18 Signs Of Kidney Disease In Cats

When kidneys are no longer functioning well, they lose their concentration ability which leads to an increase in the volume and frequency of urination. Thus, the cat will drink more water to rehydrate itself. If you see your cat drinking from unusual sources or spending more time in their water bowl, it could be an early indication of renal insufficiency.

You must monitor the intake of water by your cat. While the increased water intake might seem harmless, or even good, it can indicate a problem. In some cases, early addressing of these symptoms by visiting the vet may help in diagnosing CKD at an early stage before it progresses, thus allowing proper management and treatment.

The kidneys' decreased ability to filter and retain needed water is what creates more diluted urine in greater amounts. You may see your cat trying to go to the litter box more often or just having accidents outside the box, both of these are huge deviations from normal behavior.

Increased thirst in cats with CKD is associated with frequent urination and monitoring cat urination can give your vet very useful information. Increased amounts of more diluted urine are reasons for consulting your vet. Early intervention by your vet can make a big difference in managing the symptoms of chronic renal failure and make a big impact on your cat's quality of life.

With the increased toxins in the bloodstream, nausea can be a prevalent factor that will make your cat less interested in food. Your cat may no longer have any interest in their favorite meals or even special treats and this is one of the most common symptoms of kidney problems in cats.

Loss of appetite should be checked immediately to ensure your cat remains healthy. Failure to eat adequate amounts of food can lead to weight loss and negative impacts on health. A visit to the vet will establish the causal factor and enable relevant dietary changes or treatment to stimulate appetite and achieve adequate nutrition.

Weight loss due to chronic kidney failure in cats is typically gradual, but it is subtle yet progressive. Their appetite declines and the body becomes less able to absorb the food they eat, so they may lose weight despite there being no apparent change in their diet or their exercise regime. It gives the appearance of muscle wasting and looks more emaciated. 

The weight of your cat should be checked regularly, particularly when she has been diagnosed with CKD or other signs and symptoms of kidney disease. Consult your vet for nutritional supplements and special diets to control this part of chronic renal failure in cats if your cat suffers a sudden or steady weight loss.

Your cat may act ill or just not as interested in activities due to the toxins in the blood. You may find him sleeping more and/or showing less interest in play and interaction. It's essential to distinguish normal aging from a feeling of lethargy that is associated with CKD.

If your once-active cat has become lethargic and this behavior change has happened fairly recently, it could be due to underlying kidney problems. A veterinary professional may help investigate the exact cause of the listlessness and implement treatment methods to improve energy and quality of life.

Failure of the kidneys to filter waste products appropriately results in an accumulation of toxins, which gives rise to gastrointestinal upset. Occasional vomiting may not be alarming, but frequent or severe episodes may indicate a serious problem. It is very upsetting but common in cats with CKD.

Vomiting several times leads to dehydration and other complications, so it is essential that if your cat vomits continuously, you need to seek veterinary care. A vet can provide treatment against nausea and vomiting to manage the condition of your cat by keeping him hydrated and comfortable while sorting out the main kidney issues.

When toxins are elevated within the blood, this often affects the breath, making it smell metallic or like ammonia. This is not simply an example of bad breath but is indeed a major indicator that there may be health problems lurking beneath the surface. Bad breath, also known as halitosis in cats, can be a symptom of feline kidney disease.

If you observe a change in your cat's breath, especially foul odor, seek a veterinarian. These symptoms, especially when combined with others like vomiting and poor appetite, may lead to an early diagnosis of chronic kidney disease. This can lead to more effective management and treatment.

Cats with chronic kidney failure can grow painful ulcers inside their mouths which are a result of the accumulation of toxins that irritate the oral mucosa. You might see excessive drooling, pawing at the mouth, or shying away from food associated with these sores in your cat.

These ulcers can give your cat a poor quality of life, turning eating and drinking into painful exercises. While noticing such symptoms, it is essential to have your cat checked by a vet. Treatment includes pain relief, special diets, and medication aimed at reducing the formation of ulcers as well as controlling kidney disease.

A dull and unkempt coat is one of the clear signs of CKD in cats and the skin and coat are also affected by problems with the kidneys and become rough and scruffy. Your cat may stop grooming themselves as frequently due to not feeling good, which will aggravate their coat condition.

These symptoms can be controlled through regular grooming and veterinary care. Keeping your cat comfortable and maintaining treatment for kidney issues will help improve their grooming habits and thus the health of their coat. Nutritional supplements and topical treatments may be prescribed to improve fur quality.

This inability of the kidneys to concentrate urine appropriately results in excessive loss of water and it is common in cats with kidney failure despite their higher water intake. The signs include sunken eyes, dry gums, and a decrease in skin turgor.

Adequate hydration can be maintained by providing fresh water and moisture-rich foods, accompanied by regular checkups at the vet. In severe cases, subcutaneous fluids, administered by a vet, may be needed to keep them well hydrated and healthy overall.

 

A malfunctioned or damaged kidney may be unable to regulate blood pressure overall in the body, which may lead to hypertension. It is one of the serious complications of feline kidney disease, if not properly treated, may cause blindness or a stroke.

Regular veterinary check-ups in cats with CKD permit timely identification and management of high blood pressure. Controlling hypertension through medication and diet can minimize the occurrence of further complications and maximize the quality and length of your cat's life.

Anemia is commonly seen in chronically renal failure cats because of the reduced functioning of the kidneys to produce erythropoietin, reducing the amount of red blood cells. Symptoms of anemia include pale gums, weakness, and lethargy, making your cat seem tired and less active.

Anemia in cats with CKD can be managed with veterinary care and treatment, including injections of erythropoietin or iron supplements. As this symptom treatment enhances the energy levels and symmetric quality of life of your cat, it becomes very important in dealing with kidney diseases.

Weakness can also happen in cats with progressive kidney disease and these may manifest as an unsteady gait. The toxins are most likely going to affect neurological function, characterized by stumbling and difficulty walking. Most of the time, this condition heralds advanced renal failure and will need immediate veterinary attention.

Providing an environment that is free from dangers, safe, and supportive is of the essence when dealing with weak and stumbling cats. Remove obstructions and make food, water, and litter boxes very accessible. Even veterinary treatments can help to improve upon the basic causes of the condition and better the mobility and well-being of your cat.

Cats with kidney disease also hunch because of abdominal pain and discomfort, this relieves part of the pressure that the kidneys are under with decreased function. If you find that your cat is always sitting or lying in a hunched position, it may be a sign of CKD.

Veterinary care and strategies for pain management can help in keeping the cat with CKD free from pain and related discomfort. Medications, along with dietary adjustments, help to decrease abdominal pain. In this way, your cat will be able to relax and achieve a more comfortable posture.

The problems in the kidneys of cats may make cats feel tired and unwell all the time, hence they sleep more. So. if your cat seems to be much sleepier than usual and has a diminished interest in its surroundings, it could indicate CKD. Their bodies are responding to the illness by this increased need for rest.

Encourage gentle activity and interaction, but respect your cat's need for rest. Such activity will help to keep them both physically and mentally active. Regular veterinary checkups and proper treatment will enhance their energy levels and general condition.

In bad cases, kidney disease will result in the accumulation of fluids in the lungs, leading to breathing problems. If your cat is showing symptoms of fast breathing, wheezing, or struggling to catch their breath, it should be noted that these are serious symptoms and require immediate consultation with a veterinarian.

Management of dyspnea in cats with CKD will need veterinary attention and treatment, in which vets may prescribe diuretics to reduce the accumulation of water. Therefore, it would be best to provide the cat with a quiet space, away from stressors, to promote breathing and comfort.

Increased irritability, hiding, or vocalization can very well mean your cat has kidney disease and is in pain or discomfort. It may be very subtle, yet a behavioral change carries great meaning, so it does stress close observation and the need for prompt veterinary care.

This means that approaching behavior change must begin by understanding the needs of your cat and providing a supportive environment. Veterinary intervention can manage pain and discomfort to improve the mood and behavior of your cat while managing underlying kidney issues.

This may be associated with edema, which is swelling in the limbs due to fluid retention in cats with kidney disease. If you notice your cat's legs or paws are swelling, this could be an indication that they have advanced CKD and should see a vet immediately for effective care.

Veterinary treatments for edema cats might be experienced with CKD, including diuretics and dietary adjustments. A drop in fluid retention may decrease swelling and benefit mobility and comfort levels of the cat, adding to the well-being and quality of life.

Recognition of these signs of feline kidney disease can help in early diagnosis and treatment, impacting the quality of life and survival of your cat. Regular visits to the veterinarian, along with monitoring, will help in the effective management of this chronic condition.

Prevention of kidney disease in cats lies in ensuring general preventative measures for health and wellness. This would, therefore, include regular visits to the veterinarian. The visits will help in recognizing and treating early symptoms of renal failure before reaching fatal levels. During these visits, your vet may need to carry out blood tests, analysis of urine, and other methods to check on the status of kidneys.

You will also have to feed your cat with well-balanced food that will enhance the health of the kidneys. Specially formulated cat foods with reduced protein and phosphorus levels help ease pressure on the kidneys and thus prevent the disease from progressing.

Good hydration is also key to healthy kidneys, so it's important to provide fresh water for your cat at all times. Encourage your cat to drink more by using wet food or water fountains to ensure their kidneys stay healthy.

Be aware of your cat's breed and its possible genetic tendencies towards kidney disease. Adopt a breed that has less likelihood of being genetically predisposed to kidney disease. Maintaining a fit weight and encouraging regular exercise also avoids kidney stress through obesity. Reducing their exposure to toxins, including some drugs and household chemicals also protects their kidneys. When all these methods of prevention are combined, you can reduce the risk of kidney disease in your cat to a minimum and provide her with a longer, healthier life.