Final answer:
For a cat with uremia, dietary protein should be restricted in quantity to lessen the excretory load on the kidneys. Adequate hydration and a controlled intake of protein, nitrogen, and sodium are key components of managing this condition.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nutrient that should be restricted in quantity for a cat with uremia is protein. Uremia is a condition commonly related to kidney dysfunction or total renal failure and can be exacerbated by high levels of dietary protein, especially from non-vegetarian sources. When protein is metabolized, it produces nitrogenous waste products such as ammonia, which the liver converts into urea. In healthy cats, the kidneys filter urea out of the blood and excrete it in urine. However, when the kidneys are not functioning properly, these waste products can accumulate, leading to uremia.
Preventive strategies for uremia include dietary modifications aimed at reducing the excretory load on the kidneys. This includes ensuring the cat is drinking enough water to promote urine production and restricting dietary protein, nitrogen, and sodium intake. While high-quality protein is still important to maintain muscle mass and organ function, it should be offered in controlled amounts to manage uremia. It is important to carefully balance the cat's diet to prevent malnutrition while still minimizing the intake of components that can worsen kidney function.