Symptoms & Treatment for Feline Kidney Failure: What Yo

Cats can suffer from two types of kidney failure: acute (ARF) and chronic (CRF).

Acute Kidney Failure in Cats

Acute kidney failure (ARF) occurs when a sudden injury or event causes the kidneys to stop functioning properly. Possible causes include urinary blockages, toxins (such as ethylene glycol found in antifreeze), or infectious agents that directly harm the kidneys. Most affected cats initially exhibit symptoms like decreased or no urination, vomiting (which may include pale red blood), excessive thirst, inflamed mouth (often making it difficult to eat), severe lethargy, seizures, and coma.

ARF is a severe condition that can be lifethreatening if not treated promptly. While it is a serious illness, immediate veterinary care can lead to full recovery. Unlike chronic kidney failure (CRF), ARF is not a gradual decline in kidney function but a sudden stop, and it is crucial to seek immediate veterinary attention.

Chronic Kidney Failure in Cats

Chronic kidney failure (CRF) is a progressive and permanent loss of kidney function over several months to years. It can be caused by a combination of factors, including age, environment, breed (such as Maine Coons, Abyssinians, Siamese, and Russian Blues), genetics, diseases, hypertension, low potassium, acidic diets, and inadequate water intake. The most common causes are typically related to aging and insufficient water intake.

In the early stages, cats may show signs of excessive thirst, frequent urination, weight loss, hair loss, and poor overall health. As the disease progresses, additional symptoms may appear, such as uremia, vomiting, bad breath, mouth ulcers, pain, anemia, and dehydration. In the later stages, symptoms can include vomiting blood, seizures, and coma.

CRF often occurs during the fall and winter seasons and is a common cause of death in older cats. Initially, there may be no symptoms, making it difficult to detect. Cats may simply appear thinner and drink more water without any other apparent changes. Without regular comprehensive health checks, many cats are not diagnosed until they are in the later stages of uremia.

Chronic Kidney Failure Care

While chronic kidney failure cannot be completely cured, it can be managed to maintain the cat's quality of life and extend its lifespan. Here are some tips for cat owners:

Adjust the Diet: Switch your cat's regular food to a prescription diet formulated for kidney failure. These diets typically have lower levels of phosphorus and protein, as cats with kidney failure need to reduce phosphorus intake. Avoid feeding your cat meat or dairy products.

PostTreatment Care: Continue with veterinary treatment and followup care after hospital discharge. This includes medication and proper nutrition.

Ensure Normal Eating Habits: If your cat struggles to eat dry food, consider wet food or a mix of wet and dry food. If necessary, you can dilute the food and feed it with a syringe.

Additional Measures: Vitamin B can stimulate appetite, so consider giving your cat Vitamin B supplements. For complications like mouth ulcers or tongue sores, use a product like Mia's Oral Care to reduce discomfort.

Provide Adequate Water: Cats with chronic kidney disease are at a higher risk of dehydration, so encourage them to drink plenty of water.

Tip: For more information on feline kidney failure, click on "Symptoms and Treatments for Feline Kidney Failure."