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Feeding sick cat baby food


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Can Cats Eat Baby Food? (Good Option for Senior or Sick Cat)

If you have run out of cat food but have a closet stocked with your infant’s favorite meals, you may be wondering, “can cats eat baby food?”

On the other hand, you may have an elderly or sick cat turning its nose up at regular cat food and find yourself desperate to get her to eat.

But should your sick cat be allowed a bit of human food; or can your senior cat eat baby food?

Read on to find out!

Can Cats Eat Baby Food?

Yes, cats can eat meat-based or plain meat baby food, so long as you read the ingredients list on the label and ensure they contain nothing toxic for cats.

In general, the occasional spoonful of plain meat baby food for your cat as a treat should be fine.

However, about 60% of cats in the US are overweight or obese, a condition that causes various severe health problems as your feline ages.

So pet parents need to be careful of feeding their cat baby food in larger quantities. According to Cailin Heinze, VDM, DACVN, pets should receive no more than 10% of their daily calorie intakes from treats.

But since some simple meat-based baby food looks similar to the pâté-style foods we find in the cat food aisle, we may be tempted to feed our cat a jar or two in a pinch.

We may also be thrilled to discover that they love it, and some picky-eaters have been known to turn up their nose at anything else.

However, this does not mean that you should allow your cat to eat baby food instead of FDA-approved cat food forever.

Commercial pet food is fortified with AAFCO (American Association of Feed Control Officials) approved essential amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals.

This nutrient profile is needed to create complete cat food that meets their basic nutritional requirements.

This is quite important since cats have particular needs for certain levels of amino acids such as thiamine and taurine, and too little of these can prove fatal.

In fact, in the 1970s, thousands of cat deaths and blindness were traced back to a lack of taurine in cat food.

It is unlikely that baby food will have the correct levels of taurine or other necessary nutrients. Therefore, it should not be fed for a prolonged period.

However, baby food is still among the gentlest foods made for delicate baby stomachs.

So, there are several instances where you may want to use it for nursing your kitty through a rough patch:

  • If your cat has a sore tooth or mouth and is struggling to eat.
  • Cats who are ill, such as those with liver disease or cancer and have a reduced appetite.
  • Cats who have tummy troubles like vomiting and diarrhea.
  • Senior cats that need to be enticed to eat by having some added to their food bowls.

In these cases, baby food is great because it requires minimal chewing. It can be handfed, and when it is heated to room temperature, it can be an effective appetite stimulant.

It also has a high moisture content that can help digestion as this is closer to the high moisture content cats would naturally in the raw food they eat in the wild.

Unlike raw food, however, the jars are hermetically sealed.

So, you don’t need to worry about a high bacteria content that could further upset a cat with a sensitive stomach’s digestive tract.

All of this is an excellent way to get food into your cat until they get their strength back and can eat their regular food again.

Watch this recap video below:

Is Baby Food Safe for Cats? 

Yes, plain meat-based baby foods with no additives, seasonings, or toxic ingredients are mostly safe for cats.

However, a recent study found dangerously high levels of heavy metals such as arsenic, mercury, or cadmium in one in four tested baby foods.

This can build up in your cat’s body over time, so a long-term baby food diet is out.

For this reason, it’s also best to avoid food that contains rice, sweet potato, carrots, or any type of fruit juice, as these have the highest levels of toxic chemicals.

Nevertheless, so long as you are only feeding the baby food for a limited time and it is basically puréed meat, it is a good option in a pinch.

But it should be made with ingredients that do not contain any fruit or substances that are toxic or very unhealthy to cats, such as:

  • rhubarb,
  • raisins,
  • dairy products (lactose intolerant)
  • garlic or garlic powder (and other alliums such as onions, chives, or leeks)
  • xylitol,
  • or chocolate.

Remember, even certain vegetable mixes are too high in fiber and cause your cat an upset stomach.

After all, cats are obligate carnivores, and so they are not designed to eat substantial amounts of plant matter.

Ensure that you read the label thoroughly, though. For instance, Gerber’s 2nd Beef and Beef Broth Jar also contains lemon juice, which may be a little too acidic for your cat’s tummy.

How Much Baby Food Can Cats Eat?

If you are feeding your cat baby food as a treat because it is something they enjoy, then a whole plate of food is obviously not the way to go.

A spoonful here or there on top of their regular food is fine, provided it is within their daily calorie limit.

If you are a new mom and find you have run out of cat food one evening, but you have a cupboard full of Gerber 2nd Chicken and Chicken Broth, then go ahead and replace the meal with what you have.

One or two meals replaced with safe meaty baby food is unlikely to do your kitty any harm. Just don’t make it a habit.

For sick cats with appetite loss, or senior cats who seem to struggle with their usual food, hand-feeding baby food that has been gently heated to around 100°F might encourage them to eat.

In this case, you can feed them as much as they are willing to take, but do not force the issue.

Always feed a cat with trouble eating in a quiet but familiar part of the home.

You can try using a feline hormone diffuser to soothe them and signal that everything is “okay.”

Try putting a touch of baby food on your finger and touching it to their lips to see if they will lick it off.

If this doesn’t work, you can put a little baby food in a syringe and gently try dribbling it into their mouth. Again, do not force them to eat.

Force-feeding cats at home is stressful for both of you and can result in injury.

Instead, you can try mixing baby food with anything else you think may entice them, such as cooked egg, tuna flakes, or chicken broth.

If your cat still refuses to eat, do not wait too long to see the vet. T

he problem may be more serious than you realize, and your vet may prescribe an appetite stimulant to help them along.

In severe cases, your cat may need a feeding tube— called esophagostomy tubes—to provide them with the nutrients and electrolytes they need.

This should be left to professionals.

What is the best baby food for a cat?

There are types of baby food that are a good option for sick or elderly kitties who need soft food to get them through a rough patch.

Some products from recognized baby food brands that we recommend— in moderation and for limited periods—are:

  • Earth’s Best Organic Turkey and Turkey Broth Jar (created using only organic ground turkey and turkey broth).
  • Gerber 2nd Foods Chicken & Gravy (made with ground chicken, water, and cornstarch).
  • Beech-Nut Beef + Beef Broth Jar stage 1(made with beef and beef broth; no added flavorings, onion, or garlic)
  • Beech-Nut Chicken + Chicken Broth Jar stage 1(made with chicken and chicken broth; no added flavorings, onion. or garlic)

3

Alternatives to Baby Food for Cats

If your cat turns their nose up at baby food, or if you are worried about heavy metals or an incomplete amino acid profile, there are plenty of alternatives.

It may just take some trial and error to find a type of food that works

1. Prescription Food

If your cat is ill with something chronic such as liver or kidney disease, or if they have constant digestive problems, your vet may recommend a therapeutic or prescription food for your kitty.

While many owners report sterling results, keep in mind that these diets aren’t always that different from everyday cat foods and are quite pricy.

In fact, there is currently a class-action lawsuit concerning whether prescription diets such as those for cats with kidney disease should really be marketed as different from other wet cat foods with similar ingredients.

2. Homemade Soup

Suppose your cat simply doesn’t want to eat their regular dry food or has a poor appetite due to something non-life threatening, such as stress.

In that case, you can try enticing them with some tuna flakes or a little boiled chicken mixed in their food.

If they have trouble chewing or swallowing, creating your own pureed food with boiled chicken and a low-sodium broth can be an excellent choice for cats.

Just be careful of the vegetable oil or brine in tuna as this can be high in sodium and fats.

3. Kitten Food

If your cat is having trouble eating, a few doses of specially formulated kitten milk can be a great choice.

It is generally fortified with vitamins and minerals and is amongst the gentlest foods for the sensitive tummy.

It can also be liquidized with solids if you need food with a soft texture.

Another plus is that kitten milk does not contain the lactose in normal milk, which cats can’t properly digest.

You can also try wet kitten food, but keep in mind, neither formulated kitten milk nor kitten food of any type is ideally formulated for adult cats.

So it should be fed in moderation for limited periods.

Can Cats Eat Baby Food FAQs  

The soft texture is also great for cats with dental issues who find it painful to chew or cats who are simply too weak to feed themselves and need to be handed.

However, baby food is not a long-term option and should only be provided until your cat is strong enough to eat a more balanced diet.

Final Thoughts 

In general, plain meat baby food is a simple and easy way to get an elderly or ailing cat to eat.

Although baby food is not nutritionally balanced for felines and feeding it as a primary meal for a prolonged time can cause severe deficiencies, the right recipe is usually gentle on delicate stomachs.

The soft texture is also ideal for painful mouths and throats. So feeding baby food until your kitty gets their strength up might be an effective appetite stimulant.

References

  • 2018 — Association for Pet Obesity Prevention. 2018. “Association for Pet Obesity Prevention.” Association for Pet Obesity Prevention. 2018. PetObesityPrevention.org
  • Coates, Jennifer. 2014. “How to Get a Sick Cat to Eat.” Petmd.com. PetMD. December 26, 2014. PetMD.com
  • Curley, Bob. 2019. “Toxic Chemicals Can Be Found in Most Baby Food — What Parents Can Do.” Healthline. Healthline Media. October 22, 2019. Healthline.com
  • estaff. 2019. “What Can Cats Eat – and What Are Dangerous Foods for Cats? – Tufts Catnip.” Tufts Catnip. March 2019. TuftScatNip.com
  • MAUGH, THOMAS H. 1987. “Thousands of Cat Deaths Traced to Pet Food Deficiency.” Los Angeles Times. Los Angeles Times. August 14, 1987. LATimes.com
  • Vet Q&A: Can cats drink milk? . www.pdsa.org.uk. Available from: PDSA.org.uk
  • Why Do Cats Love All Dairy Products? in Charlottesville, VA . Charlottesville Cat Care Clinic. Available from: CVilleCatCare.com

Can cats eat baby food? Have you tried feeding your kitties with it? Please share with us below!

Tamsin

Hi, I’m Tamsin. I’m a serious animal lover and dog behaviorist and trainer. In fact, I live on a farm with nine rescues! So, I love writing about and creating awareness around the health and wellness of all animals.

Find her on Linkedin. Read her latest articles. Learn more about Tamsin here

Is it possible to feed a cat with baby food

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Contents

Feeding your cat should be treated responsibly, as your pet's health depends on it. The question of whether it is possible to feed a cat with baby food has a number of nuances that must be taken into account.

First of all, it is worth remembering that the gastrointestinal tracts of humans and cats have significant differences. For example, in the structure of the oral cavity, the length of the intestine and much more. Cats are carnivores, so their digestion is adapted primarily to digest meat food.

Can an adult cat be fed baby food?

Baby food may be given to adult animals, but not as permanent food. To maintain a high standard of living and health, a cat needs to receive a balanced diet. At the same time, purees intended for children cannot fully meet this requirement, therefore, it is advisable to consult with a veterinarian-nutritionist in advance so that he draws up a rough plan on how and what to feed the cat, what vitamins to add if necessary.

However, in some cases, softened food is a direct indication for feeding. For example:

  • for diseases of the oral cavity. Such as stomatitis, gingivitis, periodontal disease and others;
  • lack of appetite. For example, canned food can often be more appealing to animals;
  • the absence of teeth in elderly animals or in cases where teeth have been removed for indications;
  • during illness. Namely, if the animal needs softer and easily digestible food.

There are many canned foods on the market today, designed specifically for cats (including those with special needs). Therefore, each owner can choose the right diet for his pet without resorting to baby food.

How to give?

Meat should be the main ingredient in a cat's diet. However, it is wrong to give only mashed meats. The pet must receive a source of fiber. It can be vegetables, or vegetable purees intended for children. The ratio of components suitable for the pet will help you choose a veterinarian, taking into account the physiological data of the cat. But as a rule, the plant part of the diet does not exceed 15%.

It is better to choose one brand of baby food and give it only. It is necessary to accustom a cat from a small portion, gradually increasing it to the necessary one.

Cats need cereals in individual cases and are prescribed in small quantities as an addition to the main diet. Baby cereals containing sugar, salt, milk or flavorings are not suitable for pet food.

Situations when you should not give a cat food intended for children

In some cases, food may not be suitable for a pet. How to understand it:

  • after feeding, the animal has digestive disorders. For example, diarrhea or constipation, vomiting, soreness in the abdominal wall;
  • allergic reaction to food components - redness of the ears, itching, rashes.

Can kittens be given baby food?

When it comes to newborn kittens. If for some reason a cat cannot feed them, then it is impossible to replace cat's milk with a human mixture. This can lead to serious consequences, up to the death of the offspring. Infant milk formulas are adapted to the gastrointestinal tract of infants. In addition, in their composition they may contain many components that are not absorbed by the body of a small cat.

What is important:

  • on the first day of life, the kitten must receive colostrum;
  • if, for some reason, the cat is unable to feed offspring, it is advisable, if possible, to attach the kittens to another lactating cat;
  • if natural feeding is not possible, the offspring are transferred to artificial. The mixture should be intended strictly for kittens. For example, milk formula brands Beaphar, Royal canin, Gimpet, Hartz and others.

For older kittens who have already switched to adult food, baby food in the diet is acceptable. In the event that it is not possible to give specially designed feed or natural food products. However, it is not recommended to constantly feed baby canned food.

What to look for when choosing baby food for a cat

It is believed that products intended for children are the most environmentally friendly and do not contain spices. This is not always the case, so when choosing baby food for a cat, it should not contain:

  • salt;
  • sugar;
  • onion or garlic;
  • dyes;
  • preservatives;
  • soybeans;
  • lactose.

The product must have optimal shelf life and be stored under appropriate conditions.

It is acceptable to give baby food to cats and older kittens if for some reason it is not possible to choose a diet that is specifically designed for the animal. It is not recommended to give such products on an ongoing basis.

Is it possible to give cats baby food?

1) What is baby food

2) Is it possible to give baby food to a cat? Pros and cons

3) What can be replaced?

What is baby food

Many owners believe that everything that is done for children is absolutely hypoallergenic and safe, so they give baby food to cats and kittens without hesitation. This includes special purees and mixtures of vegetables and meats intended for feeding babies. The most popular manufacturers are companies such as Agusha, Gerber and so on. However, are such dishes included in the list of products that are not harmful to your pets? Let's figure it out!

Is it possible to give baby food to a cat? Pros and cons

The general answer is yes, you can, but there are many nuances that the Murkosi team will tell you about in this article. First of all, it is worth understanding that cats are predators and that of infant formulas, meat ones are most suitable for them (except for some special cases). However, even they are not a complete diet, that is, such food cannot be fed to a pet on an ongoing basis.

A valid option for baby food for a cat is in those moments when he is weakened, cannot chew and digest healthy food. This is usually associated with past illnesses and operations, with diseases of the esophagus and gums. But even in these cases, the transfer to a similar diet should occur only on the recommendation of the attending veterinarian.

For example, baby food can be given to older cats that develop gum disease and tooth loss. If the pet has a sensitive gastrointestinal tract that is unable to digest the usual cat food for some reason, then this type of food can also be offered to him. With such a serious health condition, baby food for a cat will be an excellent alternative to regular food, but owners should pay attention to other important aspects. The first of these is what such food consists of.

To begin with, it is worth understanding what kind (that is, consisting of what components) baby food should be offered to a cat. To do this, it is advisable to know if the fluffy is allergic to any vegetables or meat. The surest way to check is to give your pet one or another puree (from beef or chicken, containing certain vegetables) in a small amount and monitor his condition. If you observe fever, diarrhea, vomiting or any other unhealthy reaction of the cat's body, stop feeding it this product. Offer another mixture, after checking its components for similarity with the previous ones and making sure that they do not repeat. If there is a reaction to it, then it is possible that it is better to avoid infant formulas from this particular manufacturer. In this case, it is better to stop the experiments and seek help from a veterinarian.

Read about allergies: Food allergies in cats

Next, you should check the composition for the presence of components that are harmful to the cat's body. Of course, preservatives are excluded from baby food, but there are still many other substances that are harmful to cats. First of all, don't buy formulas that contain soy for your cat, as this is not part of the cat's natural diet and can lead to serious digestive problems. Lactose is also categorically not recommended for cats, since many mustachioed cats have intolerance to this substance.

More about the dangers of lactose: Is it possible to give milk to cats?

Important! Baby food for a cat should never contain onions, garlic and salt! Onions and garlic contain a disulphide component that promotes the breakdown of erythrocytes (red blood cells) in a cat's body. Its constant presence in the blood leads to the development of hemolytic anemia and can be fatal. If the baby food contains sugar or salt in large quantities, then it should also be avoided, because these substances lead to serious disorders in the digestive system, liver and kidneys.

What other foods off the table are harmful to cats: Natural food for cats: good or bad?

In the adoption center "Murkosha" they always carefully check the components of the feed that are given to our cats, and we take products only from proven and really high-quality manufacturers. Each owner should also be careful about choosing the diet of his pet.

Many owners mistakenly believe that they can feed their cats expired baby food. However, this opinion is fundamentally wrong! The cat's body is as sensitive to spoiled food as the human body, so delay can cause poisoning and intoxication.

Another disadvantage of feeding a cat with baby food is that it is still intended for human children. Baby food for kittens is not a product that should replace everything else like professional food. Be that as it may, the best nutritional option for a healthy kitten is mother's milk, and then special food, because it contains all the necessary vitamins and minerals for the healthy growth of a kitten.

It is also a mistake to feed a cat with baby food consisting exclusively of meat. It would be more correct to combine it with vegetable mixtures to maintain the proper level of all the vitamins and nutrients a cat needs - because a mustachioed pet needs not only proteins, but also carbohydrates and fiber. A veterinary nutritionist can help you with this.

Therefore, baby food is a major compromise in any case. For comparison, in the professional feeds of the super premium and holistic class (which are used in Murkosh), the balance of useful substances is precisely adjusted, and there is also a vitamin and mineral complex.

Read about super premium food: Super premium cat food

About holistics: Holistic cat food in the diet - but only a product used for health problems in an animal.

What can be substituted?

Of course, the most obvious alternative to baby food for kittens is professional food labeled “for kittens”. For the little ones (but who have already stopped feeding on mother cat's milk), we recommend wet food. It usually consists of specially minced pieces of meat, and also includes a wide list of vitamins for healthy growth and development of the furry.

Now many companies have started to produce food in the form of a pate, which is more than a worthy alternative to meat mixtures, while (if it is a quality food - super premium and holistic class) it already contains all the useful substances necessary for the growth of a kitten.

Learn more