Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

My cat has pancreatic cancer and won't eat. What should I feed him?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Mediumhair | Male | neutered | 11 years and 10 months old | 13 lbs

My cat was just diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer. As it progresses, what s/s should I watch for to indicate his condition is worsening? He’s on Prednisolone 7.5mg PO daily. He drinks water and urinates without any problem. He eats just a few morsels of dry food, barely enough of any significance. Is there something else I can try to feed him? Wet food? He ate a couple little pieces of organic chicken breast but not much and that is his favorite! I would appreciate any insight you can give me!

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

Published on November 28th, 2017

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I am sorry he was diagnosed with this tumor. This is unfortunately a very aggressive cancer. If he is going to just be on palliative care at this point then the focus would be more on making sure that he is comfortable and eating and feeling well. Prednisolone is a good idea. Another medication that just came out in the market is Entyce which is an appetite stimulant that I have been using in cancer patients which may improve his appetite. At this point you can feed him whatever he prefers though something that is tasty and they tend to like is canned tuna so you can try that. The Entyce has worked great for my cancer patients so far and he may have a better appetite afterwards. Also, an anti-nausea medication like ondansetron. Your veterinarian could prescribe these if that would be ok with his medical history. Good luck!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Food & Nutrition

What food is best for a cat with stomach cancer and poor appetite?

I'm so sorry to hear that Elliot has cancer. You are exactly right that the most important thing is for Elliot to keep eating. I don't have any fool proof recommendations, but my cats really liked Tiki Cat and Wellness canned food. Some cats will also like variety, so you might rotate flavors. Good luck! I hope that was helpful. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My senior cat with cancer is losing weight and won't eat. Help!

Hello. I am so sorry that Oscar has such a sad diagnosis. Unfortunately, either one of these can cause a significant loss of appetite. The only two appetite stimulants we have for cats are mirtazapine & cyproheptadine, & even these are not miracle drugs. Some cats prefer foods that are warm, some prefer them when cold, so you can try this. Hand feeding may work a bit as well. You can also talk to your vet about the possibility of adding some anti-nausea medication like Cerenia. Hopefully, you can at least get Oscar to eat a little more for as long as possible. Good luck & thanks for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Cat with cancer only eats tuna. What diet or supplements are best?

VetriScience NuCat Multivitamin Everyday Health Bite Sized Chews available on chewy.com and amazon.com are highly palatable multivitamins that would be good to supplement Greg’s diet with. Prescription Royal Canin recovery canned diet is generally palatable (yummy) to even sick or hospitalized cats and is another option as well that your vet can either sell from his/her practice or prescribe. Good luck!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Food & Nutrition

My senior cat with a kidney tumor won't eat. What are my options?

Oh dear, I'm sorry to hear that you and Bonnie are in this situation. Bonnie's weight loss could be caused both by her lack of appetite, as well as any cancerous process and/or subsequent kidney disease. You can try to tempt her to eat with bits of boiled white meat chicken, small amounts of tuna, or even meat-based baby foods. Also discuss appetite stimulant medications (cyproheptadine and mirtazepine are two commonly used drugs) with Bonnie's veterinarian since they may be helpful. However, if none of these strategies improve her appetite and her overall quality of life is declining, it may be time to consider euthanasia. I hope this helps and that all goes well for Bonnie.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My cat has pancreatitis and won't eat. What food options are there?

Hello. I am so sorry for your worries with Maggie. There are other gastrointestinal diets for cats, like those made by Hill's & Purina that you can try. She may like a wet vs a dry diet, too. But the important thing is just to keep her eating. Cats tolerate dietary fats better than dogs, so while she recovers, you might even talk to your vet about introducing her to a hydrolyzed protein diet ( also used for pets with food sensitivities ) as this is highly digestible, too. As for asking about Mirataz, definitely do ask as this it can help as an antiemetic & appetite stimulant. I hope Maggie is feeling better soon & thanks for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Cat on chemo: Why is my cat so picky about food during treatment?

I am sorry to hear about your kitty! A decrease in appetite is not unusual in cases of cats with cancers and on certain medications. Definitely keep your vet in the loop about where her appetite stands/how she is doing eating as they may want to adjust/add medications. This article gives information/ideas on this issue: https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4952607 In some cases we do end up placing feeding tubes to provide nutrition if needed. Some cats enjoy the food warmed up, so you can try warming it in the microwave (always check temperature before feeding to ensure not too hot). Some prefer wet food, some kibble, some like kibble that has been soaked to soften it. Trying a buffet to give varieties to choose from may help you discover what she finds appealing.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Food & Nutrition

My cat has cancer and eats, but won't gain weight. What can I do?

They make cancer specific diets such as science diet N/D. The problem is when you have cancer, the cancer cells steal the nutrients that their body needs and that helps it replicate, so you are essentially feeding the cancer. The main goal is the keep a good appetite and use small frequent meals

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share