How to Prevent Kidney Disease in Cats

Kidney disease in cats can have a variety of causes, including genetic factors, environmental toxins, dietary habits, and chronic diseases. Some cat breeds such as Persians and Ragdolls may have a high genetic predisposition to kidney disease. Toxins in the environment, such as certain plants and medications, may also cause kidney damage. Diets high in phosphorus, iodine and sodium can increase the burden on the kidneys, while water-unfriendly habits can lead to decreased kidney function. In addition, obesity and urinary problems, such as cystitis and urinary stones, may increase the risk of kidney disease. Chronic conditions such as high blood pressure and dental disease may also affect kidney health. The key to preventing kidney disease in cats is to provide high-quality protein, encourage adequate water intake, perform regular wellness exams, and manage your cat's weight and diet. 

Which Cat Breeds Are More Likely to Develop Hereditary Kidney Disease?

Here are some cat breeds that are more likely to develop hereditary kidney disease.

• Persian cat

Persian cats are a breed with a high incidence of polycystic kidney disease (PKD), an autosomal dominant disease that causes cysts to form in the kidneys, which may eventually lead to kidney failure.

• Garfield

Exotic Shorthair cats are also a common susceptible breed for polycystic kidney disease. 

• British Shorthair Cat

British Shorthair cats have a high incidence of polycystic kidney disease. 

• American Shorthair

American Shorthair cats may also inherit polycystic kidney disease. 

• Ragdoll Cats

Polycystic kidney disease has also been reported in Ragdoll cats. 

When choosing between these breeds, potential cat owners should consult with their veterinarian or breeder about the cat's genetic health, especially when considering breeding. Early detection and management of these hereditary conditions can be aided by genetic testing and regular health checks.

What Are the Early Symptoms of Kidney Disease in Cats?

Early symptoms of kidney disease in cats may not be obvious, but as the disease progresses, the symptoms will become apparent. The following are some of the early symptoms.

• Drinking and urinating more

Cats may exhibit more drinking and urination than usual.

• Changes in appetite

There may be a decrease in appetite or even a refusal to eat.

• Weight changes

There may be a sharp drop in weight.

• Mental status changes

The cat may appear depressed and lethargic.

• Abnormal behavior

Abnormal behavior may occur, such as eating cat litter or licking concrete walls.

• Oral problems

The oral mucosa may become pale and bad breath may occur.

• Digestive symptoms

Such as vomiting, constipation or blood in feces.

Related:  Vomiting in Cats: When to Worry

• Coat condition

The fur may become dry and rough.

If your cat shows any of the above symptoms, it is recommended to take him to the veterinarian for a timely checkup for early detection and treatment of kidney disease.

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Dysuria; urinary tract obstruction; urinary stone; urethritis; urinary urgency; frequent urination; hematuria

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How to Know if Urine Color Changes in Cats Mean Kidney Problems?

Changes in the color of your cat's urine can be a sign of kidney problems. Healthy cat urine is usually a clear, light yellow color. If you observe a change in the color of your cat's urine, here are some possible meanings.

Dark yellow: may indicate dehydration or highly pigmented foods in the cat's diet.
Red or light red: may be a sign of hematuria, which can be associated with urinary disorders such as urethritis, cystitis or bladder stones.
Dark brown to black: may be due to the conversion of hemoglobin to methemoglobin in acidic urine.
Soy sauce color: usually indicates hemolytic disease or severe kidney disease in cats.
Clear urine: If there is no significant change in the amount of water your cat is drinking, but the urine is still light in color, it may be a sign of diabetes or chronic kidney disease. 
If you notice any unusual changes in the color of your cat's urine, especially if it is persistent, it is recommended that you take your cat to your veterinarian as soon as possible for a checkup to rule out kidney disease or other underlying health problems. Your veterinarian may recommend urine tests and other related examinations to determine the specific cause of the urine color change.

Also Read: Why Is My Cat Peeing Blood

How to Prevent Kidney Disease in Cats?

• Limit exposure to toxins

Manage medications in your home, avoid exposing your cat to plants that are toxic to them, such as the lily family, and try to feed indoors to minimize exposure to unknown environmental toxins. 

• Understanding Genetic Factors

Certain cat breeds such as Abyssinians, Persians and Ragdolls may have a high genetic predisposition to kidney disease and special care should be taken if your cat belongs to one of these breeds.

• Provide high-quality protein

Cats are carnivorous and should be provided with high quality animal protein, avoiding synthetic or vegetable proteins to minimize kidney burden. 

• Use safe cleaning products

Choose cleaning products that are safe for cats and make sure the room is ventilated after use to reduce the risk of cats inhaling harmful chemicals. 

• Regular physical examination

Health checkups, including blood and urine analysis, should be conducted at least once a year for early detection of kidney problems. 

• Promote water intake

Ensure your cat has an adequate supply of fresh water by using multiple water bowls or a flowing waterer to entice them to drink more.

• Watch your cat's weight and diet

Obesity and unhealthy eating habits may increase the risk of kidney disease; maintain your cat's ideal weight and provide a balanced diet. 

• Avoid stress

Chronic stress may affect your cat's immune system and increase the risk of disease, a comfortable living environment should be provided for your cat. 

By taking the above measures, you can help your cat reduce the risk of kidney disease and maintain long-term health.

What Can Assist in Improving Kidney Health in Cats?

• Medication

Depending on your cat's specific condition, medications may be required to control complications such as hypertension, anemia, electrolyte disorders, etc.

• Regular monitoring

Regular blood and urine tests are performed to monitor kidney function indicators such as creatinine, urea nitrogen, electrolytes, as well as adjusting the treatment program based on the results.

• Life management

Reduce the cat's stress reaction, provide a quiet and comfortable environment, regular review, and adjust the medication regimen according to the results.

• Stem cell therapy

In recent years, stem cell technology has shown potential in the treatment of chronic kidney disease in cats. Stem cells have regenerative and pluripotent differentiation properties, which can help repair damaged kidney tissues and improve kidney function.

• Supplementary Nutrition

Under the guidance of veterinarians, supplement vitamin B, vitamin C, etc. for cats, these can improve their condition appropriately.

• Home care

Providing appropriate care at home includes monitoring the cat's diet and medication intake, as well as keeping a close eye on the cat's health.

These methods should be carried out under the guidance of a veterinarian to ensure that the cat receives optimal treatment and care.

How to Reduce Kidney Disease Risk in Cats with Dietary Modifications?

• Moderate protein restriction

For healthy cats, a high protein diet will not have a negative effect on the kidneys, but for cats that already have kidney disease, a low protein diet can help to reduce the burden on the kidneys and slow down the progression of the disease. 

• Controlling phosphorus intake

Cats have a reduced ability to eliminate phosphorus in kidney disease, so you should choose foods that are lower in phosphorus to minimize the burden on the kidneys. 

• Provide high bioavailable protein

Choosing high quality proteins that are easily digested and absorbed, such as animal proteins, can reduce the metabolic burden on the kidneys. 

• Maintain adequate calories

Ensure your cat has adequate caloric intake to avoid muscle mass loss, and other nutrient supplements can be used to make up for any caloric deficit that may result from protein restriction. 

The above dietary modifications can help maintain the health of your cat's kidneys and reduce the risk of kidney disease. When implementing dietary changes, it is recommended to consult with your veterinarian to ensure that the diet plan is appropriate for your cat's specific health condition.

What Ingredients Should I Avoid in Cat Food to Prevent Kidney Failure in Cats?

• High phosphorus content

Excess phosphorus may be nephrotoxic, especially inorganic phosphates, which can cause kidney damage in healthy cats and may promote the development of kidney disease. 

• Meat meal

Cat foods containing meat meal (e.g., chicken meal, fish meal, beef meal, etc.) may be high in phosphorus and calcium, which may be detrimental to cats with kidney disease. 

• Excessive Sodium

Excess sodium can negatively affect the heart, kidneys and nervous system, especially in cats with heart disease and kidney disease. 

• Calcium and phosphorus imbalances

Abnormally high levels of calcium or phosphorus can alter proper ratios and negatively affect bones, and it is especially important to control calcium and phosphorus intake in cats with kidney disease. 

• Vitamin D overdose

Feeding abnormally high levels of vitamin D can lead to elevated calcium levels and produce adverse symptoms on the cat's kidneys and other systems. 

When choosing a cat food, look for a product that is low in phosphorus, moderate in protein, low in sodium, has a balanced calcium-phosphorus ratio and does not contain excessive amounts of vitamin D. It is also important to provide a high-quality, easily digestible source of protein to minimize the burden on the kidneys. When choosing a cat food, it's a good idea to consult with your veterinarian to ensure that the product you select meets your cat's specific health needs. 

What Foods Contain Ingredients Harmful to Cat Kidneys?

• Grapes and raisins

Containing unknown toxins, even small amounts may cause repeated vomiting in cats, causing damage to the kidneys and even acute kidney failure. 

• Onions, Shallots, Garlic and Chives

These foods contain the strong oxidizer N-propyl disulfide, which can destroy your cat's red blood cells, leading to anemia, which can be fatal in severe cases. 

• Avocado

Contains glyceric acid, which is a poison to cats and may lead to diarrhea and vomiting, and may even be fatal when ingested in large quantities. 

• Foods high in salt

Foods with high salt content, such as salted fish and cured meat, can lead to sodium poisoning in cats, and long-term consumption will also increase the burden on the kidneys. 

• Chocolate

Contains theobromine and caffeine, which are highly toxic to cats and will affect the nervous system and heart function, leading to vomiting and diarrhea, rapid heartbeat and even death. 

Cats' kidneys are very sensitive, and the harmful ingredients in the above foods can quickly cause damage to your cat's kidneys. Therefore, you should ensure that your cat stays away from these foods to maintain its health.

FAQs

Why Vegetable Proteins in Cat Foods Can Increase Kidney Burden in Cats?

Vegetable proteins in cat food may aggravate the burden on the cat's kidneys due to the need for the cat's kidneys to process waste products resulting from the metabolism of ingested proteins. Plant proteins have a different amino acid profile compared to animal proteins, and the cat's body is more likely to utilize the amino acids found in animal proteins. When plant proteins are used in cat food, the cat's kidneys need to work harder to metabolize these non-essential amino acids, which may place an additional burden on kidney function, especially if the cat has kidney disease. In addition, vegetable proteins are more difficult to digest compared to animal proteins, and prolonged intake of large amounts of vegetable proteins may lead to indigestion in cats, further affecting kidney health. Therefore, choosing high-quality cat food and ensuring that the protein is mainly derived from animal sources is crucial to maintaining your cat's kidney health.

What are Common Environmental Toxins in Cats?

Formaldehyde: New woven fabrics, wood veneer furniture, flooring and synthetic wood products may contain formaldehyde, which can be harmful to cats. Excess formaldehyde can cause pulmonary edema and death from pulmonary edema, is harmful to the retina and skin, and may cause cancer. 

Plant toxins: Many common houseplants are toxic to cats, such as lilies, oleander, daffodils and azaleas. The toxins from these plants can cause acute kidney failure, gastroenteritis, seizures and other serious symptoms in cats. 

Chemical cleaners: Chemicals in household cleaners can be harmful to cats, especially those products that contain ammonia, bleach and other harsh chemicals.

Insect repellents and rodent repellents: toxins in these products may be contacted or accidentally ingested by cats, resulting in poisoning.

Antifreeze and automotive fluids: glycol, such as that found in antifreeze, is extremely toxic to cats and even small amounts can be fatal.

Household medications: Human medications such as acetaminophen (paracetamol) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are also toxic to cats and can cause serious health problems even in small doses. 

To protect your cat from these toxins, make sure your home is free of plants that are toxic to cats, store household chemicals and medications properly, and maintain indoor air circulation to reduce the concentration of harmful gases such as formaldehyde.

Conclusion

Preventing kidney disease in cats requires a proactive approach that includes a balanced diet, regular veterinary care, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle for your pet. By following these tips, you can help reduce your cat's risk of developing kidney disease and ensure they live a long, healthy life. Remember, early detection is key, so make sure to schedule regular vet visits and monitor your cat’s health closely.

Also Read: Kidney Disease In Cats: When To Euthanize