πΎ Kidney Disease in Cats
β What Is Kidney Disease?
πΎ A common condition in senior cats that may cause:
– Increased thirst and urination
– Weight loss
– Poor appetite, vomiting, and lethargy
πΎ The kidneys help:
– Filter waste from the blood
– Regulate hydration
– Balance electrolytes (like potassium, calcium, phosphorus)
– Signal red blood cell production
πΎ When the kidneys fail, toxins build up, dehydration sets in, and cats may become weak, anemic, or hypertensive.
π How Is It Managed?
πΎ Modern medications and dietary changes can improve quality of life and extend lifespan
πΎ Treatment depends on the stage of disease, diagnosed through blood work and blood pressure checks
πΎ All cats with kidney disease should be offered a meat-based canned diet
πΎ If canned food is refused, kidney support dry food or kitten food may be alternatives
πΎ We offer an herbal kidney support supplement for those seeking naturopathic options
π Stage-Based Recommendations
πΎ Stage 1: Early β less than 45% kidney function loss
- Often undetectable on routine exams
- Monitor with periodic blood work and blood pressure
πΎ Stage 2: Moderate β 45% or more kidney function loss
- Calcitriol twice weekly β helps regulate calcium/phosphorus
- Recheck kidney values and blood pressure every 3β6 months
πΎ Stage 3: Advanced β 75% or more kidney function loss
- Add Benazepril daily β supports kidney filtration and blood pressure
- Monitor every 3 months
πΎ Stage 4: Severe β 90% or more kidney function loss
- Add Mirtazapine as needed for appetite/nausea
- Subcutaneous fluids once or twice weekly to support hydration and flush waste
- Continued monitoring and medication adjustments as needed
π Ongoing Monitoring
πΎ Early-stage: blood work and blood pressure checks every 6 months
πΎ Advanced-stage: every 3 months or as advised
Have questions or concerns about your catβs kidney health? Weβre here to help.
π 610-398-3556