Kidney failure in cats

You may be surprised to hear or expect to hear that kidney failure is relatively common in cats, especially when they start to get older. So even though your cat has been recently diagnosed with kidney failure - don't despair as modern treatments are now available which improve both quality of life and life expectancy.

*Cats like us have 2 kidneys which work as filters in the body removing waste products from the blood stream. These waste products are then excreted from the body via the urine.

*The kidneys also have the function of regulating water balance and produce various hormones.

*Many factors such as infections, toxins or just old age can cause kidney damage. The kidneys start to compensate for this damage by working harder which causes further kidney damage. This deterioration can take months or even years, the end result being chronic renal insufficiency (CRI) or kidney failure.

*Your young cat may be born with kidney disease which is called congenital kidney disease or young cats can get cancer of the kidneys if they are infected with Feline Leukaemia for example. We can vaccinate against this potentially fatal virus to prevent this.

*As the kidneys begin to fail, they become unable to create urine in the normal way. It becomes less concentrated which means your cat may become thirsty and urinate more frequently.

*When approximately 2/3 of the kidney tissue has been damaged, toxic waste products begin to build up in the bloodstream which may cause loss of appetite, weakness, vomiting or mouth ulcers. This is why your cat stops eating as it feels nauseous.

*You may also notice a stark, matted coat as they stop grooming themselves regularly if mouth ulcers have developed.

*High blood pressure may also occur in cats with kidney failure which can result in sudden blindness.

*The toxic waste build up is excreted through the saliva so you may notice a smelly breath.

*Muscle deterioration occurs which appears to you as if your cat has suddenly lost a lot of weight.

*A diagnosis of kidney failure is made by your vet with one simple blood sample taken usually from the vein in your cat's neck.

*Depending on how severe the results are, we may have to admit your cat to give it fluids via a drip. This is one way of getting rid of the toxin build up in your cat's body in the same way we would use a dialysis machine in a human with kidney failure.

*There are injections that can be given to stimulate your cat's appetite or appetite stimulants given orally.

*Antibiotics also help to get rid of the build up of toxins.

*A drug called Fortekor also helps to alleviate the symptoms of the high blood pressure and increases their quality of life.

*Kidney failure may come about prematurely in your cat when there is a spell of very hot weather. They do not drink enough when the weather changes and may dehydrate which puts a strain on already damaged kidneys.

*Make sure that there is plenty of fresh water always available. Some cats will only drink from running water, so look at buying a water fountain for your pet if this is the case.

*Regular check ups are necessary for your cat's future where your vet will need a urine sample and repeat blood sample. It is a disease that cannot be cured and will need treating for the rest of your cat's life but with all the advances in veterinary medicine, they can still lead a good quality of life.

For full advice on treating your cat with kidney failure as well as a homemade low protein diet, click on my cat e-book below. It is full of advice on treating your cat safely at home but lets you know too when you should take your pet to the vet.

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