The Purina Institute is hosting a free CPD webinar in which feline Specialists Sarah Caney and Andy Sparkes will present the latest research into the factors affecting feline hydration, on Wednesday 9th December at 8:00pm.

Nutritional researcher Brian Zanghi from the Purina Institute will also share some of his work, which has focused on nutrient-enriched ‘water supplements’ and the impact on voluntary water intake.1

Purina says various studies have shown an association between increased water intake and improved outcomes in cases of feline lower urinary tract conditions.2,3 Encouraging water intake may also benefit cats with renal disease or chronic constipation, as well as older animals with osteoarthritis who might be less keen to make repeated trips to their water bowls.

Libby Sheridan, MVB, MRCVS, Purina Veterinary Technical Affairs Manager, UK & Ireland, said: "The importance of good hydration is often under estimated and there are so many factors that can influence intake – from the position of the water bowl, to materials used in the bowl construction and even the level of fill. Deciding when and how to promote increased intake can be difficult and we hope this session will help vets and vet nurses to make those decisions.”

The lecture programme will include a review of clinical evidence, discussion of the benefits of increasing water intake and practical case-based advice from Sarah and Andy. The event will be recorded for registrants who cannot attend on the day and registrations are accepted until the event starts on the evening of 9th December.

Registration is now open at https://www.bigmarker.com/closerstill-media/You-can-lead-a-cat-to-water-but-how-do-you-make-them-drink. All registrants will be entered into a prize draw to win one of ten goody bags which will include a premium water bottle.

For more information, contact the Purina Veterinary Nutrition Team on 0800 212161.

References

  1. Zanghi BM, Gerheart BS and Gardner CL (2018). Effects of a nutrient-enriched water on water intake and indices of hydration in health domestic cats fed a dry kibble diet. American Journal of Veterinary Research 79(7):733-744. DOI: 10.2460/ajvr.79.7.733
  2. Gunn-Moore DA and Shenoy CM (2004). Oral glucosamine and the management of feline idiopathic cystitis. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery 6(4):219-225. DOI: 10.1016/j.jfms.2003.09.007
  3. Eisenberg BW, Waldrop JE, Allen SE, Brisson JO, Aloisio KM and Horton NJ (2013). Evaluation of risk factors associated with recurrent obstruction in cats treated medically for urethral obstruction. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 243(8):1140-1146. DOI: 10.2460/javma.243.8.1140.

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