Though painful, assisted feeding is a necessary consideration for anyone caring for a cat with CKD. Common symptoms in CKD include a loss of appetite and weight loss, and this can lead to malnutrition. This, in turn, can accelerate the progress of CKD. In cases like these, assisted feeding can help cats get the calories and nutrients they need.
Weight management is critical for cats with CKD. When cats lose weight, their bodies begin to break down muscles for energy. This increases the workload of the kidneys, much like when they consume a high-protein meal. Therefore, preventing weight (and by proxy, muscle) loss is vital for stabilizing the conditions of cats with CKD.
Assisted feeding isn’t just getting a cat to eat against their will. It is vital for delaying or stopping the progress of their CKD and keeping them healthy. When carried out properly, caregivers can minimize the stress associated with assisted feeding while keeping them safe and well nourished.
In short, assisted feeding is not a choice, but rather a necessary measure for cats with CKD who are unable or unwilling to feed themselves.
