The creation of a gelatin developed to improve the hydration of cats resulted in a team from the Escola Superior Agrária de Coimbra winning the most recent edition of the Poliempreende Regional Competition. The product is still in the testing phase, but it has already sparked interest in addressing one of the most common problems in feline health.
According to the news agency, the project was developed by Bruna Silva and Marco Silva and aims to offer a simple alternative to increase water consumption by cats, especially in situations of illness or during travel.
Common problem among felines
The idea was born from the observation of a reality known to veterinarians. Cats tend to drink little water throughout their lives, which can contribute to the onset of chronic kidney disease.
The team explained that “one of the biggest problems in cats is hydration.” The project authors remember that there are situations in which animals even need to receive fluid therapy to compensate for deficits in water intake.
The solution created presents a composition designed to respond to this challenge. According to the same source, gelatin contains 97% water and a reduced amount of protein, characteristics considered suitable for animals with certain health conditions. In addition to being able to be used in a clinical context, gelatin was also designed for more common everyday situations. Travel, vacation or extended trips are among the scenarios in which the product can help owners keep their animals hydrated.
Despite the award won, the product has not yet reached the market. At this stage, breeders are carrying out tests to identify which flavor is most attractive to cats. After this stage, the objective is to develop the packaging and evaluate the commercial viability of the project. The intention is to transform the academic idea into a product available to consumers.
What differentiates this proposal
The team considers that innovation lies precisely in the combination of the formula and the purpose of the product. According to the same source, there are currently soups, broths and some gelatins specifically for animals, but with different nutritional compositions. The authors argue that the solution created responds to specific hydration needs, distinguishing itself from options already on the market.
The plan is not limited to the sale of gelatin. Those responsible admit the possibility of creating complementary solutions associated with the product. Among the planned ideas is the installation of vending machines adapted for products intended for pets, allowing to increase accessibility and distribution of the solution.
Competition that distinguished the idea
Poliempreende is one of the main initiatives to promote academic entrepreneurship in Portugal. The competition brings together projects from various higher education institutions and seeks to support the transformation of ideas into businesses with market potential.
In this edition, second place was given to a digital platform focused on preventing school dropout in higher education, while the third prize distinguished a project dedicated to boosting communities and civic participation.
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