To the editor:
While I did not see Cathy Davis’ cat, Maggie, I am glad she is doing well and her urine is in the appropriate place. This is an opportunity for me to talk about cat nutrition.
Cats are obligate carnivores. Unlike dogs, they need meat to survive. We all know that our cats sometimes eat grass and/or house plants. However, it cannot be a full diet. In the 1970s when dry cat food was introduced, a great increase in urinary disease in cats occurred. Dry cat food is made of a slurry of grains and water that is extruded into cute little shapes. No cat would eat that, so the manufacturers spray it with meat-flavored fat. We are feeding our beloved pets the equivalent of fast food french fries. We leave it out all day long and constantly fill the dish. Cats who are adapted to small frequent meals, now can eat constantly. They frequently do not drink much water, since the original cats evolved in the desert and relied on liquid in their prey. Their urine becomes more concentrated. No wonder feline obesity, diabetes, arthritis and cystitis are now more common cat conditions.
Feline cystitis is a condition which is not well understood. We know that it is not bacterial (like dogs and people). Latest research indicates that stress is a possible factor. A dry food diet also predisposes them to this. The signs are straining to urinate, bloody urine, inappropriate urination. In male cats, the urethra can be blocked, becoming a life-threatening problem. If the cat does not become blocked, the condition is frequently self limiting. If the cat will eat canned food, this will certainly make the condition resolve more quickly. Treatment for pain and inflammation is also indicated.
Unfortunately, many cats do not want to change their eating habits. They choose not to eat at all. Cats will sometimes do this until they get liver failure — another feature unique to this species. Changing the diet should be done as gradually as possible. Less dry is put out, and some canned is offered. Once the cat has begun to eat some of the canned, the dry is decreased again. There are some cats that absolutely refuse canned food. They win the battle, but can lose the war. Cats must not be starved into eating the correct diet.
I am concerned that the easy transition that Maggie made, (hooray!) will not be made by all cats.
Laurel Pinales, DVM
Houlton
