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Health
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Written by Jean Morgan
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Kidney disease in older cats is especially worrisome. It is also known
as chronic renal failure and is a common problem in older cats. It is
seen in cats of all ages, but mostly older cats.
Symptoms of Kidney Disease in Cats
Your cat is drinking much more water than usual
Your cat is urinating much more than usual
These will be the most noticeable symptoms for you and your cat. When
the kidney is not functioning properly, it can’t concentrate your cat’s
urine. However, your veterinarian will probably conduct some blood
tests just to rule out any other illness, as this can be a sign of
another illness.
Unfortunately, the symptoms don’t usually become apparent until about
three quarters of the kidney is already in failure. Just as unfortunate
is the fact that kidney disease (chronic renal failure) in cats has no
cure or way of reversing the damage. The disease will continue, but
there are ways you can make your cat more comfortable in the years she
has left.
Treatment can include the following –
1. Diet: You might hear or read things that suggest certain special
diets for your cat. However, the most important thing is that your cat
is eating. If your cat doesn’t like the diet and refuses to eat the
food, it doesn’t do much good. Feed your cat the foods she likes to
eat, staying with nutritional, healthy foods. Don’t feed your cat just
dry food. They will need the moisture from other foods to help keep
them hydrated.
2. Nutrition: Your veterinarian might suggest a special food called
Renafood, which can help better your cat’s kidney function. You might
need to crush it into your cat’s regular food, but most cats actually
like it.
3. Supplemental Fluids: Your veterinarian can give your cat
supplemental fluids at their office or teach you how to do it at home.
This is one of the best ways to keep your cat hydrated.
There are many ways to help you help your cat live out a happier and
healthier life and the most important part of that is keeping them
hydrated. Your cat’s kidneys can no longer keep the water because of
the damage that is already there and it can’t be reversed. Ask your
veterinarian what else you can do to keep her hydrated, because this
will in turn keep her more comfortable. Your vet might suggest some
homeopathy, herbs, flower essences and/or acupuncture to help make your
cat feel better.
Your vet may also suggest some medicines to help. There are some that
can help, just make sure you have all of the information on them
(including side effects) in case you find your cat may have some
unwanted effects from them.
Visit Animal Pets & Friends for more pet and animal articles.
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Dr. Rosenberg is the owner, CEO & Chief of Staff at Veterinary Cancer Group.
Kymythy Schultze has been a trailblazer in animal nutrition for over two decades.
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