Dietary news for cats

Diet for cats with kidney disease

source: Kit Sturgess
Feline Advisory Bureau vol 38, 1 p18

There is still too little knowledge about what cats with kidney problems should eat, and many recommendations come from work on species other than cats. Some changes, such as protein restrictions are needed, but the required protein level is unclear. Not all kidney diseases are the same, and cats are also genetically diverse. Cats may lack appetite when they are first ill, and low-protein diets may not appeal to them They should eat something, since this is better than their breaking down body protein. Appetite stimulators can bring benefits.

Hill's have launched a food for cats that have renal insufficiency but do not have raised urea and creatinine. The idea is that 'at risk' cases should have this diet, since it is not easy to measure renal insufficiency in cats, for practical reasons. 'At risk' cats include those that have suffered contact with renal toxins. Some breeds, such as Burmese, Siamese, and
Russian Blue are also seen as 'at risk, though it is unclear why this should be the case in Britain. Features of the new product include moderate protein restriction and slightly higher energy levels. Older cats may do better on a 'geriatric' diet that is less specific and which is geared to declining intestinal function, shown to be a characteristic of older cats.
CA,HD