Pet Of The Week

Regent, a Bengal cat, was diagnosed with kidney disease at 9 years old.

That is when I learned about the importance of feeding canned food to cats. Before Regent's diagnosis, I supported the popular 1970s theory that cats only needed dry food.

I was wrong. They need both types of food.

Cats are predators and in the wild their body provides a lot of the water they need, and so does canned cat food. When a cat has kidney disease, water helps the kidneys not to have to work so hard. Pet owners can be trained to give subcutaneous fluids to their cats with kidney disease, and cats can live longer if detected early enough.

Senior blood panels for cats should start at age 9 to detect any diseases that can be managed best with diet and medications.

For almost 15 years my cat Regent's piercing jade green eyes have looked fondly at Community Animal Network's rescue animals. He now has advanced kidney disease, and I have been advised to consider his quality of life.

I have supported Regent and C.A.N. rescues with critical care management — fluid therapy hydration, medications, special diets, and some of the other animals have been force fed until they were well enough to eat on their own.

If you are interested in cats, kittens or our Bull Mastiff Labrador mix named Melody call, (949) 759-3646 or come to our weekend Fashion Island Pet Adoption Event sponsored by Russo's Pet Experience, noon to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Without adequate monthly donations, the continued recession has forced the organization to use all of its reserve funds. Please consider making a donation in Regent's name to help Community Animal Network. We cannot continue without your help.

If you can help, memo your checks tax ID 33-0971560 and "Regent." Mail to Community Animal Network, P.O. Box 8662 Newport Beach, CA, 92658.

DIANNA PFAFF-MARTIN is the founder of Community Animal Network.