🐾 Kidney Disease in Cats

❓ What Is Kidney Disease?

🐾 A common condition in senior cats that may cause:
– Increased thirst and urination
– Weight loss
– Poor appetite, vomiting, and lethargy

🐾 The kidneys help:
– Filter waste from the blood
– Regulate hydration
– Balance electrolytes (like potassium, calcium, phosphorus)
– Signal red blood cell production

🐾 When the kidneys fail, toxins build up, dehydration sets in, and cats may become weak, anemic, or hypertensive.

πŸ’Š How Is It Managed?

🐾 Modern medications and dietary changes can improve quality of life and extend lifespan
🐾 Treatment depends on the stage of disease, diagnosed through blood work and blood pressure checks
🐾 All cats with kidney disease should be offered a meat-based canned diet
🐾 If canned food is refused, kidney support dry food or kitten food may be alternatives
🐾 We offer an herbal kidney support supplement for those seeking naturopathic options

πŸ“Š Stage-Based Recommendations

🐾 Stage 1: Early – less than 45% kidney function loss

  • Often undetectable on routine exams
  • Monitor with periodic blood work and blood pressure

🐾 Stage 2: Moderate – 45% or more kidney function loss

  • Calcitriol twice weekly – helps regulate calcium/phosphorus
  • Recheck kidney values and blood pressure every 3–6 months

🐾 Stage 3: Advanced – 75% or more kidney function loss

  • Add Benazepril daily – supports kidney filtration and blood pressure
  • Monitor every 3 months

🐾 Stage 4: Severe – 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

πŸ“‹ Ongoing Monitoring

🐾 Early-stage: blood work and blood pressure checks every 6 months
🐾 Advanced-stage: every 3 months or as advised

Have questions or concerns about your cat’s kidney health? We’re here to help.

πŸ“ž 610-398-3556

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