An innovative product, claimed to be a world first, has won the regional Poliempreende competition organised by Coimbra Polytechnic.
A project to develop a high-hydration jelly designed to encourage water intake among ill or travelling cats has won Coimbra Polytechnic’s regional Poliempreende Competition.
The product was developed by a team from the Coimbra School of Agriculture (ESAC), made up of Bruna Silva, a Food Engineering student, and Marco Silva, a graduate of the same course.
A gap in the market
The project was coordinated by Ana Calado Lopes, a lecturer and veterinary surgeon. She says there is a market need for the product because chronic kidney disease is highly prevalent in cats, while travelling can also lead to dehydration issues.
"Animals become stressed and often refuse to drink water. When they arrive at their destination, they may experience urinary blockages or dehydration," she explains.
Marco Silva, who led the jelly’s laboratory development, notes that "the moment when a cat drinks water is a moment of vulnerability to other predators. For that reason, cats are much more inclined to eat than to drink".
The researcher also highlights the product’s pioneering and innovative nature, not only in Portugal but internationally. Similar options are available in Japan, although these are powdered jellies with a different nutritional composition.
Jelly for cats with kidney disease
The jelly created by the Coimbra School of Agriculture team consists of 97% water and has a low protein content, making it a suitable alternative for cats with chronic kidney disease or those exposed to circumstances that can cause dehydration.
Poliempreende national final
The Poliempreende national final will take place from 31 August to 4 September, bringing together the winning projects from the country’s various polytechnic higher education institutions.
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