Meet Cabana: A Loving Rescue Cat with Health Challenges
Cabana wasn’t always a pampered house cat. Found as a stray, she was skinny, hungry, and eager for a safe place to call home. But once she settled in, she made up for lost meals—fast. Over time, her weight crept up, and despite diet attempts, she became overweight. Eventually, her health took a turn: Cabana was diagnosed with diabetes, requiring twice-daily insulin injections and an expensive prescription diet. One of Cabana's family members, Jen, knew there had to be a better way. That’s when she discovered raw feeding.
Quick Overview
The Challenge – Managing Cabana’s diabetes, weight, and declining energy
The Solution – Transitioning to a raw diet with expert guidance
The Results – Dramatic health improvements, increased energy, and stable blood sugar
Final Verdict – A healthier, happier cat thriving on raw
The Struggle: Managing Diabetes & Weight in an Aging Cat
Like many pet parents, Jen didn’t realize the long-term impact of Cabana’s diet until it started affecting her health. As Cabana gained weight, she developed diabetes, leaving her lethargic and struggling to jump onto furniture like she used to. "At first, we just thought she was slowing down with age," Jen recalls. "We’d accepted her slow, sleepy demeanour as just part of aging, but deep down, I knew there had to be a way to help her feel better." Determined to find a better solution, Jen started researching alternatives to the prescription diet commonly recommended for cats with diabetes—and that’s when she discovered the benefits of raw feeding.
Cabana's Health Challenges:
Obesity & weight management issues - Despite diet control, Cabana struggled to lose weight and keep it off. 📌 Not sure if your cat is carrying extra weight? Learn how to spot the signs in our guide: Is Your Pet Fluffy or Fat? How to Tell if Your Cat is Overweight.
Diabetes & high-carb diet - Traditional prescription diets contain carbohydrates that may contribute to blood sugar fluctuations. 📌 Explore how a raw food diet can help stabilize blood sugar levels in cats with diabetes in our guide: Managing Diabetes in Cats with a Whole Food Diet.
Declining energy & joint health - At 13 years old, she was sluggish, slept most of the day, and struggled to jump onto furniture.
Digestive issues - Chronic vomiting, smelly litter box visits, and a dull, greasy coat all pointed to poor digestion.
The Raw Diet Solution: Personalized Nutrition & Expert Guidance
Jen discovered Red Dog Blue Kat (RDBK) and our Free Feeding Guide while researching alternative diets. Skeptical but hopeful, she reached out to our Veterinary Nutrition Advisor, Dr. Jules Mantler, expecting a generic answer. Instead, she received a personalized feeding plan tailored specifically for a diabetic cat. The plan followed a step-by-step approach, starting with gut health support before transitioning to a high-protein, low-carb raw diet. This method ensured Cabana’s body adjusted naturally, minimizing digestive upset and helping regulate her blood sugar levels.
The Transition: A Step-by-Step Raw Feeding Plan
As Cabana slowly transitioned to raw, Jen started noticing changes almost immediately. Her coat became shinier, her energy levels improved, and even her digestion improved. "Within four weeks of switching to raw cat food, I saw remarkable improvements in Cabana’s health," Jen shared. Encouraged by these results, she continued following the step-by-step raw feeding plan, carefully introducing new proteins and monitoring Cabana’s progress:
Phase 1: Preparing for Raw (Weeks 1-2)
Before making any drastic dietary changes, Jen followed expert advice and introduced daily probiotics to help balance Cabana’s gut bacteria and support digestion. This crucial first step ensured that her system was prepared for raw food, reducing the risk of digestive upset. "I was eager to start raw feeding, but learning about gut health first helped me feel confident that I was setting Cabana up for success," Jen shared. With this foundation in place, she was ready to begin Cabana’s gradual transition to a species-appropriate raw diet.
📌 Related Read: Gut Health: Probiotic Sources for Dogs and Cats
Phase 2: Slow Raw Introduction (Weeks 3-5)
Instead of making an abrupt switch, Jen took a gradual approach to ensure Cabana’s digestive system adapted smoothly: Mixed small portions of RDBK raw food into Cabana’s existing meals, slowly increasing raw while reducing her prescription diet.
Rotated between poultry and red meats to introduce variety without overwhelming digestion. Maintained portion control with weighed servings, ensuring Cabana felt full and satisfied without overfeeding.
"At first, I was worried she wouldn’t take to raw, but she dove into every meal like it was her last. The slow transition really helped make it an easy switch!" Jen shared. This step-by-step method allowed Cabana to adjust comfortably, setting her up for long-term success on a raw diet.
📌 Related Read: Why Free-Feeding Your Cat is Harming Them & How to Stop
Phase 3: Full Raw Transition (Week 6+)
After a careful and controlled introduction, Cabana was officially a 100% raw-fed cat, and the transformation was undeniable:
Focused on low-carb, high-protein formulas specifically tailored for diabetic cats, helping to regulate her blood sugar naturally.
Introduced recreational bones (like kangaroo tail segments) to support dental health and provide chewing enrichment.
"I couldn’t believe the difference after just a few weeks—Cabana was more energetic, her fur was shinier, and even her breath smelled better!" Jen shared. With her diet fully transitioned, Cabana was thriving, proving that fresh, species-appropriate nutrition can make all the difference in a pet’s health.
📌 Related Read: Take the Red Dog Blue Kat Bone Quiz to discover the best options for your cat!
The Results: How a Raw Diet Changed Cabana’s Life
Within weeks of switching to raw, Cabana experienced remarkable improvements in her health and energy levels:
Better Digestion & Weight Control – No more bloating, gas, or excessive begging. She reached a healthy, stable weight while maintaining muscle mass.
Shinier Coat & Healthier Skin – Her once dull, greasy fur became sleek and vibrant, with no more dandruff or irritation.
Improved Hydration & Digestive Stability – Raw’s moisture-rich nutrition helped reduce vomiting and support kidney function.
Increased Energy & Mobility – Cabana went from struggling to jump onto furniture to zooming around the house like a kitten again.
Better Blood Sugar Regulation – Her diet naturally supported more stable glucose levels, leading to fewer insulin adjustments and better diabetes management.
Key Takeaways: Why a Raw Diet Worked for Cabana
Balanced Blood Sugar – A high-protein, low-carb diet helped regulate her diabetes naturally.
Better Hydration – Moisture-rich raw meals improved kidney function and digestion.
Stronger Dental Health – Raw bones acted as natural toothbrushes, reducing plaque and bad breath.
Increased Energy & Mobility – She went from sluggish to playful, even zooming around the house again!
Final Verdict: A Happier, Healthier Cat
Before transitioning to raw, Cabana was overweight, sluggish, and battling diabetes. But within weeks, everything changed—her energy returned, her coat became sleek and shiny, and her overall health took a dramatic turn for the better. "Switching to Red Dog Blue Kat’s raw diet gave Cabana a second chance at life—I only wish I had done it sooner!" – Jen.
Thinking About a Raw Diet for Your Cat with Diabetes?
A raw diet for diabetic cats can support blood sugar regulation, improve digestion, and boost overall well-being. If you're considering making the switch to Foundations Raw for cats, try our Free Feeding Guide for expert recommendations tailored to your pet’s needs.
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