Cats are treasured pets in many households, but like all animals, they can develop health issues. For cat owners, few things are more worrying than when a feline companion starts showing signs of kidney problems. Understanding your cat’s kidneys and how to support them is essential for any caretaker.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Feeding your cat a diet lower in protein and phosphorous, keeping them hydrated, and regularly monitoring their kidney health can all help support kidney function.
Providing gentle massage over the kidney region may also help stimulate blood flow.
In this comprehensive 3000 word guide, we will cover everything you need to know about your cat’s kidneys, common problems like kidney disease, symptoms to look out for, and both standard and alternative treatment options to support your cat’s kidney health.
Cat Kidney Basics
The kidneys play a vital role in removing waste from a cat’s bloodstream and regulating fluid levels. Understanding basic kidney anatomy and function can help cat owners spot signs of potential kidney issues early on.
Anatomy and Function
Cats have two bean-shaped kidneys located in the abdominal cavity along the spine. Each kidney contains over 200,000 microscopic structures called nephrons that filter blood, reabsorb nutrients, and remove toxins and excess fluid (1).
The nephrons take waste products out of the bloodstream and convert them into urine. The urine then passes through the ureters to the bladder, where it is stored until the cat urinates. Healthy kidneys balance electrolytes, produce hormones that regulate blood pressure, and stimulate red blood cell production (2).
Common Kidney Diseases in Cats
Kidney disease is one of the most common feline health issues. Over 50% of cats over 15 years old have some form of kidney disorder (3). The two main types are chronic kidney disease (CKD) and acute kidney injury (AKI).
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) involves the gradual loss of kidney function over months or years. It cannot be reversed but progression can be slowed with dietary changes, fluids, and medication. CKD usually occurs secondary to other issues like high blood pressure, infections, toxins, cancer, or dental disease (4).Acute kidney injury (AKI) involves a sudden decrease in kidney function over days or weeks, often due to ingesting toxins, urinary obstructions, or low blood flow from shock or dehydration. AKI may be reversible if treated promptly. However, severe or repeated AKI can cause permanent damage (5).
Other common kidney issues include bladder or urinary tract infections (UTIs), kidney stones, kidney inflammation, birth defects, trauma, and cancer. Catching problems early maximizes treatment success.
Monitoring urine volume/frequency, drinking behavior, energy levels, and lab work helps detect kidney disease. Cats also show signs like vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, mouth ulcers, and bad breath. See a vet promptly for diagnosis and treatment if any concerns arise.
With attentive care and monitoring, many cats can live comfortably for years after a kidney diagnosis. Giving subcutaneous fluids, adjusting diet, and providing medications as needed helps manage this progressive condition.
Signs of Kidney Problems in Cats
Changes in Urination
Kidney disease often leads to changes in a cat’s urination habits. Some common signs include:
- Increased thirst and drinking more water
- Urinating larger volumes than usual
- Urinating outside the litter box
- Straining or crying out when urinating
- Bloody, cloudy, or foul-smelling urine
These occur because the kidneys are not effectively removing toxins and concentrating urine. Cats may drink and urinate more to try to flush out their system. If you notice any odd urination patterns, take your cat to the vet for a checkup.
Weight Loss
Unexplained weight loss is another sign of potential kidney problems. Kidney disease can lead to poor appetite, nausea, and muscle wasting. Body weight may drop gradually over time. Weigh your cat regularly at home to catch any downward trends early.
Sudden or rapid weight loss warrants an immediate trip to the veterinarian.
Poor Appetite
Sick kidneys release toxins into the bloodstream that make cats feel unwell. This can cause a disinterest in food. Cats may seem picky, eat less than usual at meals, or turn up their nose at favorite foods. An abrupt lack of appetite or refusal to eat for more than a day or two calls for a vet visit.
Vomiting
Nausea and gastrointestinal upset are common feline kidney disease symptoms. Toxins in the blood irritate the stomach lining and induce vomiting. You may find yellow or foul-smelling vomit around the house. Persistent vomiting is always a cause for concern.
See your vet to discover the underlying issue.
Bad Breath
Kidney failure allows uremic toxins to accumulate in the saliva and oral cavity. This gives cats a noticeable rotten or ammonia-like odor on their breath. Stinking breath due to kidney problems may come and go. Check your cat’s mouth regularly for bad odors and dental disease.
Let your vet know if you detect any foul smells.
Diagnosing Kidney Issues
Physical Exam
The veterinarian will start with a full physical exam, checking your cat’s vital signs, listening to their heart and lungs, palpating their abdomen, and assessing their general health. They may discover symptoms like weight loss, vomiting, increased thirst or urination, which could indicate kidney problems.
The physical exam provides an important first step in detecting potential issues.
Urinalysis
A urinalysis involves examining a urine sample under a microscope to look for signs of kidney dysfunction. Some common findings include high protein levels, presence of blood, crystals or casts, and concentration concerns.
The pH and specific gravity of the urine offers additional insight on the kidneys’ ability to concentrate and regulate. Urinalysis provides clear, tangible evidence to help diagnose kidney disorders.
Blood Tests
Blood work helps identify impaired kidney function through biomarkers like elevated creatinine and BUN levels. The SDMA kidney test offers early detection, up to 17 months sooner than traditional markers according to research.
Complete blood counts could indicate anemia and electrolyte imbalances resulting from kidney disease. Frequent blood monitoring tracks disease progression and response to therapy.
Imaging Tests
Veterinarians may recommend imaging studies like X-rays, ultrasound or CT scans to visualize the kidneys and look for issues like atrophy, swelling, masses, cysts or stones. These images directly inspect structural damage providing definitive diagnosis.
Ultrasound-guided kidney biopsies confirm diagnosis by extracting tissue samples for pathology. Imaging tests deliver concrete visual evidence to pinpoint kidney abnormalities.
By utilizing all four diagnostic avenues – physical exam, urinalysis, bloodwork and imaging – veterinarians can thoroughly evaluate kidney function and determine underlying causes. A multi-modal approach leads to accurate identification ensuring prompt treatment.
For more information check out the Vets4Pets kidney disease reference guide. With early detection and proper management, cats can live happily despite chronic kidney problems.
Conventional Treatment Options
Prescription Kidney Diets
There are several prescription kidney diets formulated to support cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD). These therapeutic diets typically have reduced protein, phosphorus, and sodium levels compared to regular cat foods.
Some also contain ingredients like omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil, antioxidants, and potassium citrate that can benefit kidney health.
Studies show that feeding a kidney diet helps limit production of uremic toxins and may slow progression of CKD. According to one 2022 clinical trial, cats fed a kidney diet lived a median of 2 years longer than cats fed a maintenance diet after a diagnosis of CKD.1 Kidney diets also reduce strain on damaged kidneys by minimizing waste production.
Some of the most commonly prescribed kidney diets for cats include Hill’s Prescription Diet k/d, Royal Canin Renal, and Purina NF Kidney Function.
Medications
Certain medications can help manage symptoms and slow progression of kidney disease in cats.
For example, ACE inhibitors like benazepril (Lotensin) help dilate blood vessels and lower blood pressure, reducing stress on the kidneys. Phosphate binders such as aluminum hydroxide (PhosLo) help control phosphorus levels by preventing absorption from food.
Antacids like famotidine (Pepcid) can treat gastrointestinal issues, while antiemetics like maropitant (Cerenia) control nausea and vomiting. Potassium supplements may also be given to cats with low blood potassium levels.
Always consult your veterinarian before giving your cat any medications, including supplements and over-the-counter drugs. Work closely with your vet to determine the best medications to manage your cat’s individual condition.
Subcutaneous Fluids
Giving subcutaneous (under the skin) fluids can help flush toxins from the body and prevent dehydration in cats with kidney issues. Your vet will show you how to administer fluids at home using small needles and bags of sterile saline solution.
According to a 2015 study, subcutaneous fluids significantly improved quality of life in cats with kidney disease, helping to resolve symptoms like vomiting, lethargy, and poor appetite.2 Most cats tolerate the fluids well and even come to accept them as part of their routine.
Always use sterile equipment and technique when giving subcutaneous fluids at home. The frequency depends on your cat’s needs, but is often every 1-3 days.
Hospitalization
In severe cases of acute kidney injury or chronic kidney disease, your vet may recommend hospitalizing your cat for intensive treatment. This allows close monitoring of hydration status, blood work, and kidney values while delivering intravenous fluids, injectable medications, and other supportive care.
Cats with kidney disease may need to be hospitalized for initial diagnosis and stabilization. Hospitalization also provides treatment options not available at home, like dialysis. Seek emergency veterinary care if your cat is extremely lethargic, not eating or drinking, or vomiting profusely.
Alternative and Supportive Therapies
Herbal Remedies
Certain herbs may help support normal kidney function and relieve symptoms associated with kidney disease. Herbs like astragalus, turmeric, and milk thistle have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can protect the kidneys.
Ginger, marshmallow root, and slippery elm can help soothe digestive issues like nausea and poor appetite. Always consult your veterinarian before giving your cat any herbal supplements, as some may interact with medications.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese practice that may help reduce pain and inflammation in cats with kidney disease. Fine needles are inserted at specific acupoints along the body to stimulate healing. Some studies show acupuncture can improve kidney function, reduce waste buildup in the blood, and ease side effects of nausea and poor appetite.
Make sure to find a certified veterinary acupuncturist to perform any treatments. Most cats tolerate the procedures very well with little or no discomfort.
Massage
Gentle massage can be an effective way to ease muscle tension, stimulate circulation, and reduce swelling in cats with kidney disease. Focus the massage on areas your cat seems to enjoy, like under the chin, behind the ears, along the spine, and near the base of the tail.
Use light pressure in long, flowing strokes. Massage may help relieve discomfort and provide a sense of relaxation. Just be sure to avoid putting too much pressure over the lower back and kidneys.
Supplements
Certain supplements may help support kidney health and minimize symptoms of kidney disease in cats. Some options include:
- Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil – help reduce inflammation and high blood pressure
- Probiotics – aid digestion and gut health
- Potassium gluconate – replenishes potassium levels
- Vitamin B complex – improves appetite and energy
- Antioxidants like vitamin E and vitamin C – reduce oxidative damage
Always talk to your vet before giving any supplements to ensure proper dosing and to check for interactions with any medications.
Conclusion
Kidney disease can be scary for any cat owner, but being informed about your cat’s kidney health and acting quickly when you notice any issues is key. With proper treatment, many cats can still live happy lives even after a kidney disease diagnosis.
Stay alert for any signs of trouble, work closely with your vet, and be ready to make diet and lifestyle changes to support your cat. With diligent care and monitoring, you can help your feline friend continue thriving.
