Healthy Kidney Diet for Cats
Cats especially the Persian breed is prone to kidney disease also known as renal failure. Though it is common to see kidney disease mostly in older cats, it is not limited just to them. Kidney disease may develop at any age in a cat’s life. This disease can eventually advance and worsens if appropriate care and treated is not administered. However, in trying to curb the progression of the kidney disease in cats which affects the quality of life of a cat, it is necessary to provide a healthy kidney diet to the cat.
Kidney Disease in Cats
Many factors could be the cause of kidney disease in cats some of which include; kidney tumor, polycystic kidney disease, kidney trauma, cancer, exposure to toxins, certain congenital conditions and kidney and bladder infections. Kidney disease causes accumulation of toxins in the bloodstream, since the organ is no longer able to pass them away normally. At this stage, the cat may not have any clear symptoms of kidney failure but eventually symptoms like increased urination and thirst will arise. It is worthy to note that while healthy kidneys can hold the urine that is passed away with toxins, damaged ones may not be able to hold. This makes them to expel large amount of urine which causes dehydration and excess thirst is the automatic effect of this
Aside excessive urine and thirst, other symptoms of kidney failure may include vomiting, bad breath, mouth ulcers, loss of appetite, fatigue, weight loss and pains. It is observed that, cats start showing such symptoms only when 60% to 75% of the kidney is damaged. This condition can be diagnosed with blood and urine test, along with ultrasound and kidney biopsy. However, chronic renal failure or kidney disease in cats can be determined mostly based on the extent of damage in the functioning of the kidney and kidney itself.
Not every animal require hospitalization. Once the main cause of a disease is identified, immediate treatment should commence. In order to stop dehydration, some cats may need intravenous fluids. Fluid therapy and diet modification greatly help the concentration of uremic toxins. Some other cats may even need dialysis and transplant. In order to prevent the condition from worsening, long-term care and treated can be of great help to the cat to increase the quality of life.
Diet and Kidney Disease in Cats
As far as the treatment of kidney disease is concerned in cats, diet management has a very important role to play. There are various links between kidney disease in cats and their diets such links include water content in cat food, the amount of protein intake and the levels of carbohydrates in their diet. The level of phosphates in the diet of is also very important. .Controlling the intake of protein, phosphates and carbohydrates, along with intake of enough liquid may be beneficial in controlling the disease. It is also observe that intake of dry foods, foods high in proteins, phosphates and carbohydrates could be among the possible causes of kidney disease in cats.
Healthy Diet for Cats with Kidney Disease
According to the above explanations, it is very evident that it is very advisable to keep dry foods away from cats having kidney disease. Rather than dry foods, it is best to go for canned or tinned foods. Considering the fact that water is very vital to a cat’s diet, it is healthy to give a cat plenty of fresh water. Furthermore, you have to go in for cat diet that is low in sodium, phosphorous and protein. Even though a low protein kidney diet for cat is still very much a debated topic amongst many.
Nonetheless, if the cat dislike this diet and denies eating such food, you may make it more attractive with some juice from canned tuna tin. Ensure that the cat is eating enough food, as it is not good for the animal to lose weight, at this stage. It is also good to try some homemade food, prepared according to the recipes meant for cats with kidney disease. Such homemade kidney diet for cats is also found to be beneficial, provided the cat likes it. Apart from the above mentioned, you may also supplement the cat’s diet with crushed garlic, omega 3 fatty acids, a potassium supplement, vitamin B complex and calcium supplement, with regards to what the vet recommends.
Considering the fact that this article is mainly for information only, you must follow the vet’s instructions about the diet and treatment for kidney disease in your cat. This is very important as the requirements may vary from one cat to another, as per the condition of the animal. Therefore, adequate care along with dietary restrictions and treatment may prove useful in managing the condition of the cat.