As a pet owner, you should be aware of the correct liver diet that benefits your cat if he is suffering from liver disease. A cat suffering from liver disease should get sufficient amounts of food, because the amount the pet ingests determines long term recovery from liver disease.
Feline Liver
The liver is the biggest and one of the most important organs of the body. It helps to produce enzymes that aid in the digestion of food, production of hormones, production and secretion of bile, removal of toxins from the blood, regulation of the levels of chemicals present in the blood, storage of glycogen, absorption of vitamins A, D, E and K and the conversion of ammonia into urea.
Feline Liver Disease
The liver has to be extensively damaged before symptoms of the disease are observed. Liver disease is often accompanied by other disorders such as hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, pancreatitis and heart failure. Liver diseases in cats can be caused by cancer, hepatic lipidosis and toxic hepatopathy.
Symptoms of Liver Disease in Cats:
- Loss of appetite
- Loss of weight
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Swelling of the abdomen
- Depression
- Lethargy
- Seizures
- Jaundice
Liver Diet for Cats
Cats suffering from liver disease can't utilize the amino acids present in food and need a high protein balanced diet. It's difficult to feed ill cats, but it's crucial for them to receive nutrients that are essential for survival. Small, easily digestible meals should be given at frequent intervals and such meals should have high protein content and the capacity to produce less ammonia. The salt and sodium content in the food should be low. Foods such as cottage cheese, eggs, rice and liver are recommended along with organic foods that are free of chemicals and preservatives. Supplements or multivitamins should also be administered. Cats suffering from liver disease shouldn't be fed high fat foods, brains, kidneys or products that contain fish meal because these foods produce uric acid that can't be processed by the diseased liver.
Force Feeding Cats Suffering from Liver Disease
The vet may force feed your cat by inserting a feeding tube into the pet's body, because this can provide the cat with essential nutrients. High quality cat food diluted with water, taurine, fluids and electrolyte solutions can be fed to the cat until he feels well enough to start eating on his own. However, it's difficult to force feed the cat for a long period of time.
Appetite Stimulants
Medications that contain appetite stimulants are often given in conjunction with other remedies to treat the cat. Appetite stimulants can also be given while the cat is being force fed in order to whet his appetite, so that the feeding tube is no longer required.
Wet Food
A cat suffering from liver disease shouldn't be fed dry food. Since wet food is easier for a cat to swallow and digest, it is a better alternative.
The liver can function normally even if half of the organ is removed. It's the only organ that can regenerate. You can help decrease the burden on the liver and help it heal, by carefully controlling your pet's diet.