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Wednesday, August 21, 2013

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.

2 comments:

  1. It's difficult to find knowledgeable people for this subject, however, you seem like you know what you're talking about!
    Thanks

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    Replies
    1. Thank you. I'm not a professional; what I learned came thru trial & error. If you know your cat's personality & routine you will pick up clues alerting you to changes that need to be addressed with a healthcare professional.

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