Nutritional advice - Cat kidney problems Nutrition
Symptoms of kidney problems in cats
Cats are masters at hiding their pain or illness. Therefore, it is not always easy to recognise when your cat has problems.These can be symptoms of kidney problems:
- Increased thirst, resulting in frequent urination
- Low energy
- hardly eats, has no appetite and loses weight accordingly
- Ulcers in the mouth
- Vomiting
- thinning coat
Visit the vet as soon as possible if you notice one or more symptoms.
A urine sample from the vet can provide clues if the urine shows a high protein level.
If the diagnosis is made early, your cat's kidneys can be given the best possible support with good dry and wet food. You can increase your cat's life expectancy with kidney-friendly food.
Kidney disease usually affects older cats. However, kittens can also be born with restrictions. Trauma or certain toxins can also lead to this disease
How kidney disease affects a cat
Kidney disease occurs when the kidneys lose some of their function. The main function of the kidneys is to filter waste and toxins from the blood and into the urine. They regulate mineral levels and trigger the production of red blood cells that carry oxygen around the body.If the kidneys do not function properly, harmful substances accumulate in the blood. As a result, cats can develop anaemia or a lack of red blood cells.
Kidney problems in cats can be either acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term).
Acute cases can occur if your cat has eaten something poisonous. For example, antifreeze or poisonous plants such as ivy or tulips.
In most cases, however, kidney problems are chronic. Causes include an infection or other illness that causes the kidneys to become impaired. One cause can be high blood pressure in cats, which in many cases can lead to kidney disease.
When part of the kidney is damaged, the rest of the kidney that is still functioning has to work "harder" to meet the demands of the body. Over time, however, the kidney's function continues to decline due to the additional strain. This causes chronic kidney disease to worsen over time.
The good news is that the symptoms are often treatable, which means that a cat with a condition can still live a long, happy life
How to deal with your cat's kidney disease
When you find out that your cat has kidney disease, it's a big shock. After all, the kidneys are an important organ.Find out the cause. Treating the symptoms is key to making sure your cat feels better quickly.
Work with a vet who is well versed in this. Express your concerns and get advice on what to do if your cat is refusing to eat
Cat food for kidney problems
One of the most important aspects of treating kidney disease in your cat is changing their diet.Buy good wet food that contains less protein, phosphorus and sodium. There are special foods to choose from for cats with kidney disease.
Make sure it is of good quality. It is advisable to switch to organic food. One reason for this is that virtually no pesticides are used. The food is healthier and also protects the environment.
Your cat will still need plenty of water as it can quickly become dehydrated due to the disease.
Make sure the water bowl is always full. If you have a large house, it is advisable to provide several water bowls. This way, your cat will always have access when it is thirsty.
If she likes to lick at the tap, you can offer her a water fountain.
You can also support your cat with a dietary supplement for the kidneys.
Causes such as high blood pressure can also be treated well with appropriate medication. Hormone therapy can also be beneficial.
Seek advice on the experiences of other cat owners
Kidney problems cat life expectancy
The earlier the disease is detected, the better the prospects for your cat.
Stage 1: has no effect on life expectancy
Stage 2: on average 3 years
Stage 3: approx. 1.5 to 2 years
Stage 4: just under 1 month
To significantly increase your cat's life expectancy, you should visit the vet as soon as you notice any of the above signs in your cat. The earlier the disease is recognised, the better it can be treated.
Preventing kidney problems in cats
Keep poisonous plants and essential oils out of your cat's reach.
Make sure the litter tray is in a place where your cat always has access and feels comfortable. Make sure to clean it regularly so that your cat is not deterred from urinating.
Routine examinations at the vet increase the likelihood that kidney disease will be detected early before it develops into chronic kidney failure.
Have regular laboratory tests carried out, these can show even the smallest changes. You can have blood tests done and urine samples taken.
Encourage your cat to drink a lot so that the kidneys can flush out the toxins well. This makes it more likely that the kidneys will remain healthy.
Always fill the bowl with fresh water and provide a drinking fountain if necessary. Simply observe what your cat prefers to drink from.
Feed your cat organic food if possible. This is free from pesticides, which can put additional strain on the kidneys.
Favour wet food if your cat generally doesn't drink much. The advantage of this is that your cat consumes a lot of liquid with its food. You can also buy high-quality organic wet food.
Finally, you should make sure that your cat does not become obese.
Obesity can cause diabetes in cats, which in turn leads to kidney failure.
Our recommendations for four-legged friends:
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