The following subject, How Do You Know If Your Cat Has Kidney Problems?, will be covered in great detail throughout this article on the blog, and all pertinent information will be included in the discussion. Keep reading if you want to find out more about this subject.
Can cats recover from
kidney disease
?
While there is no cure for chronic
kidney disease
, if it’s detected and treated early your cat’s longevity and quality of life can be improved.
Kidney Problems: How long do cats with kidney problems live
CKD is a
progressive disease
that slowly worsens, but the rate of progression is highly variable. Cats diagnosed with
early disease
have an
average survival time
of 3 years. Those with moderate disease live an average of 2 years. Those with advanced disease generally succumb to CKD within months.
Kidney Issues: What causes kidney issues in cats
A large number of
medical problems
can cause kidney disease in cats. The most common causes are the resulting damages from toxins, infectious diseases and diseases that impair kidney blood flow Common toxins to be aware of are ethylene glycol (antifreeze), lily flowers, plants and vitamin D.
Kidney Disease: What are the first signs of kidney disease
Generally,
earlier stages
are known as 1 to 3. And as kidney disease progresses, you may notice the following symptoms. Nausea and vomiting, muscle cramps, loss of appetite, swelling via feet and ankles, dry, itchy skin, shortness of breath, trouble sleeping, urinating either too much or too little.
Does dry food cause
kidney failure
in cats?
From a
life long diet
of dry cat food will eventually lead to urinary tract issues and chronic kidney disease , especially for older animals. Other complications as a result of dry kibble include feline type II diabetes and the formation of urinary crystals or stones.
Kidney Failure: Are cats in pain with kidney failure
If your cat is suffering from acute
kidney failure
you may also notice an arched back or stiff-legged gait, symptoms that your cat’s kidneys are causing pain Chronic kidney failure gradually progresses over years, and the signs may not be noticeable.
End Stage Kidney Disease: What is
end stage kidney disease
in cats
Symptoms of end stage kidney failure in cats include dull sunken eyes, inability to walk, body odour, incontinence in bladder or bowels, refusal to eat or drink, seizures, confusion, pacing and restlessness, withdrawing, hiding and running away.
Kidney Disease: At what age do cats get kidney disease
At what age do most cats develop kidney disease? Middle aged cats (over 7 years old) and older cats are most likely to develop kidney disease. In cats over 15 years of age it has been estimated that 20-50% of them have chronic kidney disease!.
How do you know if your cat is suffering?
Cat:
Decreased interest in positive things like playing, social interaction and exploring outside. Being withdrawn and hiding away. Appearing lame and experiencing increased sensitivity to touch in specific areas of their body. Reduction in movement and activity.
Kidney Disease: Is Tuna good for cats with kidney disease
Tuna is high in phosphorus and while a healthy cat may cope with this, it won’t be good for cats with kidney disease Raw fish can contain thiaminase which is an enzyme that destroys thiamine, or vitamin B1. Too much raw fish in a cat’s diet can, therefore, lead to thiamine deficiency.
Kidney Disease: What can you not feed a cat with kidney disease
High salt (sodium) diets may increase blood pressure and may worsen kidney damage, so diets designed for pets with kidney disease are low in sodium. You should also avoid feeding high salt treats such as cheese, bread, deli meat, and many commercial dog and cat treats.
Water Good: Is drinking a lot of water good for your kidneys
Water helps the kidneys remove wastes from your blood in the form of urine Water also helps keep your blood vessels open so that blood can travel freely to your kidneys, and deliver essential nutrients to them. But if you become dehydrated, then it is more difficult for this delivery system to work.
Cats Wet Food: Is it OK to give cats wet food everyday
Feeding your cat wet food every day in addition to dry food ensures that your cat receives plenty of fluids This is because fresh animal-based food naturally contains lots of water, which is also a key part of the jelly that binds the pieces together.
Kidney Disease: Is yogurt good for cats with kidney disease
A tablespoon daily of plain, non-fat yogurt provides the probiotics and buffers needed to prevent stomach problems, and lower gut acidity and your cat’s pH levels.
Is it too soon to put my cat to sleep?
Cat:
Most veterinarians, in my experience, tend to suggest that it’s better to euthanize a week too early rather than an hour too late My own experience has supported this stance for the most part. My first cat Feebee died in my arms while my vet was on her way to my house to put him to sleep.
References
https://www.guilfordjamestownvet.com/site/blog-greensboro-vet/2021/06/30/kidney-failure-in-cats
https://www.pethealthnetwork.com/cat-health/cat-diseases-conditions-a-z/kidney-disease-in-cats-what-cat-owners-should-know
https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/chronic-kidney-disease
https://pets.webmd.com/cats/kidney-failure-uremia-symptoms-cats