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Your cat’s kidneys play a vital role in maintaining their health. Among their many jobs, the kidneys help control blood pressure; produce important hormones, enzymes, and red blood cells; and remove waste products from the blood. If your cat’s kidneys aren’t able to do their job properly, this can lead to significant, life-threatening problems, so knowing the signs of kidney disease is very important.
Common Causes of Kidney Disease in Cats
Kidney disease is one of the most common causes of severe illnesses in cats, especially in older cats. There are two categories of kidney disease in cats: acute kidney disease and chronic kidney disease. Signs of acute kidney disease usually manifest in a matter of weeks, while chronic kidney disease develops over a longer period of time. The risk for cat kidney disease is higher in certain breeds like Persians and Angoras because of inherited defects, but in general, kidney disease tends to be acquired.
Potential causes of kidney disease in cats include:
Decreased blood flow to the kidneys
High blood pressure
Cancer
Obstructions, such as kidney stones or urethral blockage, which cause urine pressure to build and back up into the kidneys
Ingestion of toxic substances, such as antifreeze, pesticides, medications and cleaning chemicals
Advanced dental disease
Old-age ‘wear and tear’
Signs of Kidney Disease in Cats
Chronic kidney disease in cats is a progressive disease, and symptoms may not be apparent for a long time. Cats often show no signs at all in the early stages, with signs typically only appearing when around 75 percent of kidney function has been lost. Common signs of kidney disease in cats may also be difficult to detect because of their similarities to other disorders like diabetes and hyperthyroidism.
If you notice any of these signs in your cat, contact your vet:
Increased thirst
Frequent or no urination
Poor coat appearance
Lethargy and depression
Bad breath
Sore mouth or mouth ulcers
Increased sleeping
Treatment for Cat Kidney Disease
With early diagnosis, acute renal disease can be detected and managed. However, chronic renal disease is an incurable condition that mainly affects older cats and is treated with palliative care. Depending on the condition, your vet may recommend a change in your cat’s food, fluid therapy, or blood pressure medication.
Because symptoms may not be apparent until your cat’s kidney function has been lost, it is important to make sure your cat gets their regular check-up at the vet. This could be the difference between catching it early and catching it too late. It’s recommended that all cats seven years and older get a “senior screening” at their annual check-up in order to check for kidney issues. Also, it is helpful to document unusual tendencies you notice in your cat from the onset, such as the ones listed above; this can be very helpful in helping your vet to determine if your cat’s kidneys need to be further examined.
If your cat has been diagnosed with kidney disease, modifying their food has been proven to slow the progression of the disease and lengthen lifespan. These specially formulated foods have controlled amounts of protein and minerals to reduce the workload on the kidneys, and additional ingredients such as omega 3 oils and antioxidants to reduce inflammation and cell damage.
Balanced nutrition is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle. If your cat has kidney problems, the right nutrition can positively impact their life. Make sure you have fresh water available to your cat at all times.
If you suspect that your cat may have renal disease, consult your vet as soon as you can. While we may not be able to cure kidney disease in cats, we can work as a team to catch it as early as possible and formulate a treatment plan to give your cat the longest, happiest life we can.
Reviewed by Dr. Hein Meyer, DVM, PhD, Dipl-ECVIM-CA and Dr. Emma Milne BVSc FRCVS
