• AngryCommieKender@lemmy.world
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      9 months ago

      They can get hydration out of ocean water. They have excellent kidneys. They’re literally one of the only mammals on land that can drink salt water, and get hydrated. They are extremely specialized to desert environments.

      • BorgDrone@lemmy.one
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        9 months ago

        Their kidneys are super efficient, but that also makes them fragile. Kidney failure is the leading cause of death for cats. It’s better not to put them under unnecessary stress.

      • BorgDrone@lemmy.one
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        9 months ago

        Well, it doesn’t. Kidney failure is the leading cause of death for cats. So much so that a Japanese professor is working on medication to improve kidney function in cats, which is expected to double their lifespan. Source

        Cats are desert animals by origin and they have super efficient kidneys to retain as much water as possible. This also makes them much more fragile. Compare it to a highly tuned racing car, when you push it to the limit you get the most performance but also get more wear on the parts which reduces the lifespan.

        • blahsay@lemmy.world
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          9 months ago

          Very interesting! I’ll be more aware and avoid salt in future for my cat. Thanks!

          Weird they seem poorly adapted to their diet though. 🤔

          • BorgDrone@lemmy.one
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            9 months ago

            That’s evolution for you. No sense in having kidneys that last a long time if you’re dying today from dehydration.