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Causes and Symptoms of Chronic Kidney Disease in Cats

20. December 2024
Part 1: Early Detection of Feline Kidney Disease1. Monitor Urination and Water IntakeIt's often chal

Part 1: Early Detection of Feline Kidney Disease

1. Monitor Urination and Water Intake

It's often challenging to detect kidney issues early on, as even 25% of kidney function can maintain a cat's quality of life. Symptoms typically don't manifest until 75% of the kidney function is lost. Normally, a cat's urine is relatively small in volume, yellowish, and has a strong odor. However, if you notice an increase in urine output, a lighter color, or a less potent smell, these could be signs that the cat's kidneys are losing their ability to concentrate urine. It's crucial to seek veterinary care promptly in such cases.

2. Keep an Eye on Weight

Regular weighins are another way to catch diseases early. It's best to use a baby scale for accuracy, as adult scales are not precise enough for measuring a cat's weight. Avoid estimating your cat's weight by subtracting your own weight from the total when holding it. Weight loss can occur in cats with chronic kidney disease, particularly in the latter stages of the second phase. If your cat's weight continues to drop, it's essential to consult a vet immediately, as this could indicate kidney disease or other health issues.

3. Schedule Regular Health Checkups Starting at One Year Old

Regular health checkups are key to early detection of kidney disease. Relying solely on pet owners' observations often means the disease has reached an advanced stage. It's advisable to start with a health checkup at one year of age and continue annually. These checkups should include a complete blood count, blood chemistry, urinalysis, abdominal ultrasound, and Xrays to identify any diseases early on.

Part 2: Causes of Feline Kidney Damage

After reaching full development, the kidneys are constantly exposed to toxins, environmental stress, and injuries from infections, medications, and vaccinations. The loss of renal units due to these injuries is irreversible. When chronic kidney disease is diagnosed, it's often the result of accumulated kidney function loss over time.

1. Infections

Urinary tract infections, such as cystitis in cats, can easily affect the kidneys if not treated promptly. Research also suggests that chronic periodontal disease is a risk factor for feline chronic kidney disease.

2. Vaccinations

The production of the feline distemper, calicivirus, and rabies vaccine uses cat kidney cells. This means that proteins from the kidney cells could be mixed into the vaccine and enter the cat's body, potentially triggering an immune response and the production of autoantibodies that can harm kidney cells. While vaccinations are crucial for preventing cat diseases, they can also be a risk factor for chronic kidney disease.

Part 3: Managing Chronic Kidney Disease in Cats

Why "managing" rather than "treating" chronic kidney disease? Because once kidney function is lost, it cannot be restored or replenished. Our efforts are focused on managing symptoms and slowing down the progression of the disease.

1. Hydration

As chronic kidney disease progresses to the middle to late stages of the third phase, cats may experience significant dehydration due to the kidneys' inability to reabsorb water effectively. This may require intravenous fluids. In the early phases, dehydration symptoms may not be as pronounced, and additional fluid intake may not be necessary, but ensuring your cat drinks plenty of water is vital.

2. Diet

Many cat owners mistakenly believe that lowprotein, lowphosphorus prescription food can "improve kidney function" or "treat chronic kidney disease." Some even think feeding older cats this type of food can "prevent" the disease. In the early and second phases of chronic kidney disease, strict protein restriction in the diet can lead to protein deficiency and a host of negative effects. Cats are obligate carnivores and require high protein, so feeding them food with too low a protein content can worsen their health.

3. Vaccinations

Vaccinations play a vital role in controlling cat diseases. Although they can be a risk factor for kidney disease, it's important not to skip vaccinations. Administer only the necessary vaccines and do so at reasonable intervals for booster shots.

4. Oral Health

Besides adequate hydration and appropriate vaccination, maintaining good oral health is crucial. Regular brushing and, if necessary, anesthetic dental cleanings, typically recommended once a year, are important. With proper care, this can be extended to every two years.

Tip: For more information on feline kidney health, check out our article "How to Prevent Feline Kidney Disease."

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