Chronic kidney disease is very common in older cats.
While acute kidney disease can be caused by cysts of ingesting toxins such as lilies, kidney disease is often caused by age-related degeneration of the tissue of the kidneys.
Sadly, kidney disease is a progressive condition, which cannot be cured. However, it can be well-managed with prescription medication, diet and close monitoring.
Here are our top tips.
Key symptoms of kidney disease in older cats
There are many tell-tale signs and symptoms of kidney disease you can look out for at home.
These include:
- Decreased appetite
- Weight loss
- Dehydration
- Increased thirst
- Weeing more often
- Tiredness
- Bad breath
- Vomiting
If you see any of these symptoms, book a visit to your vet. They will be able to talk through what you have noticed and help further diagnose the problem. The earlier kidney disease is diagnosed, the easier it is to manage and keep your cat purring.
Caring for a cat with kidney disease
There are many practical steps that you can take to help manage your cat’s health when diagnosed with chronic kidney disease.
Prescription medicine
There are lots of prescription medications available which will not cure the disease, but they can help improve symptoms such a high blood pressure to make the condition more manageable. If you’d like your repeat prescription delivered straight to your door, we can help!
Hydration
Hydration is key for cats with kidney disease. As they are weeing more frequently, they are at a much higher risk of dehydration. Always ensure there are fresh water bowls available, and that these are topped up regularly. Water fountains are also great for this, particularly if your cat doesn’t like traditional water bowls.
Specialist food
Your cat will also benefit from specialist food. Products such as Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets Renal Function Wet Cat Food help slow the progression of kidney disease by reducing muscle mass loss, toxin formation and phosphorus. It also provides increased levels of omega-3 fatty acids to help support kidney function in the advanced stages of the disease.
You can find a full range of kidney care foods on our website, including wet and dry food options from brands such as Hills and Royal Canin. Your vet will be able to recommend any food they think will be most appropriate for your cat’s needs.
FAQs:
What food is best for cats with kidney disease?
Cats diagnosed with kidney disease should be switched gradually to a new diet. There are a whole range of kidney care foods for your cat that help protect kidney function and help negate weight loss, tailored to every stage of kidney disease progression.
Foods such as Hill's Prescription Diet Kidney Care Dry Cat Food with Tuna, Hill's Prescription Diet k/d Early Stage Kidney Care Dry Cat Food or Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Renal Wet Cat Food - Beef in Gravy 48x85g Pouches are all good options, providing your cat with the nutrition they need.
Talk to your vet about any specific foods they would recommend for your cat’s specific stage and situation.
As with all new foods, change your cat’s diet over gradually over around 10 days. This helps your cat get used to the new food and prevents upset stomachs.
Is it better for older cats with kidney disease to eat dry or wet food?
Wet food is considered better for cats with kidney disease. This is because kidney disease causes your cat to wee more frequently, making keeping them hydrated even more challenging. Wet food is an excellent way of getting more water into your cat’s diet, and you can even add more water into their food for added hydration, particularly useful if your cat, like many, doesn’t like drinking water from their bowl.
Is my cat in pain?
We all know that cats are experts at hiding pain.
However, the symptoms of chronic kidney disease can cause your cat pain and discomfort.
By visiting your vet, you can work together to work out a treatment plan to lessen the discomfort as much as possible and help them to feel like themselves.
Can kidney disease be cured?
Sadly, kidney disease cannot be cured. However, the disease can be managed, particularly when caught early.
Being aware of the symptoms means you can notice issues early, improving your cat’s quality of life.
Wrapping up
If you notice that your cat is drinking more, weeing more and eating less, there’s a chance they have kidney disease, particularly if they are older.
Book an appointment with your vet so they can get the expert care they need as quickly as possible.
If your vet recommends changes to your cat’s diet, remember Animed have a wide range of foods to help keep your pet happy and healthy.
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