Kidney Disease in Cats: Causes and Treatments

What is feline kidney disease?

You may have heard about kidney disease if you’re a cat owner, but what exactly is it? Feline kidney disease, or chronic kidney disease (CKD), occurs when a cat’s kidneys no longer function as they should. This condition can develop gradually over time, often taking months or even years to become noticeable. While the exact cause remains unclear, CKD is far more common in older cats. Research from the College of Veterinary Medicine suggests that nearly 40% of cats over 10 and up to 80% of cats over 15 are affected. This makes pinpointing a single cause difficult, but we’ll explore some common contributing factors throughout this blog.

What do the kidneys do?

The kidneys are important, and they have the job of filtering waste from the blood, balancing minerals such as sodium and potassium, as well as helping to keep water in the body and producing urine.

What causes kidney problems in cats?

It can be a challenge to determine the exact cause of kidney disease in cats, this is because it can arise from the natural ageing process and underlying issues that have been unidentified. However, we can narrow it down to a variety of possible reasons, which can include:

Can feline kidney disease be reversed?

As far as we know, there’s no cure for CKD, however, there are treatments that can help to relieve the symptoms in your cat and stop it from getting worse. The treatment of your cat can depend on the severity of the disease, and there are various ways to prevent it.

Preventing kidney problems in cats

Taking proactive steps can help reduce the risk of kidney disease or any other kidney issues in your pet. Firstly, it is important to make sure you are minimising any exposure to toxins, such as lilies, which are highly toxic to feline kidneys. Also, maintaining proper hydration is essential for overall kidney health, so make sure your cat has constant access to clean, fresh water and encourage regular water intake.

This is why it is important to incorporate more moisture into your cat’s diet to support their kidney function, such as providing wet food, as it contains more water or adding a small amount of water to their dry food. Alongside proper hydration, it is essential to keep your cat at a healthy weight, as obesity can increase the risk of diabetes, which is a condition that can contribute to kidney disease.

Lastly, try to maintain a clean litter box as this encourages regular urination, helping to flush out the toxins from your cat’s body. Routine veterinary check-ups, around once or twice a year, are great to help detect any potential issues early on, even if it isn’t related to their kidneys. By implementing these preventative measures, you can fully support your cat and their kidney health!

What is the treatment for feline kidney disease?

There are many treatments or steps you can take to help your cat with their kidney health, however, you must check with your vet for guidance and the first steps of action. This disease cannot be reversed, but it can be helped with the following:

Medication: You can get long-term medication, either injections or oral medication, to help with kidney disease. This usually stimulates appetite and slows down weight loss in the cat. It is always best to speak to your veterinarian for the best possible advice.

Diet: The diet of your cat is really important when it comes to their kidney health. Feeding your cat a kidney-friendly diet is a great way to manage kidney disease, with the help of a specially formulated veterinary diet to help reduce waste buildup in the bloodstream. This also ensures your cat is getting the right balance of nutrients that it needs. Different foods can support different aspects of kidney health, which is why it is best to consult your vet for tailored dietary advice. For example, providing your pet with wet food is a great option as it can give them the extra moisture they may need to help with hydration.

Fluid: Keeping your cat hydrated is very important to support their kidneys and prevent dehydration, and fluid therapy can also help in replacing lost water and salts, however, fluid therapy is usually administered by vets for more advanced cases.

Supplements: Supplements can help your cat with their kidney health, as long as you have been advised by your vet. For example, Ipakitine Powder, which lowers phosphate levels in foods that harm cats with impaired kidney function, and Pronefra Oral Suspension, a very palatable liquid suspension that supports normal kidney function and health. However, always consult your veterinarian before making changes to your pet’s diet or medication.

Managing blood pressure: Because kidneys play a role in controlling blood pressure, your cat may require routine blood pressure checks, as well as medicine to help control their blood pressure.

What are the symptoms of kidney disease in cats?

Chronic kidney disease can cause a variety of symptoms; however, in the early stages, it might not cause any, as the kidneys are still able to function more in the early stages. It is much more difficult to notice early on, as clinical signs of kidney disease typically do not appear until at least 67% to 70% of kidney function has been lost, according to VCA Animal Hospitals. Symptoms may appear more as time goes on, and they include:

• Urinating more
• Eating less
• Drinking more
• Vomiting
• Weight loss
• Lethargic or low-energy
• Mouth ulcers
• Bad breath that can have a urine smell
• Sudden blindness due to increased blood pressure
• A messy or matted coat

Do you need support with your cat’s health?

It is very important to get detection of kidney disease in cats as early as possible, so if you notice any of the symptoms we have covered or have concerns about your cat’s kidney health, make sure to book an appointment with your vet as soon as possible! Your vet can guide you on the best treatment options moving forward. You can also shop for supplements and medication here at The PharmPet Co to help manage your cat’s health!
Check out our story for more information about us. This article also includes The PharmPet Cos products, but we recommend consulting a vet before purchasing.