Living better and longer, despite kidney disease
As we’ve said, your cat’s kidneys are important for filtering and eliminating metabolic waste—especially waste created from the protein they consume. Their kidneys play a role in keeping them hydrated, stabilize their blood pressure, and regulate some of their hormonal systems.
So when your cat’s kidneys start to malfunction, it can affect their overall health and complicate things for both of you. Kidney disease (also known as renal failure) is caused by a number of factors, including:
- Infection or blockage
- Calcium imbalance
- Poisoning
- Genetic disease
The good news is that your cat’s kidneys can regenerate and heal if the disease is acute, as long as the damage hasn’t gone on too long and you and your vet are able to eliminate the cause.
The bad news is that if the root problem can’t be solved or the damage is too extensive, your cat will have to live with the disease for the rest of their life. But don’t worry! Even if your cat can’t recover completely from chronic kidney disease, you can ease the symptoms and slow the progression with veterinary care and a proper diet.
Feline chronic kidney disease (CKD) is the gradual and irreversible loss of the structure and function of a cat’s kidneys. It’s the most common form of renal failure in cats, affecting up to 30% of cats over age 15. Anything that causes kidney damage can lead to CKD.
Your cat’s symptoms may vary in number and intensity depending on the severity of the damage, but won’t even be visible until at least 2/3 of their kidneys are no longer working correctly.
So if you observe symptoms in your cat, act quickly to protect as much of their remaining renal function as possible and slow the progression of the disease.
Symptoms to look for include:
- Variable appetite or loss of appetite due to nausea or stomach irritation
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Increased thirst
- Increased urine production (urinating more often and in larger amounts)
- Weight and muscle mass loss
- Change in coat appearance
- Bad breath
- Weakness and lack of energy
Your veterinarian will do a physical exam, blood tests, and additional tests as needed, such as blood pressure, X-ray, or ultrasound.
Obviously your veterinary team will be there with support and guidance if your cat ends up being diagnosed with kidney disease. Depending on the symptoms and the severity of the kidney damage, your vet may recommend a therapeutic plan that includes different medications.
A special diet tailored to your cat’s new diagnosis will also be important. Your vet can recommend kibble, canned food, and treats designed for cats with CKD. They’ll also tell you what serving sizes to offer and tips to keep your cat comfortable for as long as possible.
To learn more about feeding a cat with renal failure, read the Cummings Veterinary Medical Center post, My pet has kidney disease – what kind of diet should I feed?
