Feeding a Cat with Kidney disease

Unfortunately, during the course of their lifetime some cats develop a medical disorder. Diet can play a huge part in the health of our pets, and research has shown that the correct type of nutrition can help to maintain an animal's condition and help prevent it from getting worse or to help make that condition better. There are some nutrition companies who have invested

a large amount of time and money into developing specific diets for medical disorders and problems, as it would be incredibly difficult to devise a diet yourself to feed your pet for a specific condition and actually get it right! These prescription diets are nutritionally balanced, high quality, and complete so can be fed exclusively.

What is Kidney Failure in cats?
Kidney failure or Chronic Renal Failure (CRF) refers to any type of kidney disease or problem, which results in the kidneys’ reduced ability to function adequately. As a kidney's job is to filter wastes from the blood, to preserve electrolytes and to concentrate urine, it can be very serious if the kidney stops working as it should. Damage to the kidneys can be caused by injury, tumours, infection, and poisoning, unfortunately kidney damage is irreversible and in some cases is progressive, but if diagnosed early enough, and with the right treatment and diet progression can be slowed, and many pets can live on for many years. The early stages of CRF progress slowly and so there are often little or no symptoms; signs of serious kidney damage may only be seen if 75% of the kidney is no longer functioning. Age is a factor which may lead to kidney failure, chances can double after the age of 10, and some diets may also increase the chances (high phosphorus & protein).

Symptoms of Kidney Failure in Cats include;

• Vomiting
   
• Diarrhoea
   
• Weight Loss
   
• Halitosis
   
• Decreased Appetite
   
• Weakness & lack of energy – sleeping more often
   
• Sore mouth
  

  

If your pet is displaying any of these signs then make an appointment to see your veterinary surgeon.

What diet should be fed to a Cat with Chronic Renal Failure?

Due to the excess urea in the blood the animal will often feel very nauseous, this quite often will make them less inclined to eat, so the diet must be highly palatable to tempt the pet to eat. The diet should contain restricted levels of Phosphorus which helps slow the progression of the disease, the amount of protein in the diet should be reduced, this is because the product produced (urea) when the protein is broken down; this is a toxin and when the kidneys are not working properly cannot be excreted. The protein used in the diet should be of high quality so a lower amount can be used but still delivering the essential requirements needed by the body. The diet should also be energy dense, so the pet can gain the required amount of energy from its diet in the small amount of food it may eat due to in-appetence.

Diets recommended for Kidney Failure:
Hills feline K/D & Royal Canin Waltham® Feline Renal diet

Nb. Although these diets are referred to as 'prescription diets' and should only be fed under the recommendation of your vet, a written veterinary prescription is NOT required to purchase these foods.

Kaminox is a highly palatable liquid nutritional support for cats with chronic renal failure and other disorders resulting from low levels of Potassium. It contains additional B-vitamins and essential amino acids for nutritionalsupport. Manufactured by VetPlus.

Renalzin is a new phosphate binding supplement from Bayer Animal Health. It effectively reduces phosphorus absorption from ingested food and is indicated to support renal function in chronic and acute renal disease in cats. Its active ingredient is Lantharenol (lanthanum carbonate), a compound derived from the latest research on renal failure in human medicine. Renalzin also contains kaolin (a toxin binder) and vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant. Renalzin binds directly to dietary phosphorus within the gastro-intestinal tract preventing absorption into the bloodstream and thereby reduces the burden of excess phosphorus that occurs with chronic kidney failure.

A 58 page, fully illustrated book aimed at cat owners and veterinary professionals, launched January 2008. Caring for a cat with kidney failure has been written by Dr Sarah Caney as the perfect information source and support tool for a cat owner whose cat or cats have been diagnosed with kidney failure. It is also designed to be a resource for student vets, veterinary nurses and technicians. The science and emotional aspects of dealing with a diagnosis of kidney failure are addressed. The book is 58 pages long and includes colour photographs illustrating different clinical signs (symptoms) of kidney failure, diagnostic tests and treatments such as a step by step guide to safely and successfully giving pills to a cat. The book explains what a diagnosis of kidney failure means and how best to treat the condition giving your cat the best care and helping it to live as long and full a life as possible. A case study is included to show how treatment can be successful and there is a glossary of terms possibly used by your vet.