Renal insufficiency in cats

Renal insufficiency in the cat

This can be a life-threatening disease for your cat. In addition to fatigue, loss of appetite and weight loss, this condition is mainly characterised by your cat drinking more and, above all, using the litter tray more frequently. If your cat shows these signs, you should definitely visit the vet of your choice. The earlier the cat's insufficiency is diagnosed, the better it can be helped.

Cat food for renal insufficiency

Symptoms of renal insufficiency in cats

Renal insufficiency usually occurs in older cats. A basic distinction must be made between acute and chronic disease. Acute renal insufficiency occurs very suddenly and is a medical emergency. It is caused by an infection or the ingestion of toxins, among other things.
Chronic renal failure develops over a longer period of time. The kidney tissue gradually dies off.
As the lack of performance of the kidneys leads to a gradual poisoning of the cat's body, the symptoms are initially unspecific. Your cat may show signs of fatigue, have a poor appetite and lose weight. In addition, many cats are restricted in their movement because their kidneys are hurting.
An important indication is the cat's increased drinking. If your cat drinks far more water than usual and visits the litter tray more frequently, you should definitely consider renal insufficiency. At an advanced stage, the cat generally smells of urine, even from the mouth.

Stages of renal insufficiency in cats

Four stages can be distinguished in cats.
In stage 1, your cat shows no external signs of the disease.
In stage 2, there are also hardly any noticeable signs. However, some cats are already consuming more fluids and therefore passing more urine.
Only in stage 3 do clear symptoms become noticeable. In addition to weight loss and loss of appetite, vomiting and a dull coat may already occur.
In stage 4, the cat's body has already been poisoned. The degradation products are already causing serious symptoms in your cat. At this stage, the kidneys only have around 10 per cent activity.

Life expectancy with renal insufficiency in cats

This chronic disease in cats cannot be cured. Depending on how early the renal insufficiency was recognised, your cat can live well for a few more years with the right diet. Organic wet food with good, highly digestible protein and organic dry food can provide good support here. In any case, the food should be low in protein and phosphates.

Medication for renal insufficiency in cats

Medication for cats depends primarily on the stage and condition of your cat. In addition to medication that binds phosphate, tablets can also be administered to counteract proteinuria. Antihypertensives are also frequently used in therapy, as renal insufficiency in cats is often associated with increased blood pressure. Cat owners are also increasingly turning to homeopathy, as this can also have an effect and provide relief.

Why does chronic renal insufficiency occur in cats?

The causes of renal insufficiency in cats are not just age-related, but can be many and varied
- Toxic substances have accumulated in the kidney tissue
- The renal blood flow is restricted
- Diseases of the immune system
- Consequence of infectious diseases
- The result of kidney stones or pyelitis if these are not treated
- Kidney damage that can occur due to urinary retention
- Kidney diseases that are hereditary
- Feeding errors

Which food is right for a cat with renal insufficiency?

First and foremost, the cat's diet must be changed immediately. The food should contain small amounts of both protein and phosphate. Special diet food for sick cats is available for this purpose. Organic wet food with high-quality, easily digestible protein and organic dry food can be used to support a cat with renal insufficiency.

How does the vet diagnose renal insufficiency?

Your vet will get the first clues from obvious symptoms such as emaciation, increased water intake, tiredness or dull fur. They will also carry out further examinations in order to make the correct diagnosis for your cat. As well as taking a blood sample to detect urinary substances, blood pressure measurement is also an important indicator. An ultrasound scan can also be used to visualise changes in the kidneys.

Can renal insufficiency in cats be prevented?

Unfortunately, there is no patent remedy to prevent renal insufficiency. However, you should schedule regular check-ups with your vet for your cat from the age of 7, during which blood samples are taken and the kidneys are examined. In this way, renal insufficiency can be recognised at an early stage and your cat can be helped. Once chronic renal insufficiency has started in a cat, it can no longer be reversed. This is the difference to the acute form, which can certainly be cured. You should also pay attention to your cat's diet. If your cat does not yet have renal insufficiency, you can prevent it with high-quality food that contains easily digestible proteins from muscle meat. If you feed your cat organic wet food and organic dry food, you can be sure of a balanced diet.

How common is renal insufficiency in cats?

Renal insufficiency in cats is not uncommon. In principle, it can be assumed that one in three cats will become ill in the course of their lives. Around 50 per cent of cats over the age of 12 already suffer from renal insufficiency.

The most important measure in the treatment of renal insufficiency is still a change in diet. With the right diet, the disease can be delayed and your cat's life can be extended.

Our recommendations for four-legged friends:

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