Common Causes of Feline Kidney Disease: What You Need t

Cats often consume raw meat or canned food without drinking much water, or not at all, which is actually quite normal for them. This is because cats have evolved in deserts, and their physiological structure is adapted to obtaining water solely through their food.

Moreover, cats have a low thirst sensation and generally lack the desire to drink water.

Cats' natural diet includes small mammals, birds, small reptiles, and insects, which are composed of 80% water by weight.

Adding extra water to cat food can be highly beneficial for cats, especially those suffering from urinary tract obstructions. It helps to dilute the concentration of the cat's urine, preventing the formation of crystals or stones made of calcium phosphate and magnesium ammonium phosphate (also known as struvite), which are the primary components causing blockages in the cat's urinary tract.

Acute and Chronic Kidney Disease

To understand why cats develop kidney disease, let's revisit what kidney disease actually is.

Firstly, let's talk about the kidneys, which are vital organs responsible for filtering out waste products, toxins, and byproducts of metabolism from the body. They ultimately produce urine. In addition to this, the kidneys maintain the balance of electrolytes and acidbase levels in the body, regulate blood pressure, and promote red blood cell production.

When the kidneys are damaged or their functions are impaired, this condition is referred to as "kidney disease," more commonly known as "kidney failure" in the veterinary community.

Why Do Cats Develop Kidney Disease?

Acute kidney injury is relatively easy to understand, primarily caused by poisoning and urinary tract diseases:

1. Poisoning: The kidneys are responsible for excreting metabolic waste and toxins from the body. If a cat ingests anything indigestible or even toxic, it can harm the kidneys.

Many household items that are harmless to humans can be dangerous for cats, such as needles, bottle caps, laundry detergent, rubber bands, and so on. If ingested by cats, these items can cause kidney damage.

Chocolates, lilies, and xylitol, which are toxic to cats, can also lead to kidney damage.

Early Symptoms of Chronic Kidney Disease:

Symptoms such as drowsiness, increased thirst and urination, vomiting, loss of appetite, weakness, muscle atrophy, and weight loss... Many cat owners may be surprised to find that their cats are drinking more water, mistakenly thinking that this is a sign of health. However, it could indicate that the kidneys are in the late stages of disease, and treatment and intervention may be less effective. Although chronic kidney disease cannot be completely cured, early diagnosis and proper management can help maintain a stable condition.