REVIEWING THE NEEDS OF A FELINE WITH RENAL FAILURE

Reviewing old paperwork is something I try to do on a regular basis. My most recent exercise uncovered notes I compiled on how to get Buddy to eat his kidney diet cat food. Challenging is the only word to describe our efforts to get a finicky Buddy to eat his special food - it's part and parcel of the disease as it affects the taste buds. Add that to a cat's usual finickiness and, well you understand what I'm talking about.

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I figured it would be a good idea to enumerate the items in my bag of tricks here:

• Try different types of prescription food - pouch and canned. Different brands have different tastes. You might find one or more brands your cat finds palatable.
• Mix some warm water in the food. Changing the texture might help and extra fluid never hurt.
• Juice from tuna packed in water or clam juice (make sure whatever juice you use is onion-free).
• Mix in bits of tuna or chopped clams.
• If your cat wants to eat odd food - check with your veterinarian. Buddy craved canned dog food, Bok Choy and Chinese roast pork when he was ill. His doctor said both foods were OK; I would rinse them and add it to his meal.
• A pinch of catnip in the food might do the trick.
• Some fresh (no bones) or canned salmon (check with the doctor before including the bones which you should mash very well).
• Buddy liked peas and scrambled eggs; I would add them separately or together.
• Home cook (I did) but discuss the menu with your veterinarian.
• A few drops of anchovy oil - we never tried this but it should work.

Always have fresh, room temperature water (preferably bottled or filtered) available at all times for your cat. Finally, a few other suggestions:

• Monitor your cat's food intake; don't free-feed.
• Reduce stress by placing food and water dishes in a quiet area.
• Be mindful of any changes in your cat's behavior, toileting routine or weight and discuss anything of concern with your veterinarian.
• Check for changes in your cat's toileting routine.
• Maintain a schedule of regular doctor visits.

Be diligent; set up a schedule for feedings, checking water and administering medicines. Seriously consider home cooking. Above all love your pet. and enjoy the time you have together.