Chicken Gizzards And Its Role In Preventing Cystitis In Cats

Cystitis is a very common problem encountered in the cat community. Typically there are signs of blood in the urine, straining to urinate or even worse, a blocked bladder. If your cat has ever had a blocked bladder you will know that this is a life-threatening emergency. You need to get your beloved puss up to your vet as quickly as you can.

In my practice this condition is very common. It is more serious for males than for females in that the male cats urine outflow pipe, the urethra, is very fine. It can easily become blocked by blood clots or crystalline sludge. Typically there is a dietary history of feeding dry cat food. One thing we always advise is to stop feeding the dry food. Some cats are addicted to eating dry food and refuse to eat anything but dry food. These cats do better if they swap to a prescription diet designed to be lower in the minerals that cause the crystals that cause the blockage. They also contain a urinary acidifier to reduce the chances of minerals forming together to create the crystals. Some cats will still have problems regardless of what they eat.

One of my interests as a veterinarian is to look at alternative ways of treating these common, often frustrating and frequently life threatening conditions.

In my reading around the subject of cystitis in cats and possible approaches I came across an interesting thought.

In traditional Chinese medicine the development of cystitis and crystals in the urine is considered a form of DAMPNESS. Dampness is correlated to the presence of food allergies or sensitivities and incomplete digestion. Many of the Chinese medicines used specifically for the treatment and dissolution of bladder stones or crystals contain the inner lining of chicken gizzards, also called ji nei jin.

Chicken gizzard lining has been used for over 2,000 years in China. Initially it was used in the treatment of diarrhoea. Later it developed a reputation for promoting digestion and astringing fluid discharge. The digestion promoting effects were prominent on both meat and grains. The astringing effect was found to actually break down kidney and urinary stones.

An active principle, named ventriculin was named as the component that gave chicken gizzards its medicinal effects.

In the wild situation one of the main food sources for cats is birds. Obviously not chickens but chickens are birds and all birds have gizzards. I have to say I’m not entirely sure about what goes into the moist style of cat food in a can but I do wonder how much chicken gizzards are incorporated. I doubt that there are any in the dry form of cat food and I often wonder just how digestible it really is anyway.

It makes sense to me to consider adding chicken gizzards to our cats dinners. The eating of birds by cats is greatly frowned upon in many circles. It is especially unacceptable in the National Park where I live.

Obtaining chicken gizzards is at best a challenge. It can however, be readily accessed in its medicinal form of ji nei jin.

Given that it is a natural component of the wild cat diet and its historical use in Chinese medicine as a treatment for cystitis, urinary stones and digestive disorders in humans it seems logical to consider supplementing cats diets with ji nei jin especially if they are prone to urinary tract problems.

About the Author:

Sarah Smith is a veterinarian dedicated to maintaining and improving the health of animals. She is also a student of Success University. Through her studies with the online university she is able to maintain a healthy work and home life balance. She recognizes the importance of this in her life and in the lives of people who bring their animals to her clinic. For more information about Success University visit http://uxl2.successuniversity.com/slim

 Sarah Smith

More Articles 

How To Select Cat Toys - Ken Charnely
In the next few paragraphs, we will explore new ideas and thoughts that may help you achieve your goal and decide what is best for you when choosing toys for your cats. Toys for girl cats and boys: When the mouse is away, cats play. And cats have...

I'll Take My Cat - Jeffrey Dorrian
The battle between cats & dogs has been waged since the dawn of time. Seemingly opposites, cats & dogs can be seen as metaphors for the two sides of our own psyche. The desperate side of us that wants nothing more than to be loved; and the...

Training Cats with Nocturnal Behaviors - Tony Robinson
Here the problem the cat is up most the night playing wanting to go outside tearing around the house and wake me up in early hours of the morning to go out. Once I do let him, out he does not want to come back in and once I do let him in, he...

Adopting A Cat - Christopher Thomas
Cats are sweet and cuddly! It's easy to get swept up in the emotion and buy a cat without thinking. But that's not how it should be. Whether or not to adopt a cat is by no means an easy decision. It carries with it huge responsibility. You will...

"How to Teach YOUR Cat to Use a Litter Box - Secrets to Litter Tray Success" - NS Kennedy
Even the most dedicated cat lover has little patience with a cat that doesn't use its litter box. Yet, patience is the key to creating litter box success. A positive introduction when young, and simple housekeeping on your part will solve most...

Can You Really Train A Cat? Is It Worth The Trouble? - Niall Kennedy
Cats are notoriously independent and have a mind of their own. Can you really teach a cat new tricks? Cat owners often think that their cat is just too moody to listen. Some owners feel their cats are un-trainable simply because they are...

Abused Cats - Morgen Marshall
Abused cats can be terribly maimed and damaged on the outside. They can even appear quite normal on the outside and all the damage might be emotional. The emotional damage is harder to repair. A physically damaged cat will still...

Taking Care of an Older Cat - Glenn Cutforth
Cats are not turtles. Okay, I know what you're thinking, people aren't turtles, either. However, when you really think about it, people are a lot closer to turtles than cats in the sense that turtles, as well as people, can live to be 100 years...

Holiday Training Your Cat - Tony Robinson
With all the holiday's coming up soon, there is still time to get your cat trained for the holidays. You will want to search out tips on saving the tree and table for the holidays, with your cat around. One thing you can start with is...

Perfect Cat Box For Your Cat - Ken Charnely
By the end of this article, you should have gained enough new knowledge on this subject to feel like a pro. Household pet cats definitely need litter boxes in which they do their business. Just like people, these feline friends can get finicky...