Cats with renal disease often display signs like loss of weight, frequent urination, decreased appetite, nausea, and a few other symptoms.
Since some cats may not exhibit any symptoms at all, conventional physical checkups and screening tests of the blood and urine might easily overlook kidney illness in cats.
Even when they do, the initial symptoms are not always evident because they depend on the severity of the disease in the affected cat, the cat’s age, and a few other variables.
Common signs of renal failure in cats include:
- Gradual loss of weight and deterioration in physical condition.
- Drinking more water and urinating/peeing more frequently (polydipsia/polyuria).
- Lack of vitality or lethargy.
- Fatigue and dizziness.
- A reduction or absence of appetite.
- Vomiting.
- Swelling (Edema)
- Poor breath
- Diarrhea
- Poor coat of hair
The warning signs mentioned above are frequent indications of something wrong, so keep an eye on your pet.
Treatment of Cat Renal Disease
Each cat needs support differently for the multifaceted treatment of chronic renal failure.
Kidney illness has no effective cure or treatment. The intention is to support the cat’s renal function and overall quality of life.
Slowing the spread of the disease is the aim of supportive care.
- Maximizing hydration: Cats with chronic renal disease experience chronic dehydration because one of the symptoms of kidney disease is an inability of the kidney to retain fluid.
Enhancing hydration enhances general well-being and aids kidney blood flow.
More water bowls or water to wet and dry kibble are two ways to increase hydration.
When advised by the veterinarian, subcutaneous fluid treatment can increase hydration at home.
With support and guidance, you can handle this independently at home. The veterinarian will offer suggestions regarding volume and frequency.
- Hypertension Management: Blood pressure medicines are started to prevent further organ damage in cats with hypertension.
Your veterinarian will prescribe these medications, and serial blood pressure monitoring aids in figuring out the best dosage and schedule.
- Handling Anemia: A lack of the hormone necessary for producing red blood cells leads to anemia. This is also the case in felines as it is not peculiar to humans.
Erythropoietin needs to be replaced; hence supplements are required. The veterinarian will handle that by administering the proper drugs or shots.
- Taking care of electrolytes: Due to a lack of renal control, cats with chronic kidney illness frequently have low potassium and increased phosphorus levels.
Phosphate binders are suggested for those with hyperphosphatemia to reduce phosphorus absorption from food. Potassium supplements are recommended for cats that have hypokalemia.
It takes repeated electrolyte monitoring to fine-tune the ideal formula for each cat.
- Administration of appetite stimulants for felines with appetite loss: Where the cat loses its hunger, appetite stimulants: renal illness might impact the appetite. The most popular medication is mirtazapine, which is available as a tablet or an FDA-approved cream applied to the inner ear. Regular administration of mirtazapine is optional. It is very effective at increasing appetite; however, it might occasionally lead to a slight increase in vocalization.
- Diet Modification to Kidney-Friendly Meals: Your veterinarian can help by recommending meals that accommodate the cat’s new condition.
Various diets are designed to slow down kidney damage by lightening the burden on renal filtration. These meals often have low protein, phosphorus, and salt content.
Additionally, moist food will help cats with kidney disorders stay as hydrated as possible.
Therefore, even when the condition has reached a chronic degree of irreversible status, a renal diet could give the afflicted cat a longer and more fulfilling life.
- Anti-nausea: Some kidney-affected cats experience nausea. Cerenia is the common anti-nausea medication we utilize (pill). You can administer it every day or as needed.
Stages of Kidney Disease in Cats
Measurements of blood pressure, thyroid examinations, and further urine examinations to check for infection and protein are all part of staging.
The staging categorization describes the severity of the decline in kidney function, highlights the development to date, and forecasts symptoms and progression.
The staging also indicates where the cat’s kidney is.
There may be additional sub-staging based on the severity of the proteinuria and hypertension.
Your veterinarian will undertake all the necessary testing for staging, and the results will determine your pet’s disease stage.
Early-stage felines occasionally don’t exhibit evident symptoms, and lab testing is required to identify the signs.
The most apparent symptom of feline kidney illness is the cat’s kidneys’ inability to retain water, which frequently causes the cat to lose vast volumes of water in the form of pee and to drink excessively.
According to the International Renal Interest Society (IRIS) categorization, kidney disease has four distinct stages, each with its characteristics. Different therapy suggestions are offered for each of the four stages.
Cat Kidney Illness Stage 1: Kidney disease is difficult to notice, but as a responsible cat parent, you can help by taking your cat to the vet regularly, especially if there are no obvious physical symptoms.
However, test results are determined by a creatinine value of less than 1.6 and symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) of no more than 18.
Dehydration, infections, genetic susceptibility, dental disease, age, and other factors may all contribute to stage 1 kidney disease, but the precise reason is unknown.
Although it can occur in adult cats and kittens, old senior cats are more likely to develop it.
Azotemia is not detected (excess blood urea nitrogen (BUN)), which is the increase of certain substances in the urine.
The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) is still acceptable, indicating that the kidney is still filtering wastes and toxins.
Stage 2 of cat kidney disease is more severe than stage 1 but is still regarded as mild in terms of the disease’s overall course.
Creatinine ranges in value from 1.6 to 2.8. SDMA (symmetric dimethylarginine) ranges in age from 18 to 25.
Azotemia (excess blood urea nitrogen, or BUN), which is present at this stage but not severe, lacks any discernible clinical symptoms.
The cat appears healthy and in good condition outside, showing no illness.
Because of the decreased estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), which has led to useless waste and toxin purification, more than 66% of the functional capacity has already been lost at stage 2.
Protein in your urine or physical injury could be indicators of kidney disease.
The best course of action is to start changing the cat’s food to meet the issue facing the kidneys and stop the advancement of renal failure.
Cat Kidney Disease Stage 3: The third stage of cat kidney disease is characterized by a wide range of symptoms, such as weight loss, weariness, nausea, shortness of breath, frequent urination, difficulties retaining fluid, restlessness brought on by muscle spasms, frothy urine, and many others.
Creatinine levels between 2.9 and 5 and symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) levels between 26 and 38 are recognized for stage 3.
Moderate azotemia (excess blood urea nitrogen, or BUN) and specific illness symptoms will have been present.
Even though over 76% of kidney function is lost at stage 3, the kidneys still function well enough to prevent the need for dialysis or a kidney transplant.
Damage, however, is permanent.
The objective is to improve and lengthen your cat’s quality of life by reducing these symptoms and controlling the progression of renal disease.
In addition to feeding clinical renal diets, other advised actions include:
- Stopping any medications that could put an additional burden on the cat’s kidneys.
- Monitoring blood phosphorus and calcium levels every 4-6 weeks until you notice noticeable stability.
- Monitoring blood pressure and urine protein levels every quarter.
- Paying close attention to decreased appetite and increased urination.
Cat Kidney Disease Stage 4: At this stage of cat renal disease, the kidneys are at least 90% functionally impaired.
Creatinine levels above five and symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) levels above 38 indicate the presence of stage 4.
Additionally, there is extreme azotemia (excess blood urea nitrogen) (BUN).
Even though your veterinarian will know the proper course of action, it is still advised to have another examination every month.
Even though your veterinarian will manage every step of the process, some explanation of azotemia, SDMA, and (eGFR) may be helpful.
Azotemia is characterized by elevated serum creatinine levels and blood urea nitrogen (BUN). The cat’s bodily system becomes poisonous due to the accumulation of these nitrogen molecules.
If the azotemia is not treated, the infected cat’s kidneys could shut down and experience renal failure.
SDMA implies Symmetric Dimethylarginine. When protein is broken down and subsequently eliminated through the kidneys, an amino acid called SDMA is created in the body. SDMA is measured as part of the renal fitness test.
To put it simply, the methylated form of arginine found in intracellular proteins of all nucleated cells is SDMA.
Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate, or (eGFR), measures the efficiency with which your kidneys remove waste products, poisons, and extra fluid from your body. It also identifies the stage of renal illness you are experiencing.
Treating Your Cat’s End Stage 4 Renal Failure
Renal failure develops in stages as the kidney’s functionality declines, with each stage characterized by a unique set of symptoms.
The findings of the tests and other diagnostic procedures dictate the next step.
Even though it may sound unpleasant, the kidney is nearly gone entirely at the end stage, which is the stage of the renal disease where there is no chance of recovery.
At that point, the kidney is destroyed to a greater than 90% extent.
Dehydration, loss of appetite, and nausea are among the noticeable symptoms. Treat each symptom in certain prescribed manners to offer the cat a comfortable life.
- Correcting Dehydration: Dehydration is caused by the cat’s kidney’s inability to retain water, which leads to nausea and weakness.
Once the kidneys are damaged, you cannot fix the issue entirely again.
The optimum strategy is to ensure that the volume lost to all waste routes is outweighed by fluid intake through various modes.
Encourage the cat to drink extra water orally as one of the treatment options. Professionals deliver the fluid intakes using syringes as well.
Fluids given intravenously can also act as a top. The veterinarian will choose how much and for how long after determining the severity of the illness.
You can give subcutaneous fluid of sterile saline solution to treat dehydration issues.
- Supporting Hunger: When appetite declines, energy loss occurs. Increasing toxin levels cause a loss of appetite.
Your veterinarian will examine the cat’s condition to make a precise recommendation.
However, there are treatments for appetite loss, such as injections, vitamin B supplements, and appetite stimulants. Another way to get the cat to eat is to keep the food warm.
- Managing Nausea: Toxins build up in the bloodstream due to the kidney’s decreased capacity to carry out its filtration role. The cat experiences nausea from the accumulated poisons, which makes it feel unwell.
An antacid or other medication that can neutralize stomach acid can be given.
Other anti-nausea medications, such as maropitant, or general anti-sickness meds, can also be used. Please make sure to follow your veterinarian’s instructions when doing this.
Phosphate binders can lower blood phosphate levels, which will eventually lessen nausea.
Drugs that promote the layering of bandages can help lessen the tendency to feel queasy.
Diet and Vitamin Requirements for Cats with Kidney Disease
A cat with renal disease needs love more than ever, and one of the most remarkable things you can do for it is to take all reasonable steps to lessen its suffering and discomfort.
The sick cat’s ability to eat is limited because the kidney’s functionality is already compromised.
Even after a kidney has been declared to be failing, you can improve the pet’s quality of life by feeding them a diet that puts as little strain as possible on its kidneys.
The proper diet may also help the cat with kidney disease live a little longer.
The degree of renal illness determines what dietary adjustments are necessary.
You should be aware that removing poisons and phosphate from the bloodstream is more difficult now than ever. Otherwise, the cat’s unhealthy kidneys will experience more stress.
Reach out to your vet constantly so they can recommend only high-quality protein diets with low-phosphate and reduced-protein cat food.
The emphasis is on high-quality protein because your cat could not like the low-protein diet you choose, and the vet will be able to determine whether to add appetizers or hunger stimulants.
The most suggested food for a cat with renal disease is still canned food due to its high moisture content.
Turkey, boiled eggs, and liver are other protein foods with low phosphorus concentrations that shouldn’t harm the cat’s health.
Offer fish with a high phosphorus content with caution, such as salmon, tuna, and other types of fish. The administration of those high-phosphorus proteins will further tax the damaged kidneys.
The dinner can be different or routine.
Make an effort to add different flavors to the dishes. Try to praise and pet the cat as it finishes the meal because felines have emotions, too, and the misery of its current situation cannot entirely stifle the feelings.
Additionally, hand-feeding and reheating the food may both promote consumption.
In addition to regular meals, vitamin and mineral supplements can aid your cat’s body in coping with the stress brought on by decreased renal function.
Depending on the tests and diagnoses performed on the cat, your veterinarian may advise potassium-supplementing supplements, vitamin B, and vitamin D. These replace the minerals that have been lost.
Remember that the cat’s renal condition is no longer optimal; therefore, the vitamins and medications alleviate symptoms and provide a pleasant life for the cat.
Feeding your kitty a special diet designed for animals with impaired kidney function will help to maintain the balance of their body systems by lessening the workload placed on their kidneys.
Generally, give diets low in phosphorus, protein, and sodium supplemented with omega-3 fatty acids to pets with kidney illnesses.
Can a Cat with Kidney Disease Be Fed with a Homemade Diet?
When a cat is diagnosed with kidney illness, one of the common recommendations is to adjust its food. However, transitioning your cat to a kidney-prescription diet can be difficult.
When a cat has renal problems, one of the first lines of advice is to avoid dry diets since they are excessively dehydrating.
The best option is to get high-quality, all-natural canned wet food.
Suppose you prepare meals for your sick cat at home. In that case, it is best to speak with your veterinarian about what you should give your furry friend because following a general guideline may not be beneficial given its current health.
In general, the cat can get vital fibers and carbohydrates from commonly consumed cereals for humans. Both brown and white rice is suitable for this. You can as well add quinoa.
For a cat with kidney problems, vegetables and beans are also suitable for homemade food. These legumes and vegetables include necessary B vitamins as well as essential proteins.
For its regular meal, these can include kale, spinach, cauliflower, cantaloupe, zucchini, blueberries, and broccoli.
These human foods are also low in phosphorus and magnesium, so they won’t put more strain on the kidneys that are already compromised.
Additionally, because they are so refreshing, you can give the cat phosphorus-rich fruits like carrots, apples, and watermelons.
The foods you cook for the ill cat at home should not contain proteins that are heavy in salt and phosphorus.
Remember to include an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids in the meals you prepare at home; a fish oil supplement may be the solution.
Yogurt that is plain and low in fat has the probiotics and buffers your cat needs to avoid stomach issues, reduce gut acidity, and maintain a healthy pH.
Never season your homemade food with salt or spices because cats, even those without kidney illness, should never consume these. Salt and spices will increase the kidney’s workload.
Another helpful technique is to keep the cat’s food warm so that it would be more appetizing.
Simply giving the cat water may not be sufficient if dehydration has been detected due to the kidneys’ failure to retain fluid; instead, the doctor may advise giving the cat an oral or subcutaneous fluid injection.
The ailing companion’s health will be improved by the provision of fluids together with the prescribed drugs.
Except for some brands your vet has suggested, most cat meals sold on the market are even high in phosphorus. Some also have high acid content, which is terrible for the animal’s health.
Although challenging, cooking at home for your cats with kidney disease can be beneficial. Consult your veterinarian for guidance.
How Long Do Cats Live After Being Diagnosed with Kidney Disease
Although cats with renal disease can live, it is challenging to estimate how long they will live because it relies on various circumstances.
When a cat gets chronic kidney disease or kidney disease, It is treatable but not curable.
Overall, kidney disease is not a rapidly progressing illness. In actuality, it’s a condition that worsens over time and advances gradually.
The stage of the kidney illness and the degree of renal detection, the cat’s age, the cause of the disease, genetic exposure, and other varied elements that may be particular to the feline under consideration all affect the life expectancy of a cat with kidney disease.
Most of the same variables that affect a cat’s life expectancy also affect how quickly the disease progresses in that cat’s kidneys.
Anything that damages the kidneys has the potential to hasten kidney deterioration, in addition to the quality of therapy, which is essential in managing the medical and lifestyle circumstances brought on by renal impairment.
The variables that influence the rate of advancement differ from instance to case. These include the stage of kidney injury, which affects how quickly the kidneys deteriorate, and diet exposure following the diagnosis, which can either mitigate or exacerbate the damage.
When these elements are considered, a cat’s lifespan following diagnosis ranges between 30 and 70 months. The average time from detection to death is about 25 months.
While a cat with advanced renal illness may only have a month or two to live, one with early detection of kidney disease has the potential to live for 36 months or longer.
If they are suffering from renal illness, you can take proactive measures to assist your cat in having a decent quality of life.
Such efforts include changing the diet of the affected cat to suit their current condition better. Giving the sick the necessary drugs can also go a long way.
Additionally, lessen the stress the cat is under and comforts the cat in ways that can improve the feline’s welfare.
Is Kidney Disease in Cats Fatal
Feline renal failure sickens and kills elderly cats more than any other ailment.
Its causes are largely still unknown, making prevention nearly impossible.
With few exceptions, renal failure is incurable, has severe symptoms, and is deadly.
Therefore, cats with kidney disease can eventually anticipate passing away from the condition.
A healthy diet and effective illness management are only two examples of the many variables that might affect how the disease progresses.
Complications that arise as the illness worsens make things worse for the sick cat.
Among the complications a cat with chronic renal disease frequently encounters are the following:
a. An increase in the blood’s toxin levels, particularly those of creatinine and urea, causes nausea, vomiting, and decreased appetite.
b. The cat has difficulty concentrating its pee, which causes water loss and dehydration.
c. protein is lost due to kidney protein leakage, which causes muscle atrophy and poor physical condition.
d. Shortage or lack of red blood formation causes anemia.
e. Retention of blood pressure-raising hormones results in hypertension (high blood pressure).
The goal of treatment is to manage these side effects, relax the kidney, and prevent further damage.
Naturally, as the condition worsens, more harm is done to the kidney as well as other vital organs, and the cat eventually develops her final illness before passing away.
However, when the illness is caught early, and the cat is not too elderly, the condition progresses quite slowly.
Early detection can offer a high level of certainty that the affected feline can live a decent, quality life for a reasonable amount of time (potentially years, depending on the kidney fitness level).
Therefore, rather than healing the cat, any treatment is intended to lessen its effects.
Is Kidney Disease Painful to the Sick Cat?
Since older cats are more likely to have renal disease, it is apparent that cats with kidney problems experience pain.
Cats with chronic renal failure frequently display hooked and embowed backs, as well as spastic and foot-dragging stepping.
Only the physical manifestation can be seen in the indicators mentioned above.
Therefore, we cannot completely rule out emotional components of the suffering, which frequently manifest in the ill cat’s habits, like seclusion, scents, appearance, weakness, and nausea.
Any medication given must be veterinarian-approved because it may worsen kidney deterioration and be contraindicative.
To help with the dehydration problem, you can also nudge the cat to eat and drink as much as possible. Attempt to keep the food warm as well.
Does Kidney Disease in Cats Cause Vomiting?
In the early stages of cat kidney disease, constant thirst, excessive water consumption, and frequent water urination are typical symptoms.
As the illness worsens, vomiting might start, followed by diarrhea, appetite loss, and weight loss.
Clinical symptoms of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in cats’ later stages include vomiting and anorexia.
Cats begin to lose weight, eat less, and vomit as they approach IRIS CKD Stages 3 and 4.
Chronic renal disease frequently has side effects, including increased stomach acid.
The high stomach acid results in stomach ulcers, which then cause anorexia, motion sickness, and vomiting. Oral medication can reduce the excess stomach acid.
Many cats develop constipation due to cat kidney disease, which causes dehydration.
Other frequent causes of vomiting due to stomach upset in cats include a terrible food reaction, viruses, parasites, or more severe issues like organ or cancer conditions.
Chronic vomiting is another symptom of inflammatory bowel disease. Excessive intestinal wall inflammation is the cause of this disease.
Cat Kidney Failure Treatment Cost
Treatment for felines with kidney disease typically entails:
1.Treatment of the disease’s underlying causes, such as urinary tract obstruction, infection, or a severe dental issue.
2. Treatment of the side effects and symptoms of damaged kidney function.
3.Renal crises frequently accompany other diseases or coincidental ailments, depending on the degree, because reduced kidney function over time affects other organs like the heart.
4.Personalized treatment is intended to slow kidney function decline following the staging for the patient’s cat. The plan will address other risk factors like hypertension and urine protein.
Once the type of kidney disease has been determined, there are a variety of options for treatment, including pills, surgery, intravenous or subcutaneous fluids, the removal of blockages, IV fluids, and a drastic change in diet.
Additionally, you might receive training on administering fluids to your cat at home.
The main goal of kidney failure treatments for cats is to prolong and improve their quality of life.
The objective is that the illness is terminal, meaning the infected cat will eventually pass away.
Treatments for kidney failure that are frequently expensive to manage to include:
1.Diagnostic costs: Blood tests will be required every 6 to 12 months, depending on your cat’s kidney disease stage.
Blood tests often cost between $60 and $130. (excluding consultation fees).
2.Dietary changes: A switch to a feline diet with simple-to-digest ingredients is necessary (like protein).
For famous brands, this costs $50–$70 per month on average.
Phosphate binders, vitamins B and C, appetite stimulants, anti-sickness drugs, and anabolic steroid medications are some additional expenses linked to a change in diet.
When you prepare meals for your cat with kidney disease at home, the price varies depending on the ingredients you want.
But always remember that the homemade meal must follow your veterinarian’s advice.
3.Hydration therapy involves giving the pet fluid injections under the skin. After about two or three training sessions under a veterinarian and with a supply of subcutaneous fluids and needles, you can perform this at home.
Remember that training to do it yourself at home can cost some money.
The cost of providing subcutaneous fluids for a month with two to three treatments per week varies from $205 to 310+ here in the USA (though it may differ from state to state).
4.Dialysis costs between $2,500 and $3,000 for the first week of therapy, even though they are more uncommon and expensive.
Therefore, with an average of three treatments per week, each treatment comes at $500.
5.kidney transplants: Pets with severe kidney failure may be eligible for kidney transplants, costing between $11,500 and $14,000. The total cost of kidney transplant surgery includes tests, adoption of donors, surgeries on both pets, and additional hospital care.
For a cat, the cost of anti-rejection medications and other prescription medications is around $1,000 annually.
Additionally, owners must pay for the adoption of the donor cat, who will need assistance for a short while following surgery.
It takes dedication and commitment to pursue a kidney transplant, but owners who can’t imagine life without their furry friend may have this option.
With this in mind, no post-transplant drugs have been added. After the transplant, you can continue taking these for up to six months.
All of these treatments should be viewed as temporary fixes that either slow the progression of kidney failure or improve the pet’s quality of life because there is no known cure for kidney disease.
When Is It Time To Put Down a Cat with Kidney Failure?
As painful as it sounds, putting down your feline friend has to do with knowing the final stages of kidney failure where the situation can no longer be managed with meaningful results in anticipation except to let go of this lovely companion.
When kidney damage is established, the best thing to do for the furry pet is to maximize its remaining quality of life, lessen the pain associated with renal failure, and improve its comfort.
Living longer is abandoned because the vital organ needed to perform much work is already deceased.
Therefore, focus on therapies that can lessen renal failure-related pain and delay the rate of deterioration.
It is best to let go at that point!
As agonizing as it is, euthanizing your feline friend involves being aware that it is in its final stages of kidney failure, and the best is to let go of this devoted friend.
The cat’s condition has gotten so bad that the blood work isn’t improving. And the question that crosses your mind is how much and how long you will continue to witness your adorable cat experiencing pain or suffering.
Even though it’s painful, you should not consider asking a veterinarian for advice. You are still in the best position to make that choice because you knew your cat’s fitness status better than anyone before the illness started.
When a cat doesn’t die peacefully, and we have to give it the most loving gift possible—euthanasia—it is always a traumatizing experience for cat parents.
Signs to know that your kitty is no longer responding to treatments, despite all your efforts and resources:
- foul breath and refusal to eat.
- confusion and vigor in the mind
- mental bewilderment
- lowered or absent urination
- sunken, lifeless eyes or blindness
- hiding while changing one’s behavior
- incontinence
- being unable to walk
- heart attack
- refusal of food
- Seizures
- smelly body
- Restlessness
- blindness
- horrible breath
- anemia
- low potassium, high phosphorus, extremely high urea, and very high creatinine levels