What Is Stage 1 Kidney Disease In Cats
After a blood test when the Serum Creatinine concentration is lower than 1.6 mg/dL then it can be concluded that your feline friend is in state 1 kidney disease where 44% of the kidney is functioning on its usual operations. At stage 1, a majority of the vets recommend switching your feline friend to a low-potassium, high-quality protein diet.
The Best Homemade Cat Food For Cats With Kidney Disease
This recipe was developed by Dr. Meredith Wall, BA, BVSc. Wall completed a Bachelor of Veterinary Science at the University of Sydney in 2012 and a combined clinical nutrition residency and PhD at Massey University in 2022.
In an in-depth article published in January 2020, Wall answers the question: Should I feed my cat with chronic kidney disease a raw diet. The article discusses the potential problems with protein restriction and explores the subject of supplementation as part of a raw diet for cats with kidney disease. After testing and evaluating the nutritional content of several recipes, she settled on the following recipe as her primary recommendation.
NOTE: Wall recommends using a digital kitchen scale to ensure accurate measurements. Measure all quantities precisely do not estimate.
- 470 grams raw chicken thigh
- 30 grams canned pink salmon
- 90 grams salted butter, softened
- 220 grams cooked short-grain white rice
- 100 grams raw pumpkin, chopped
- 60 grams raw spinach
- 1 gram iodized table salt
Kd Cat Food Alternatives
Homemade cat food for kidney disease can be a good alternative to store-bought food. So take a look at some of such alternatives:
- Chopped or ground chicken breast
- Cooked white rice
- Any salt substitute like potassium chloride
- Tablets or capsules with calcium supplements
- Multi-vitamin containing feline
- Phosphate substances
One can either add those supplements to their pets diet or give them as capsules to keep all kidney ailments at bay. With proper and everyday inclusion, cats will develop a better immune system to fight ailments.
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Before You Start Preparing Homemade Renal Failure Diets For Cats
All changes in the diet of our cat should be gradual. This will best avoid imbalances or gastrointestinal problems. In the case of wanting to change their feed to another brand, it is relatively easy. With cats suffering kidney failure, the process is a little different.
It’s important to note we shouldn’t mix homemade and commercial food if the cat has kidney disease. This is because they have different digestibility rates. Instead, we should offer smaller portions of the homemade food every 2 to 3 hours and gradually reduce the commercial feed.
The recipes we show you below are designed for an adult cat which weighs 5 kg. We can make small portions to begin with, see how they get on and then introduce them more regularly. These are recipes designed for 1 day’s worth of feed, but they should be broken into smaller portions.
What Are The Signs Of Kidney Disease In Cats
Diseases in cats are of various types. Yet here, let us focus on kidney disease or renal ailments. Basic symptoms that let a person know that their pets have developed some kind of renal disease are given below. Symptoms Include
- Cats may excrete thin-consistent urine.
- Increased thirst may be another thing to notice quite often.
- Refusal to eat will be a major sign. Watch out for less appetite or when they refuse to eat even their favorite foods.
- Lazy with almost no activity. Mostly, they might be sleeping or laying down in their places without much mobility. Strength in bones would be very low.
- Vomiting or throwing up food after meal sessions can be another important symptom. Due to this, bad breath will get created.
- Since throwing up often may cause them to lose all energy stored, they will look tired mostly.
These are some common symptoms noticed in cats which say that they are suffering from kidney-related diseases. However, these signs can also prevail due to some other underlying illnesses. If these signs are present, do give your vet a visit and go through their advice before concluding.
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How To Choose Food For Cats With Kidney Disease: The Buying Guide
How do you choose the food for cats with kidney disease? You must consider many things, such as the brand name, price, and product quality. In addition, you should also consider whether it is suitable for your needs or not.
So how do you choose the right food for cats with kidney disease? Here are some tips that you can use to help you find a good product:
What you Should Keep in Mind When Buying food for cats with kidney disease
When shopping for a food for cats with kidney disease, there are several things to consider. You need to think about the quality of the product, the price, and even how much it will benefit your life. However, you also need to keep these factors in mind:
Qi Deficient Cats In Renal Failure Need A Warming Diet
Qi deficient cats in renal failure appear lazy, lack energy, and snuggle up in warm places.
If your cat suffers from kidney disease and displays the characteristics listed above, a warming cat food recipe will make him feel much better!
The classic signs of Qi deficiency in cats are:
- Pale, swollen tongue
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Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets Nf Kidney Function Advanced Care Feline Formula Adult Wet Cat Food
This palatablePurina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets NF Kidney Function Advanced Care Feline Formula Adult Wet Cat Food is formulated by nutritionists and veterinarians. This is not only moisture-rich but also equipped with high-quality protein in lower amounts since this cat foods primary protein source is chicken. To boost the water intake to stay hydrated, you can encourage the cat to consume water by placing the water bowls here and there.
Its a proven fact that when you are offering a phosphorus deficit diet to your feline friend then the chances are higher that this can delay the progression of kidney disease to a larger extend. Keep in mind, this cat food is capped with the amount of phosphorus that hinders the surge of excretion of phosphorus, unlike a healthy furry friend does.
To provide the essential Omega 3 fatty acid and vitamins,Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets NF Kidney Function Advanced Care Feline Formula Adult Wet Cat Food includes Salmon in its ingredient list. Omega 3 fatty acids play a vital role not only to lessen renal issues but also in strengthening the cardiovascular system especially when your cat battles kidney issues or inflammatory diseases namely cancer.
- Buy the Cat Food from:Chewy,
Things You Need To Know About Your Cat
- Cats Are Hunters
Understanding what constitutes a healthy diet for cats also means understanding what nature intends for cats to eat.
All cats are hunters and raw meat eaters by nature.
Ever had your cat bring you a dead mouse or bird and drop it at your feet?
This is just one example of how the cat is a great hunter.
- Cats Are Obligate Carnivores
Basically, cats are obligate carnivores.
They lack the digestive enzymes needed to break down a plant-based diet. They cant metabolize it.
They need meat to survive. This isnt just a preference for them. Its a necessity.
While cats have been domesticated for many years now thousands of years, actually their diet hasnt really changed all that much over all of this time.
They still want to hunt, and still prefer raw meat.
This is how they not only survive but thrive.
- Cats Are NOT Kibble Eaters
Your cats body and digestion is NOT designed to eat the common dry kibble diet.
Even the highest quality kibble wont have all the nutrients that your cat needs to be in the best of health.
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Understanding Kidney Problems In Cats
Your cats kidneys perform many important roles in the body. Not only do they help regulate blood pressure, produce hormones, and support immune activity but they also help filter wastes and toxins out of the blood. Unfortunately, many cats develop kidney problems as they age and, left untreated, kidney disease can lead to serious health complications. With prompt diagnosis, proper treatment, and a healthy diet, however, you can improve your cats health and boost his longevity.
There are two primary types of kidney failure in cats: acute renal failure and chronic kidney disease. Acute renal failure develops quickly over a matter of days and weeks. It can affect cats of any age and is typically the result of poison, trauma, infection, blockages, heart failure, or shock from rapid blood or fluid loss. Acute kidney problems can often be reversed if diagnosed and treated in time.
Chronic kidney disease is most common in cats middle-aged and older and it can be more difficult to treat. The exact cause of chronic kidney problems is not always easy to identify but may include kidney infections and blockages as well as other conditions like advanced periodontal disease, thyroid problems, cancer, and hypertension.
Here are some of the most common symptoms of kidney problems in cats:
- Frequent urination
- Weakness and lethargy
What Food Should I Feed A Cat With Kidney Disease
While changing your cat’s diet won’t necessarily cure kidney disease, it will ensure they have more of the support they need to process food correctly and stay as healthy as possible.
The best option is to feed your cat prescription food. Specifically suggested by your vet. Prescription foods are designed just to target the needs of a cat with kidney disease. Most prescription foods will include:
- Low phosphorus and sodium levels
- Increased B vitamins and other minerals
- Fatty acids like Omega-3
- High caloric density for better weight management
- High quality and restricted protein
Your vet should be able to provide you with a direct insight into the kind of approved diets you can consider using. Alternatively, they may be able to teach you how to make your own kidney-focused foods at home, but this can be very time-consuming and expensive.
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Dietary Recommendations For Kidney Disease Cats
Diet plays a major role in keeping cats healthy for long. If fed properly with correct nutrition, they will develop good resistance to diseases and stay away from chronic disorders. However, it is best to consult vets and consider their advice regarding kidney food for cats with renal disease. This food, in particular, will depend on minerals and protein levels added in its ingredients. We can either prepare homemade cat food for kidney disease or give commercial cat food for kidney failure.
- Either way, it is best to maintain low phosphorus cat food for renal disease.
- Besides phosphorus, other minerals like sodium, potassium, high-quality proteins, etc., should also be low but optimal.
- Omega-3 fatty acids from various sources like fish oil are also essential to prevent renal failure.
- Omega-6s is also important, which gives a good skin and color in felines .
- As kidneys are responsible for disposing of waste, it is mandatory to maintain their health with a low protein level.
- If kidneys do not function well due to high protein levels, cats can fall sick immediately.
How Wagmo’s Cat Wellness Plans Can Help Your Kitty’s Kidney Health
As part of many cat wellness plans, a vet will monitor your cat’s kidney functioning and health. If you suspect your cat may have CKD, they’ll do routine blood work and urinalysis tests. Your vet will design a treatment plan based on the results to keep your kitty healthy and comfortable.
With Wagmo cat wellness insurance, pet parents can rest knowing each part of their pet will receive the best pet care available. We help you cover pet ownership costs. So when unexpected illnesses appear, you can help your feline friend live the healthiest life possible. Check out our Wagmo cat wellness plans today, or take our pet wellness quiz to find the plan right for you.
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Prevention Of Kidney Disease In Cats
Some causes of kidney disease may be preventable , but unfortunately, most causes are not. Heritable conditions, for example, are not preventable, but affected cats, or cats with the genetic copies of the disease, should not be bred.
To limit your cats exposure to toxins, keep lilies out of the home and block off access to the garage, household cleaners, and medications. Limiting exposure to other catswhile keeping your cat up to date on vaccines and monthly heartworm and flea controlis recommended.
If you notice any of the signs above, take your cat to a veterinarian for examination as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and intervention are keys to maintaining quality of life.
Do Cats With Kidney Disease Require Special Cat Food
Phosphorous restriction is vital for cats with chronic kidney disease. The reason for this is simple. Phosphorous is excreted from the body through urine, and when kidney function is impaired, phosphorous levels within the body begin to rise. The easiest way to keep blood phosphorous down is to restrict the amount that a cat takes in.
Early in the course of the disease, dietary phosphorous levels may only need to be moderately restricted. More advanced cases often require more dramatically lowered amounts, or even the addition of a medication that binds to phosphorous within the intestinal tract, thereby limiting its absorption.
Recommending an appropriate dietary protein level for cats with CKD is a little more complex. Too much protein in the diet can be deleterious, in part because foods that are high in protein also tend to be high in phosphorous. Foods for cats with CKD should always be of the highest quality protein possible so the patient gets the most value from that protein with the least negative effect on his or her kidneys.
A foods energy level should also match the cats current needs. If a cat is losing weight on a kidney diet, it doesnt matter how good the lab work looks, the food is not meeting the patients nutritional needs. Sometimes the solution may be as simple as trying another brand or flavor of kidney diet.
1. The cat takes in more calories after the diet switch.
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Hartz Delectable Stew Lickable Wet Cat Treats For Adult & Senior Cats
Intended as more of a treat for your cat than a full meal, the Hartz Delectables cat food is a great choice if you’re having a hard time convincing your kitty to eat a full meal. The stew-style cat treat combines numerous valuable minerals and vitamins and is an easy-to-consume food for your cat.
If you have an older cat, the added vitamin E and B vitamins will be fantastic for giving them extra health support. The lickable formula also means you can easily add this cat treat to your cat’s existing meals if they’re struggling to build an appetite.
Can Stress Cause Kidney Failure In Cats
Stress is not directly linked to kidney failure in cats, but chronic stress and uncontrolled stress reactions can contribute to kidney damage which may progress over time. Chronic stress can affect your cats blood pressure and heart health, leading to extra strain on the blood vessels which could compromise blood flow to the kidneys. Uncontrolled diabetes can also be damaging to the blood vessels and kidneys, however, so it is hard to tell whats really to blame.
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Best Wet Cat Food For Kidney Disease
Affiliate Disclaimer: Kindly note that you will find a bunch of affiliate links in this blog post which means if you make a purchase via the links that I have placed, I will receive a commission without charging you an extra penny.
Are you hunting high and low for the best wet cat food for kidney disease? But find what to feed a cat with kidney disease as clear as mud. Let me tell you that you are not alone. There are millions of pet parents at sixes and sevens when its time to decide what to feed cats with kidney problems. Kidney disease is one of the common diseases that your feline friend may suffer from.
Before jumping into the best food for cats with kidney problems take a look at:
- What is chronic kidney disease in cats?
- What are the signs of kidney disease in cats?
- How to test for kidney disease in cats?
- How to treat chronic kidney disease in cats?
- Why do cats get kidney disease?
- How to prevent kidney disease in cats?
- 7 Best Cat Foods for Kidney Disease
How Long Can A Cat Live With Kidney Disease
The prognosis for kidney disease in cats is highly variable depending on the severity of the disease and the form of treatment. Research suggests that switching your cat to a diet that reduces the kidneys workload can double his life expectancy after diagnosis. Your veterinarian is the best person to give you an estimate, but many cats live with kidney disease for up to four years.
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