Cat Food & Feline Kidney Failure

Many cat owners have to deal with their pets' kidney failure. Kidney disease can develop from substances a cat consumes or from the natural aging process. Because cats are stoic with their illnesses, you may not realize your cat has a problem until kidney disease is well along. If your cat has symptoms of vomiting, diarrhea, increased thirst, lack of appetite or depression have your veterinarian perform tests to see if the problem is kidney disease.

Acute Kidney Failure

Acute feline kidney failure occurs suddenly when cats consume toxic substances or when other disease conditions affect kidney function. It is a very serious illness that is a veterinary emergency and should be treated immediately. In acute kidney failure, symptoms can be straining during urination, poor appetite, weakness and disorientation. With prompt veterinary treatment, some kidney function can be restored.

Chronic Kidney Failure

Chronic feline kidney failure occurs in older cats quite frequently. Symptoms include vomiting, constipation, weight loss, muscle wasting, drooling and lethargy. Symptoms are not usually seen until about 70 percent of kidney function is lost. Blood chemistry tests are used to diagnose the disease. Though the disease is progressive and irreversible, your veterinarian can assist you in keeping your cat as comfortable as possible for as long as possible. Subcutaneous or intravenous fluids may be necessary to prevent dehydration. A special diet can help increase the life span of a cat with kidney failure.

High Protein Food

In the past, some veterinarians have speculated that diets high in protein might be the cause of chronic kidney failure, but more recent data from the Veterinary School at the University of Minnesota has indicated that a high protein diet has no effect on the onset of kidney failure.

Low Protein Food Controversy

Within the veterinary community, there is some controversy about feeding cats with chronic kidney disease a low protein diet in an effort to prevent the kidneys from working too hard. There is no data to suggest this helps an animal with kidney failure, however, and data cited at the World Small Animal Veterinary Congress in Vancouver in 2001 that suggests that low protein diets increase the weakness and muscle wasting that is a feature of kidney disease. A number of commercial prescription diets are formulated for cats with kidney disease. For some cats, a homemade diet with specific ingredients may be necessary. Consult with your veterinarian on the best food for your cat.

Other Dietary Needs

Increasing water in your cat's diet is an important action for cat owners dealing with kidney disease in a pet. Cats with kidney disease also have special needs for potassium. Limiting phosphorous may also be a desired action to meet your cat's dietary needs.