Kidney failure is a common problem, especially in older cats. A weak kidney is unable to efficiently filter toxins from the blood (such as digestive by-products, urea and creatinine). As a result, cats with kidney failure end up accumulating toxins in their blood and therefore risk suffering from inflammation of the stomach lining and nausea, thus becoming reluctant to eat. Fortunately, early diagnosis and intervention can slow the deterioration of the kidney and extend a cat's life, with adequate treatment, even two to three years.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Changing Your Cat's Diet
Step 1. Consider a personalized diet
If your cat suffers from kidney failure, consult with your veterinarian. He may prescribe a special diet designed specifically for the kidneys, with a limited intake of high-quality proteins and minimal amounts of phosphates and certain minerals. Proteins, phosphates and minerals are very difficult for the kidneys to filter, so a personalized diet that limits these substances is less harmful to the body.
Various studies have shown that phosphates can also cause the formation of scar tissue in the kidneys, so it is doubly important to limit the intake of this substance in your cat's diet
Step 2. If you are planning on getting him on a homemade diet, discuss the best sources of protein and nutrients with your vet
Veterinarians suggest relying primarily on white meats, such as chicken, turkey, and white fish, because they are easier to digest and strain the kidneys less than other foods. However, a cat suffering from kidney failure needs a balanced diet, which includes good sources of vitamins and minerals such as calcium, which is essential for the heart, bones and eyes. Your vet may then suggest a more balanced mix of foods.
Over time, a diet consisting solely of white meat could lead to your cat suffering from joint swelling, brittle bones, impaired vision and heart failure
Step 3. Offer your cat food he likes
In case of kidney failure, it is essential to make sure that the cat eats. Some cats will tend to starve rather than eat food they don't like; It makes no sense, therefore, to offer them a diet that will not be consumed, prescribed by the vet or made at home. It's best to compromise and give your cat something appetizing to eat.
- If he refuses to eat, he could develop a form of liver failure called hepatic lipidosis, which is as dangerous as kidney failure. Consult with your vet if you think there is reason to worry.
- If your cat has little appetite (a common symptom of kidney failure) try feeding it manually: many cats will start eating if the food is offered directly from their owners' hands.
- Alternatively, try to put a crumb of food on his mustache so that he licks it and can taste it. He may be encouraged to eat.
- You could also try heating the food in the microwave, so that it smells stronger and has a more attractive temperature. Some cats may refuse cold food, but eat it when reheated.
Step 4. Offer your cat phosphate binders
Phosphate binders combine with phosphate in foods so that it remains in the digestive tract and does not pass into the blood. Giving your cat phosphate binders will then lower the level of phosphates in the blood and slow down the rate of scar tissue formation in the kidneys. Consult with your vet for advice on the best phosphate binders for your cat. One of the most common, Renalzin, is sold in the form of a paste; just mix it into the cat's food, it will start to take effect from the first bite.
For most cats, the ideal amount is one dose of Renalzin, twice a day. If your cat is larger in size and consumes more food, your vet may recommend two doses of Renalzin, twice a day
Step 5. Make sure your cat is drinking plenty of water
A diseased kidney loses its ability to retain water and produces smaller amounts of urine. This fluid loss needs to be replaced, so make sure your cat drinks a lot.
If he loves drinking from running water, you might consider buying him a fountain. Otherwise, try serving the water in a very large bowl, as some cats do not appreciate having their whiskers touch the edge of a plate
Method 2 of 3: Treat Your Cat
Step 1. Give him antacid medications
Cats suffering from kidney failure tend to develop inflammation of the stomach lining, which in turn causes heartburn and, in some cases, gastric ulcer. To give him some relief and encourage appetite, your vet may recommend an antacid drug. The most common medicine in these cases is omeprazole, a proton pump inhibitor that is extremely effective in reducing the secretion of gastric acids. The recommended dose for smaller cats is 1 mg by mouth, once a day; Older cats can usually take half a 10 mg tablet once a day.
If you have not been prescribed omeprazole, you can always try famotidine, which is contained in common drugs such as Pepcid. This medicine blocks the production of gastric acids induced by histamines. Unfortunately the dosage can be more difficult. Larger cats typically need a quarter of a 20 mg tablet, but the recommended dosage for smaller cats is an eighth of a tablet, which can be difficult to cut
Step 2. Enrich your diet with vitamin B
B vitamins are important for healthy digestion and a good appetite. This group of vitamins is water soluble, so your cat's increased thirst may cause it to disperse too quickly in the urine. Your vet may recommend a series of injections, typically one a week for four weeks, to maintain an adequate level of B vitamins in your cat's blood.
Step 3. Stimulate the cat's appetite with medicines
If he is not hungry, even if you are giving him antacid drugs and you are sure there is no dehydration problem, you could try giving him an appetite stimulant. Consult with your veterinarian to establish a low dose of intravenous diazepam, which in some cases can stimulate the cat's appetite. Another possibility is Periactin, an antihistamine drug that stimulates appetite as a side effect. The recommended dose is 0 / 1-0.5mg twice a day. Older cats may need half a tablet, twice a day.
Step 4. Treat it with ACE inhibitors
If administered in the initial stages of kidney disease, inhibitors of the enzymes responsible for converting angiotensin (ACE inhibitors) can prolong the life of the kidneys. These drugs modify the flow of blood through the kidneys and decrease pressure, thus limiting damage to the microcirculation within the kidneys. The recommended dose is one 2.5 mg tablet of Fortekor once a day. Consult with your vet to find the best solution for your cat.
Note: ACE inhibitors will not cure kidney disease, they will only protect your cat's kidneys from wear. These medicines are ineffective in the case of already advanced kidney disease
Method 3 of 3: Keeping Your Cat's Health Checked
Step 1. Understand the problems associated with hypertension
Cats suffering from kidney failure tend to have high blood pressure (also called hypertension). This problem puts them at high risk for blood clots and stroke. In addition, hypertension can cause an accumulation of fluids between the retina and the back of the eye, causing a detachment of the retina and sudden blindness.
Step 2. Check your cat's blood pressure regularly
Since hypertension is a serious problem, make sure your vet checks the cat's blood pressure regularly.
- If your blood pressure is slightly high, an ACE inhibitor could reduce it by up to 10%.
- If hypertension is more severe, the veterinarian may recommend an anti-hypertension drug, such as amlodipine. The recommended dose is 0.625-1.25 mg once daily, which is one eighth of a 5 mg tablet.
Step 3. Watch out for urinary infections
Since cats with kidney failure produce less urine, they are more prone to urinary infections. Minor infections may not cause symptoms, but they still need to be treated as bacteria can travel from the bladder to the liver, helping to aggravate kidney damage.
