food: Which Is Best?
Bladder Stones in Cats: Types, Symptoms & Treatment
Learn all about bladder stones in cats: Specific types of stones, clinical symptoms your cat might be showing, and typical treatment options from a vet.
Can Cats Have Pumpkin? (& Is It Healthy?)
Learn whether or not its healthy for cats to eat pumpkin, how much would be an appropriate amount, and types of pumpkin that you might want to avoid.
Diabetes in Cats: Causes, Signs & Treatments
Know the causes of diabetes in felines to better understand how to prevent it in your cat. Ask your vet for treatment options.
Signs of Stress in Cats and How You Can Help | Hill's Pet
Learn how to recognize the signs of stress in cats and how to help a stressed cat find relief. Learn the implications of stress on her overall health, and what you can do to help ease her.
How to Put Weight On a Cat
Learn how to tell if your cat is too skinny, including key causes of weight loss, and what you can do to help your cat get back to a healthy weight.
What to Expect at Your Kitten's 6-Month Health Check
We advise a 6-month health check up for any new kitten to ensure it's in good health condition. Read more about what to expect at your visit.
Stage 1 Kidney Disease in Cats Often Goes Unnoticed
Learn more about stage 1 kidney disease in cats, such as the cause, symptoms, treatment and how the proper food can help manage her condition.
Healthy Homemade Cat Treat Recipes
Learn how to make homemade kitten treats that are healthy for your pet. Enjoy this cat treat recipe from Hill's Pet to supplement a cat's healthy balanced diet.
Steps for Command Training Your Kitten
Learn how to properly train your new kitten to obey your commands while keeping them happy and healthy.
DIY Cat Stain & Odor Remover That Actually Works
Learn how to make your own DIY cat stain remover, as well as how to remove cat odors from your home.
Understanding & Managing Congestive Heart Failure in Cats
Learn about congestive heart failure in cats, including most common symptoms and complications, treatment options and whether it can be prevented.
The Changing Needs of a Kitten Becoming a Cat
Learn the needs of your aging kitten. It's nutritional and exercise requirements will start to change as it grows from being a kitten into an adult cat.
Your Cat Needs Attention? Here's What She'll Do to Get It.
When a cat wants attention, she'll pull out all the stops until she grabs your interest, such as these seven classic behaviors guaranteed to distract you.
Tips & Resources for Feeding Your Cat
Learn how cat's naturally feed and ways you can help meet their nutritional needs without disrupting their feeding behavior.
Is Milk Actually Good for a Cat?
It is a common misconception that cats should be given milk regularly as a treat.
Choosing A Healthy Cat Food: Things You Need to Know
Find out the essential ingredients in a healthy cat food, how to interpret a food label, and the importance of your cat's age when choosing a food.
All About Your Cat's Sleeping Habits
Learn all about your cat's sleep schedule, why she seems to be most active during twilight hours and what it means to be a crepuscular kitty.
The Science Behind Your Cat's Traits
Curious to know more about your cat? From how fast she runs to how high she can jump, learn what science has found out about your cat's distinct traits.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.