Story by Rebecca West
While felines possess remarkable gifts, such as extraordinary agility and exceptional survival skills, having nine lives isn’t among those treasures, regardless of what we may hope for or would like to believe. What we can do, however, is prolong their lives as long as possible through the care we give them.
Depending on the source you turn to, the average lifespan for a house cat is around 13 to 14 years of age. Although that varies and depends on a number of factors, a well-cared-for feline may easily live to be 15 or beyond. Some make it to 18 or 20, and occasionally, you’ll hear about others making it to between 23 and 25 with very few health issues before their time is up. But what if we could make that the rule rather than the exception?
Per one well-known veterinarian, there is a way to extend the life of your feline that is far simpler than you might think. Getting them vaccinated against diseases, keeping an eye on them for changes in behavior or appearance, taking them in for regular checkups, as well as ensuring they have mental stimulation and physical exercise are all good ways to keep up with their health because, of course, we want them to live long, healthy and happy lives.
But there’s another way cats can benefit from our support, and that’s through diet and hydration. The diet part everybody gets or should by now. But, as it turns out, the hydration part, not so much. You see, cats, like most creatures (including ourselves), are very much in need of hydration in order to function appropriately. Proper hydration is essential for maintaining optimal health and well-being.
Being adequately hydrated helps keep joints lubricated, protects vital organs, improves digestion, promotes healthy skin, boosts cognitive function and athletic performance, enhances mood, and, most importantly for cats, it supports kidney function while flushing toxins. Why is that important? Because one of the biggest problems cats face during the one life they are given is declining or failing kidney function as they age, and the reason for these renal issues is insufficient water in their diet.
If you’re asking, “How can that be? My cats have water bowls or fountains,” the fact is felines, as obligate carnivores, typically meet their hydration needs through their food sources, which is (or should be) meat. According to Dr. Martin Goldstein, poor nutrition and a lack of water are contributing to shorter lives among our feline friends. A strong proponent of what he refers to as nutritional therapy, he stresses the need for “species appropriate” foods.
Like it or not, in the wild, all cats are meat eaters. The only time they eat vegetables or grains is when they are found in the contents of the stomach and small intestines of the animals they’re dining on. Yes, it’s disconcerting, but it’s a fact. So, as far as cats are concerned, organ meats, which are among the most affordable cuts available, are one of the best things you can give them, AND it’s ensuring they’re getting the extra hydration they require.
Also known as offal, organ meats are a high source of protein and full of iron, zinc, selenium, copper, folate, and vitamins A, B6, B12, D, E, and K, among others, plus a great source of omega-3s and choline, which is an essential nutrient for brain, muscle, and liver health. By making your own cat food using these meats, you can save money and contribute to your cats’ overall health. The best part is that it’s simple to do, and there’s no cooking involved.
Because your cat’s digestive system is nearly identical to their wild counterparts, a raw or freeze-dried diet can benefit them greatly. In fact, house cats share 95.6 percent of their DNA with their ancient ancestor, the tiger. Cooked or heat-processed foods are generally stripped of taurine, a necessary component of a cat’s diet. Taurine is a part of the treatment for dilated cardiomyopathy in cats, which has become an increasing problem in felines, along with CKD (chronic kidney disease).
With the use of a 2-cup food chopper and added ingredients like sweet potatoes, peas and carrots — which are good prebiotics for your kitty and aid in digestion and better absorption of vitamins — or antioxidants like blueberries and cranberries, you can quickly make a few weeks to a month’s supply of cat food. Get some small, stackable storage containers and fill each with a day’s worth of food. Store up to three to four days’ worth in the fridge and freeze the rest.
To hear/see for yourself just how crucial hydration and proper nutrition are in playing a vital role in our cats’ vitality and longevity, check out the links below.
*All information is provided for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Pet parents are encouraged to consult their pet’s Nutritionist or Veterinarian before beginning any nutritional transition.
