Symptoms of Kidney Failure in Cats
Just like us, cats are subject to sickness and stress. And, just like us, there are many things that can be done to maintain their good health. One all too common ailment befalling cats is kidney failure, symptoms of which are similar to those in humans. It’s an often fatal disease, and is certainly something you want to – and can – prevent. Here’s how to recognize the symptoms of kidney failure in cats.
Paula began to be aware that her cat, Beau, was drinking more water than usual. Not just once, but for several consecutive days. She knew that excess thirst could be a sign of illness, so she made an appointment with Beau’s vet for some tests. Urine and blood analysis made it clear that Beau was in the initial stages of acute kidney disease. But Beau was a lucky kitty. Because his problem was detected early, Paula’s vet was able to treat the illness successfully and Beau made a total recovery.
What Is Kidney Disease?
In brief, the function of your cat’s kidneys is to filter and remove waste material from their blood stream. They also control the volume and composition of your cat’s body fluids.
There are 2 types of kidney disease:
- Acute, a sudden and unexpected loss of kidney functioning which can occasionally be reversed, and
- Chronic, a loss of kidney function that happens gradually over a period of time. Chronic kidney disease is generally progressive; however, depending on the underlying cause – and with careful management – your cat can continue to live comfortably for several years.
The factors behind kidney disease can include inherited defects, infections, toxic substances and simply growing older. Though the exact cause of your cat’s kidney disease can be tricky to establish, with careful testing by your vet, it’s possible that it can be managed. Most treatments are intended to decrease the workload of the kidneys, reduce the severity of the symptoms, and slow the progression of the disease.
What Are The Symptoms of Kidney Failure In Cats?
If your cat’s kidney disease has impacted his kidney’s ability to perform as it should, waste materials have begun to collect in the blood. Symptoms of potential kidney failure in your cat include:
- Loss of appetite
- Increased thirst
- Frequent urination, or increased volume of urine
- Poor condition of fur
- Depression and/or vomiting
What You Can Do To Prevent Kidney Disease
While the disease is most frequently found in older cats, younger ones are not free from the danger. And while it isn’t always avoidable, there ARE things you can be doing to help minimize the likelihood of your cat developing the disease:
- Feed them the highest quality cat food you can (preferably wet food; many are specifically developed to boost kidney functioning)
- Provide continual access to fresh, clean water
- Get rid of any toxic materials in your home
- Maintain a quiet, low stress environment (you’ll benefit from this as well!)
- Regular vet visits, to spot potential issues as quickly as possible
You are your cat’s advocate and guardian angel. You are your animal’s best chance to get the medical attention he needs when the issue is still at an early stage and treatment is most likely to be successful. The emphasis here is on prevention; it is always preferable to forestall a potential illness, or to catch and treat it in the early stages, than to be forced to deal with it after it’s gotten a firm foothold.
There are many excellent products on the market that will help you boost your cat’s ability to fend off illness, some intended specifically to prevent feline kidney symptoms from appearing in the first place. But if you believe you’ve already detected any of the symptoms of kidney failure in your cat, schedule a vet visit immediately. With early detection, your cat has the best chance of surviving and living a long and happy life.
