Skip to main content

HEART DISEASE

Feeding Marro to your cat with heart disease

Updated over 2 weeks ago

While Marro isn’t formulated specifically for cats heart disease, the high-quality ingredients and high digestibility of our meals means Marro may be a suitable choice for cats with heart conditions.

We always recommend discussing any dietary changes with your vet, especially if your cat has a health condition like heart disease.

UNDERSTANDING HEART DISEASE IN CATS

Heart disease in cats happens when the heart can’t pump blood as well as it should. This can lead to fluid building up in the chest or abdomen, and over time it may cause serious problems like heart failure.

Some cats have heart walls that are too thick or too thin, or hearts that can’t move properly because of scar tissue. While the exact cause is often unclear, certain things can raise the risk, such as being an older cat, being overweight, having high blood pressure or an overactive thyroid, or belonging to a breed like a Ragdoll or Maine Coon. Signs to look out for include fast or heavy breathing, tiredness, hiding away, not wanting to eat, weight loss, cold paws, pale gums, a swollen belly, weakness, or collapsing. Not every cat with heart disease will have obvious signs, so it’s always best to speak to your vet if you’re worried.

WHY MARRO MIGHT BE A GOOD OPTION

High in Protein and Highly Palatable

Cats with heart disease may sometimes experience reduced appetite, especially if they are on medications that affect taste or cause nausea. Our Fresh meals are:

  • Rich in high-quality protein, which supports muscle maintenance. This is vital for heart health and overall wellbeing.

  • Highly palatable, helping to encourage cats to eat well, even when they may feel less inclined due to illness or medication side effects.

Maintaining good nutrition and preventing muscle loss is especially important in cats with heart conditions.

Golden Gravy for Extra Hydration

Many cats with heart disease are prescribed diuretic medications to help manage fluid balance. These medications can increase urination and, as a result, the loss of water from the body.

  • Each Marro meal contains golden gravy, which provides extra moisture to support hydration.

  • This additional hydration can be particularly helpful for cats that are losing more water due to their medication and may not always drink enough on their own.

Brewers yeast

Diuretics can lead to the loss of certain water-soluble vitamins, including B vitamins.

  • Marro meals include brewers yeast, a natural source of B vitamins and folic acid.

  • These nutrients help replenish those that might be lost due to diuretic use, supporting your cat’s overall health and vitality.

Salmon Oil

Omega-3 fatty acids, especially from marine sources like salmon oil, have been shown to have benefits for heart health.

  • Our meals contain salmon oil, which is high in omega-3 fatty acids.

  • Omega-3s can help reduce inflammation and support the maintenance of muscle mass - both of which are important for cats living with heart disease.

QUESTIONS?

If you have any questions about your cat's health concerns, or the suitability of our meals, our Customer Love team is always here to help. Contact us here if you need guidance or support.

Did this answer your question?