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Understanding Kidney
Disease In Cats by Jean Morgan
Kidney disease in older cats is especially worrisome. It is also known as
chronic renal failure and is a common problem in older cats. It is seen in
cats of all ages, but mostly older cats.
Symptoms of Kidney Disease in Cats
Your cat is drinking much more water than usual
Your cat is urinating much more than usual
These will be the most noticeable symptoms for you and your cat. When the
kidney is not functioning properly, it can’t concentrate your cat’s urine.
However, your veterinarian will probably conduct some blood tests just to
rule out any other illness, as this can be a sign of another illness.
Unfortunately, the symptoms don’t usually become apparent until about
three quarters of the kidney is already in failure. Just as unfortunate is
the fact that kidney disease (chronic renal failure) in cats has no cure
or way of reversing the damage. The disease will continue, but there are
ways you can make your cat more comfortable in the years she has left.
Treatment can include the following –
1. Diet: You might hear or read things that suggest certain special diets
for your cat. However, the most important thing is that your cat is
eating. If your cat doesn’t like the diet and refuses to eat the food, it
doesn’t do much good. Feed your cat the foods she likes to eat, staying
with nutritional, healthy foods. Don’t feed your cat just dry food. They
will need the moisture from other foods to help keep them hydrated.
2. Nutrition: Your veterinarian might suggest a special food called
Renafood, which can help better your cat’s kidney function. You might need
to crush it into your cat’s regular food, but most cats actually like it.
3. Supplemental Fluids: Your veterinarian can give your cat supplemental
fluids at their office or teach you how to do it at home. This is one of
the best ways to keep your cat hydrated.
There are many ways to help you help your cat live out a happier and
healthier life and the most important part of that is keeping them
hydrated. Your cat’s kidneys can no longer keep the water because of the
damage that is already there and it can’t be reversed. Ask your
veterinarian what else you can do to keep her hydrated, because this will
in turn keep her more comfortable. Your vet might suggest some homeopathy,
herbs, flower essences and/or acupuncture to help make your cat feel
better.
Your vet may also suggest some medicines to help. There are some that can
help, just make sure you have all of the information on them (including
side effects) in case you find your cat may have some unwanted effects
from them.
For more information on pet health visit http://www.natureshealthypet.com
Article Source: http://www.animalpetsandfriends.com
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