Older cats over 10 years of age often have a higher risk of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD) or Chronic Renal Insufficiency (CRI). This is a progressive condition, characterized by the gradual loss of kidney function, or kidney failure, if left untreated. However, with early medical intervention, the cat can have a better quality of life and control the progression of the disease.
Thanks to advanced nutrition and medical care offered by The Cat Vet, our pets are living longer than ever. The Cat Vet—the best vet clinic in Dubai—can help ensure that your cat is happy, comfortable, and has a high quality of life with thorough diagnosis and compassionate care plans.
CKD or CRI is diagnosed through a combination of blood and urine tests and sometimes imaging or kidney biopsy. Even the most advanced treatment and therapeutic practices start with the awareness of the cat parent to identify the symptoms of a kidney-related illness. The first step starts at home, to provide your pet with all the support and care he or she needs as early as possible.
Understanding Symptoms of a Kidney Disease in Your Cat And When To Seek Professional Medical Care
Once your cat grows older, it is generally advisable to monitor their behaviour more minutely. Increased thirst, for example, can be an indicator of kidney disease. It might be an unnoticeable detail in general, yet it is a solid clue to get early treatment and better long-term control. Furthermore, monitoring the quantity and nature of the cat urine is a standard way to investigate any onset of kidney-related health problems. If your cat urinates too frequently (not to be confused with territory markings) or is unable to relieve themselves as usual, it could be a warning sign. In this case, it makes sense to take your cat to the vet and/or have a urine sample examined early on. Specially designed cat litter boxes are available for this purpose that help collect urine samples and are an easy and cost-effective way to assess kidney function. In cases where the disease has progressed, you may notice symptoms such as vomiting, loss of appetite, or weight loss. If you are concerned in any way, consult us as soon as possible. The Cat Vet will usually diagnose kidney disease with a combination of urinalysis and blood tests. Once your cat is diagnosed with CKD, the goal of treatment is to slow the progression of the disease and ensure that your cat has a good quality of life for as long as possible. We do this with a combination of dietary management, medication, and supportive care. Regular vet visits are vital, and we recommend that all senior animals be seen by our Vet every 6 months. The frequency of appointments might increase to 3-month intervals once we start managing the chronic disease. With the progression of CKD, the recommended treatment will change and be tailored specifically for your cat, making regular visits to us increasingly important.
Avoid dehydration of your cat
Maintaining good hydration helps support the kidneys and “flush” toxins from the body. Preventing dehydration is very important and there are many things owners can do to help their cat. Your cat can be encouraged to drink water by providing bowls or simply leaving a dripping faucet. Many cats prefer to drink from moving water rather than from a bowl. Increasing the water content of foods can also be helpful. Always offer bags or cans over dry kibble and consider adding a little extra water to the food you feed. Mixing a few teaspoons of water in a food bag is a quick and easy way to make sure your cat gets some extra fluids with each meal. Almost all cats with CRF become dehydrated at some stage. At this point, vets can administer fluids intravenously or subcutaneously to their cats to give them a “boost” of fluids. Fluid administration intravenously or subcutaneously is usually done in the veterinary clinic, although we have a home call service in case you or your cat have trouble traveling. The specialized veterinarians at The Cat Vet Clinic in Al Barsha Dubai will offer advice on how often your cat may need additional fluids, what volume is appropriate, and how to do it safely and comfortably.
Avoid Dehydration of Your Cat
Maintaining good hydration helps support the kidneys and “flush” toxins from the body. Preventing dehydration is very important, and there are many things owners can do to help their cat. • Your cat can be encouraged to drink water by providing bowls or simply leaving a dripping faucet. Many cats prefer to drink from moving water rather than from a bowl. • Increasing the water content of foods can also be helpful. Always offer bags or cans over dry kibble, and consider adding a little extra water to the food you feed. • Mixing a few teaspoons of water in a food bag is a quick and easy way to make sure your cat gets some extra fluids with each meal. • Almost all cats with CRF become dehydrated at some stage. At this point, vets can administer fluids intravenously or subcutaneously to their cats to give them a “boost” of fluids. Both intravenous and subcutaneous fluid administrations are usually done in the veterinary clinic under the supervision of medical professionals. The Cat Vet also offers a home call service in case you or your cat have trouble travelling. The specialized veterinarians at The Cat Vet Clinic in Al Barsha, Dubai, will offer advice on how often your cat may need additional fluids, what volume is appropriate, and how to do it safely and comfortably.
Diet Management With Kidney Disease
As far as cats are concerned, diet is a powerful tool for disease management. Different diets are suitable for different stages of CKD and can have a big impact on your cat’s life expectancy. Cats with kidney disease fed with a vet-prescribed diet can live 30% longer than cats fed “normal” cat food. Any changes to your cat’s diet should be made gradually, as cats are notoriously picky. Consult our vets on the best introduction plan for a new diet, and expect any changes to take several weeks.
Kidney Disease Medication In Cats
In the early stages of CRF, diet alone is often sufficient to support and control kidney disease. If the condition progresses, medications will be needed to maintain your cat’s health. It is also very common for cats with CKD to have high blood pressure, so hypertension should be monitored regularly and treated if identified. We use small “handcuffs” on the arms of our patients, using the exact same technique that doctors use on people, to check the blood pressure of cats in a simple and painless way. And again, this can be done at The Cat Vet Clinic or in the comfort of your home. All cats are different, and treatment plans for kidney disease should be tailored to the individual needs of your cat and family. We believe that with proper care, cats with CKD can continue to live a happy and fulfilling life.
