Feeding Cats With Liver Disease: A Guide For Owners

Liver disease in cats can be caused by a variety of factors, including age, breed, obesity, and certain medications. The condition can lead to inflammation and loss of function as scar tissue replaces healthy liver cells. Proper nutrition is vital for managing liver disease and can help reduce the risk of further damage to the liver. A cat with liver disease should be fed a diet that includes high-quality proteins, digestible carbohydrates, and supplements like antioxidants, vitamin E, vitamin C, and selenium. It is important to introduce any dietary changes slowly and monitor your cat's appetite, as a sudden loss of appetite can be fatal. Working closely with your veterinarian and seeking regular check-ins is crucial for providing the best nutrition for your cat's liver health.

High-quality proteins reduce the liver's workload

Cats with liver disease often experience a reduction in protein synthesis, which can result in fluid accumulation, leaky blood vessels, and clotting problems. High-quality proteins are essential in managing this issue by providing adequate energy and reducing the liver's workload.

The liver is responsible for producing proteins, which are necessary for various bodily functions. When the liver is affected by disease, its ability to synthesise proteins can be compromised, leading to a range of health issues in cats. Therefore, it is crucial to include high-quality proteins in their diet to compensate for the reduced protein synthesis and ensure adequate protein levels in the body.

High-quality proteins are more easily digested and absorbed by the body, reducing the amount of work required by the liver. This is particularly important for cats with liver disease, as the liver may already be struggling to perform its functions optimally. By providing high-quality proteins, you can help improve your cat's overall health and reduce the risk of further complications.

Additionally, high-quality proteins are typically rich in essential amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. These amino acids are crucial for maintaining muscle mass, supporting immune function, and promoting overall health. By including these proteins in your cat's diet, you can help ensure they are getting the necessary nutrients to support their liver health and overall well-being.

It is important to note that the specific dietary needs of a cat with liver disease may vary depending on the severity of the condition and other individual factors. Therefore, it is always recommended to consult with a veterinarian to determine the most appropriate diet for your cat's specific needs.

Digestible carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are an important part of a cat's diet, especially when they are suffering from liver disease. The type and amount of carbohydrates can impact a cat's health, so it's important to choose digestible carbohydrates that are easily processed by the body.

When it comes to liver disease in cats, the liver's ability to function properly is compromised. This affects various bodily functions, including the absorption of food and the removal of toxins. Digestible carbohydrates can help reduce the workload on the liver, promoting better overall health.

For cats with liver disease, it is recommended to include highly digestible carbohydrates in their diet. These carbohydrates are easily broken down and absorbed by the body, reducing the stress on the liver. This is particularly important for cats with liver disorders, as the liver may have difficulty processing complex carbohydrates.

Some examples of digestible carbohydrates include cooked rice, cooked oatmeal, and cooked or pureed pumpkin. These options are generally gentle on the digestive system and can provide essential nutrients for your cat. It is important to introduce any new food items slowly and in small amounts to avoid upsetting your cat's stomach.

Additionally, it is always recommended to consult with your veterinarian before making any significant changes to your cat's diet. They can provide specific recommendations based on your cat's individual needs and health status. By working closely with your vet and incorporating digestible carbohydrates into your cat's diet, you can help improve their liver function and overall well-being.

Antioxidants to combat oxidative stress

Antioxidants are a key component of dietary therapy for cats with liver disease. The liver is particularly vulnerable to oxidative stress due to its role in the body and its anatomical placement. Oxidative stress is an important process in the pathology associated with both acute and chronic liver disease and has been shown to play a direct role in the development of fibrosis and hepatic encephalopathy. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are responsible for the damaging effects of oxidative stress. While they can have a role in normal physiology, ROS are also capable of causing extensive pathology.

Most ROS are free radicals that are unstable and highly reactive. They react with other substances to "steal" electrons in order to become more stable. This causes damage to the structure and function of the other substance. ROS can cause irreversible damage to DNA, RNA, lipids and proteins within cells, which can lead to cell dysfunction and ultimately, cell death.

A healthy liver exists in a state of equilibrium between the generation of ROS and their neutralisation by antioxidants. Oxidative stress occurs when there is an imbalance between the generation of ROS and the neutralisation of ROS by antioxidants. Antioxidants can rapidly neutralise ROS before they can cause damage, therefore playing a key role in protecting cells.

The goals of nutritional intervention for cats with liver disease include providing adequate energy in the form of high-quality protein, reducing sodium to lessen fluid retention, increasing antioxidants to protect cells from further damage, and reducing the symptoms of hepatic encephalopathy.

The following antioxidants can be added to a cat's diet to combat oxidative stress:

• Vitamin E (tocopherol)
• Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)
• Selenium
• Glutathione
• Carotenoids (such as β-carotene)

Reduce sodium to prevent fluid retention

If your cat has been diagnosed with liver disease, it's important to understand the role of the liver in your cat's health. The liver has many functions, including the absorption of food through the digestion and transport of fats, the removal of toxins such as ammonia, the production of proteins, blood clotting factors, and the maintenance of normal blood glucose levels.

Liver disorders in cats are often progressive, meaning the condition tends to worsen over time. Liver dysfunction and failure lead to a build-up of toxins, a reduction in protein synthesis, and low blood sugar levels. This can cause abnormalities in the nervous system and digestive tract, leaky blood vessels, fluid accumulation, and blood clotting problems.

Dietary therapy can help support liver function and reduce further damage. One of the goals of nutritional intervention is to reduce sodium intake to lessen fluid retention. Here are some key points to consider:

• Sodium restriction is crucial when fluid is being retained in the abdomen (ascites). Reducing sodium intake helps prevent the condition from worsening.
• A low-sodium diet is particularly important if your cat is suffering from hepatic encephalopathy, which is caused by a build-up of ammonia in the brain.
• To ensure your cat's diet is suitable for their specific needs, work closely with your veterinarian. They can advise on the best diet or connect you with a veterinary nutritionist.
• Home-prepared meals may be recommended to ensure your cat receives all the necessary vitamins, minerals, nutrients, and proteins.
• High-quality proteins are essential in a cat's diet as they reduce the workload on the liver.
• Digestible carbohydrates and added antioxidants such as vitamins E and C, as well as selenium, help combat oxidative stress.
• Always introduce dietary changes slowly to increase the likelihood of your cat accepting the new food.
• If your cat refuses to eat, consult your veterinarian as soon as possible. A feeding tube may be necessary to maintain your cat's strength and prevent their condition from worsening.

Low protein to reduce ammonia production

If your cat has been diagnosed with hepatic encephalopathy, a low-protein diet is essential to slow down the production of ammonia, a by-product of protein digestion. Ammonia is toxic to the brain and can cause nervous system abnormalities.

A low-protein diet can help to reduce the workload on the liver, which is already functioning improperly. This is because the liver is responsible for removing toxins from the body, such as ammonia, and when it is not functioning correctly, these toxins can build up and cause further damage.

The liver is also responsible for producing proteins, so a low-protein diet can help reduce its workload and allow it to focus on other vital functions, such as maintaining normal blood glucose levels and producing albumin, which helps keep fluids within the body and transports substances through the circulatory system.

A low-protein diet for cats with liver disease should still include high-quality proteins to ensure adequate energy intake. It is also important to include digestible carbohydrates and supplements like antioxidants, vitamin E, vitamin C, and selenium, which will help combat oxidative stress.

It is crucial to introduce any dietary changes slowly, as cats do not typically like changes in their routines, especially when it comes to their food. If your cat refuses to eat, consult your veterinarian, as a feeding tube may be necessary to maintain your cat's strength and prevent its condition from worsening.

Frequently asked questions