It turns out that the main factor in longevity in cats, as in people, is stress reduction.
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In Japan, immunologist Toru Miyazaki has discovered how to prolong the life of cats up to 30 years. In the name of his love for these pets and in memory of his beloved, who adored cats, Miyazaki took on a difficult problem. I decided to defeat chronic kidney disease with purrs, which is considered an age-related disease in our smaller brothers and leads them to premature rainbows. The scientist decided to counteract CKD by acting on one of the key proteins – AIM (inhibitor of apoptosis of macrophages), which is involved in removing toxins from the kidneys. At the University of Tokyo, a scientist injects this protein into cats. Miyazaki is confident of the success of his life’s work. Have the Japanese really solved the mystery of the longevity of purrs? “Komsomolskaya Pravda asked veterinarian Anton Modnov.
“The fact is that chronic kidney disease in cats is not a separate disease,” says the veterinarian. – The disease is formed due to environmental factors, various genetic diseases of cats and diseases caused by infectious viruses. As well as problems associated with the urinary system: cystitis, urolithiasis, inflammation in the kidneys. Therefore, if one factor influences (only the AIM protein), unfortunately, the problem of chronic kidney disease in cats cannot be solved.
– Are cats’ kidneys a weak point?
– In fact, cats are more susceptible to kidney problems than, say, dogs or other pets. And yes, chronic kidney disease can lead to serious health problems and even death for your cat because the kidneys filter and remove various toxins from the body. Inflammation, infection, any disease, and all harmful “poisons” from the body pass through the kidneys. With age, if the cat was seriously and frequently sick, the kidneys may simply not have those cells left that can filter out all kinds of harmful things.
CAN A CAT REALLY LIVE 30 YEARS?
– We have patients – cats that are currently 24 years old. This is how long a cat can live without additional research and medication. But good genetics, a healthy lifestyle for the cat, the owner’s care for it and restrictions from external factors when infections can weaken the body must come together here. On average, cats now live 12-13 years. And death occurs for a variety of reasons. Often it is chronic kidney failure, says Anton Modnov.
Is it true that spayed or neutered animals live longer because they fortunately avoid kidney problems?
– In fact, there is no connection here. Neutered cats stay indoors longer and fight less with other animals; they are less susceptible to viral infections, for example, the immunodeficiency virus or the leukemia virus, which also causes kidney problems and leads to a disease that destroys kidney cells – nephrons.
But pets often develop physical inactivity. They are more likely to be obese and play less. They go to the toilet less because they move less often. Because of this, urine accumulates more and various problems of urolithiasis arise, says the veterinarian. – Uroliths (stones) form in the bladder, which can subsequently lead to obstruction (blockage – Ed.) of the urinary tract. All this can also lead to kidney problems in the future if there is acute urinary retention.
HOW TO HELP YOUR PET LIVE HIS 9 HAPPY LIVES?
It turns out that the main factor in longevity in cats, as in people, is stress reduction.
– Although cats are predators, they are small, so they tend to be prey animals. And they are very stressed! It is necessary to provide the pet with an environment where it feels comfortable and at ease,” says the veterinarian.
+ the cat should have climbing structures where it can climb to the highest point and feel safe;
+ you need to set up several houses where he can hide;
+ a purr definitely needs toys to move around;
+ proper nutrition, good balanced premium food;
+ If the cat eats natural food, give it everything fresh and not what the owner has in the fridge. Additional vitamins and microelements are also needed. Be sure to monitor the weight of the animal, as there is a risk of overfeeding.
+ you must have good water, it doesn’t come out of the tap, there are many metals and unnecessary salts, you need filtered or bottled water;
+ A water bowl looks best with a fountain; cats love it when water flows.
– Cats believe that running water is clean. So the water must be gurgling, then they will be more inclined to drink from that source. If the water just sits in a container, a film of bacteria forms on it. Cats do not like the smell and taste either. They will avoid drinking such water. And this also causes problems in the body, including kidney problems,” says Anton Modnov.
