From handling waste to regulating blood pressure, your cat’s kidneys are doing a lot of work. So when something goes awry, whether it’s a simple infection, kidney stones, or a more complex disease, it can wreak havoc with your cat’s health. Treatment options for kidney-related problems in your cat vary based on the cause: bacterial infections, which are fairly common, are treatable with antibiotics, while kidney failure can only be managed with drugs and dietary changes and is not curable.
4 Common Medications to Manage Kidney Disease in Your Cat
- Salix: This medication is also available under the brand name Furosemide, and is a diuretic, which means that it helps to reduce the fluid levels in a cat’s body. The drug works by reducing the amount of chloride, sodium, potassium, and water that are absorbed into the kidneys. For cats with kidney disease, this drug helps to reduce how much work is required from their weakened and less effectual kidneys.
- Cephalexin: If your cat has a kidney infection, this antibiotic will resolve the problem.
- Allopurinol: This medication can help to dissolve bladder or kidney stones. Since stones are quite painful, and also can cause blockage in the urinary tract, removing them is important. Allopurinol can also be used to prevent future stones.
- Benazepril Hydrochloride: This medication is used for cats who have renal failure; it’s not a cure, since none is available, but the drug will help to manage your cat’s painful symptoms. Note that it should not be given in conjunction with Salix or Furosemide, since those drugs interact poorly with Benazepril Hydrochloride.
Nutritional Adjustments for Cats With Kidney Disease
In addition to antibiotics and other pet meds, dietary adjustments and prescription diets can also sometimes help treat kidney disease.
- Regardless of the particular problem your cat is having with their kidneys, providing ample, fresh water is recommended.
- Vets often recommend protein-restricted diets to help reduce the buildup of urea, which causes discomfort for your cat.
- It’s also recommended to restrict the amounts of phosphorus and salt present within a cat’s diet if kidney disease is a concern.
- Finally, omega-three fatty acids can help increase blood flow and decrease any inflammation of the kidneys and are recommended as a supplement.
See more information on diet-based principles for managing cat kidney disease.
Cats with Kidney Disease
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The kidneys present in your cat do a number of vital tasks. The list includes blood pressure management and the manufacture of hormones. The organs also stimulate the bone marrow so that an increased number of Red Blood Cells (RBC) get produced. Kidneys also remove waste from the blood. The organs will start to fail as the cat ages. If left untreated, the disease which results from failing kidneys will lead to multiple health problems. There is no cure if it is a chronic disease. However, with better care, and early diagnosis, it is possible to better the quality of life and also your cat's mortality.
Cats of all ages are susceptible
It is not only older cats that are susceptible to kidney failure. Kidney diseases can be present in kittens too. The list of causes behind kidney problems includes trauma, infection, and toxins. Kidney failure in cats is of two types, with each type having a different cause, outlook, and treatment.
Acute renal failure is quite common in cats. It occurs suddenly and progresses over a matter of a few days. This happens to cats of any age. The most common reason for acute renal failure is the presence of poison. Your cat's kidneys could be harmed due to antifreeze, cleaning fluids, and pesticides. Some human medicines are also harmful to cats. Do be careful so that your curious cat does not get to lick or taste these things.
Trauma is a common cause of kidney problems in cats. This is especially true if it involves a burst bladder or a broken pelvis. Your cat could also contract kidney disease if it drinks too less water or undergoes rapid dehydration. Another reason could be the shock from quickly losing vast quantities of blood. Any number of causes, starting from its body being overheated in blazingly hot weather, causing a considerable uptick in activity. Diarrhea and vomiting all result in significant fluid dips.
Infections and failures
Kidney infections could also lead to disease. There could be blockages that change blood flow into the kidney and the exit urine flow resulting in acute pain and infection following soon after. There could also be heart pressure accompanied by low blood pressure. This reduces the flow of blood to the kidneys.
Acute renal failures, if diagnosed in time, could frequently be reversed. Chronic kidney problems, however, could be much harder to treat. A significant proportion of senior and middle-aged cats suffer from this condition. Kidney problems become worse over months and even years. You must pay particular attention to your feline's health if it is seven years old or more. The signs of failing kidneys in your cat include frequent urination and drinking substantial quantities of water. Other symptoms include decreased appetite and weight loss. To provide optimal nutrition, vets often prescribe specialized food products for kidney support, like the Royal Canin Renal Support Feline cat food.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a cat live with kidney disease?
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a common and progressive disease that can affect cats of any age but is more commonly seen in older cats. As the disease progresses, the kidneys lose their ability to filter waste products from the blood, which can lead to a range of symptoms and complications, including weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, anemia, and high blood pressure. The rate of progression of CKD can vary widely among cats, depending on a number of factors, including the underlying cause of the disease, the age of the cat, and the presence of other health conditions. Some cats may progress slowly over several years, while others may experience a more rapid decline in kidney function. The prognosis for cats with CKD can also depend on the stage of the disease at diagnosis. The International Renal Interest Society (IRIS) has developed a staging system for CKD based on blood tests and urine analysis. Cats with early-stage CKD (IRIS stage 1 and 2) may have a better prognosis, with an average survival time of several years, with proper management. Cats with more advanced CKD (IRIS stages 3 and 4) may have a shorter lifespan, with an average survival time of months to a year or two, even with appropriate treatment.
Can cats recover from kidney disease?
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a progressive and irreversible disease, and there is currently no cure. However, with appropriate treatment and management, many cats with CKD can live for several years and maintain a good quality of life. The goal of treatment for CKD is to slow the progression of the disease, manage symptoms, and improve the cat's overall health and well-being. In some cases, early detection and intervention can help slow the progression of CKD and prevent or delay the development of more severe symptoms. This is why regular check-ups with a veterinarian, including blood and urine tests, are important for the early detection of CKD. In addition, dietary changes, such as feeding a kidney-friendly diet, can help improve kidney function and slow the progression of the disease.
Is kidney disease in cats painful?
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) may not always be painful, but it can cause an array of discomfort in cats, especially as the disease progresses and complications develop. Some common symptoms of CKD, such as vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration, can be uncomfortable and painful for cats. In addition, as kidney function declines, waste products can build up in the blood, leading to a condition known as uremia. Uremia can cause a range of symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, weakness, lethargy, and muscle cramps, which can be painful for cats. High blood pressure, which can occur as a complication of CKD, can also be painful for cats. High blood pressure can cause headaches, vision problems, and discomfort in the eyes, which can be especially painful for cats.
What can a cat with kidney disease eat?
There are several commercially available diets that are specifically formulated to meet the nutritional needs of cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Hill's® Prescription Diet® k/d® is available in both early and late stages and is formulated to support kidney function, slow the progression of CKD, and manage the symptoms of the disease. The early-stage diet is designed to support kidney health and manage early CKD, while the late-stage diet is formulated for cats with more advanced CKD. Royal Canin® Renal Support is also available in both early and late stages and is designed to support kidney function, reduce the workload on the kidneys, and help maintain lean muscle mass. The early-stage diet is formulated for cats with mild to moderate CKD, while the late-stage diet is designed for cats with more advanced CKD. Purina® ProPlan® Veterinary Diet NF Kidney Function® is formulated to support kidney function, manage the symptoms of CKD, and promote a healthy body weight. It is available in both dry and wet formulations. Some cats with CKD may benefit from supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, and antioxidants. Talk to your veterinarian about whether these supplements may be appropriate for your cat.
What foods are bad for the kidneys?
There are certain foods that are not recommended for cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD) or those at risk for developing the disease. Excessive phosphorus intake can be harmful to cats with CKD, as the kidneys may not be able to remove it from the blood effectively. Foods that are high in phosphorus, such as dairy products, organ meats, and certain types of fish, should be limited or avoided in cats with CKD. While cats require a high-protein diet, excessive protein intake can be harmful to cats with CKD. Foods that are very high in protein, such as some types of raw or homemade diets, may be too taxing on the kidneys and should be avoided in cats with CKD. High-sodium diets can be harmful to cats with CKD, as they can increase blood pressure and put additional strain on the kidneys. Processed foods, including many types of commercial cat treats, can be high in sodium and should be limited or avoided. Cats with CKD are at increased risk of dehydration, so it's important to ensure that they have access to plenty of fresh water. Foods that are dehydrating, such as dry kibble, should be avoided or limited in cats with CKD.
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