|
Nutrition
Overall, the best diet for your cat is one that replicates what it would eat in the wild - that is, a moisture-rich meat-filled diet with all the vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients needed to maintain its health. Foods lacking necessary nutrients, void of water, or filled with unnecessary fillers such as grains, can cause serious health problems.
Diabetes Mellitus
The optimum treatment of a diabetic cat consists of three main components: Diet (low in carbohydrates, preferably not dry); Home testing (testing of blood sugar levels using a glucometer); and Insulin injections (using a long-lasting insulin).
Obesity
The optimum treatment of a obese cat consists of two main components: diet (high protein, low carbohydrate canned or raw diet) - possibly limited portions; and exercise (interactive toys, etc.).
Gastro-intestinal Disorders (such as IBD)
Proper nutrition is important for all cats. Most gastro-intestinal problems develop from an unsuitable diet. To alleviate symptoms: eliminate all common intolerances from the diet: grains (corn, rice, wheat and their derivatives); and eliminate common allergens (fish, beef, etc.) - stick with poultry and/or rabbit.
Kidney Disease (Chronic Renal Failure)
Hydration is imperative for maintaining kidney function. Feeding an all-wet diet can do a lot for keeping kidneys healthy and cats with renal insufficiency comfortable. In cases, where an all-wet diet isn't enough to maintain hydration, sub-cutaneous (sub-q) fluids can be beneficial, and typically can be administered at home. There are also medications that may be useful.
Hyperthyroidism
There are currently three alternatives to treating hyperthyroidism: Radioactive iodine (I131) therapy, medication (pills or transdermal ear gel), or surgery.
Cystitis, FLUTD, crystals, etc.
Moisture is imperative to urinary tract health. Cats with histories of urinary tract stones, cystitis, urinary tract infections, and other urinary tract disorders should be fed all wet food, canned or raw.
Heart Disease
Ralph had a heart murmur, most likely induced by anemia, that isn't audible anymore. Afer has a heart murmur. Rumpelmintz has a "bundle branch blockage of the heart" and a deviated axis.
Stomatitis and Dental Disease
Omaha struggles with stomatitis, or inflammation of the mouth tissue. This is one of the most frustrating conditions I've dealt with, as no one seems to know what causes it, or alleviates it.
Ringworm
Lynette treats ringworm without drugs! In her experience, drugs just eliminate the problem temporarily - the environment still contains ringworm spores.
Pancreatitis
The most common ailments of the pancreas include pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), and pancreatic insufficiency (also known as malabsorption).
Miscellaneous
More information and links on additional topics.
|
