Understanding your Cat’s Kidney Condition
Being told that your cat has kidney failure may come as a shock but with appropriate care you can help your cat continue to live a long and happy life.
Why are Kidneys So Important?
Your cat’s kidneys perform a number of vital functions including elimination of waste products from the body and maintaining an optimal balance of minerals and hydration.
A variety of conditions such as toxins or high blood pressure may damage the kidneys which progressively lose their ability to function properly. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is one of the most common conditions affecting older cats but signs do not develop until your cat has lost about two thirds of its kidney function.
Damaged kidneys lose their ability to remove waste products, which accumulate in the body. Your cat also loses the ability to concentrate urine and produces larger volumes of urine and drinks more to compensate. Signs of CKD include drinking and urinating more, loss of appetite, weight loss and lethargy.
Diet is Important.
A kidney diet such as Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets Feline NF ST/OX* Renal Function is very important in helping to control the condition, slow its progression and help your cat achieve an ideal quality of life. Reducing dietary phosphorus is key to slowing the progression of CKD. Optimising the level and type of protein also helps improve the quality of life of cats with kidney disease - it minimises clinical signs, whilst still providing energy and helping maintain healthy muscles, organs and immune function. Feline NF ST/OX* Renal Function is highly palatable to ensure your cat will eat and enjoy it despite a reduced appetite.
* St/Ox - Can only.
