This article shares the importance of providing a healthy diet for cats with chronic kidney disease.
Did you know that chronic kidney disease (CKD) is one of the most prevalent disorders of cats and a common cause of mortality in senior felines? Kidney diets have helped limit episodes of illness and death related to CKD in cats. This article shares the importance of providing a healthy diet for cats with chronic kidney disease.
Kidney Diet vs. Regular Cat Diet
Kidney diets are created to reduce the impact of CKD on cats. These particularly formulated diets include more potassium and less phosphorus than a regular cat diet to compensate for limited kidney function. The diets also contain highly digestible protein in smaller amounts to diminish the demands of protein digestion byproduct excretion. Since inflammation is a huge issue among cats with chronic kidney disease, many of these diets contain anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids.
Starting Your Cat on a Kidney Diet
Felines are not fans of change in general, but if a kidney diet will help them, they must eat it. As a pet owner, slowly introduce kidney food brands to your cat. Start with a small portion and gradually increase the portion size. Many cats might be more willing to change diets early in their disease before their appetite is affected.
CKD Management in Cats
Providing a kidney-friendly diet is not a definite treatment for cats with CKD. High blood pressure is prevalent in felines with chronic kidney disease. Your veterinarian will measure blood pressure during a clinical evaluation and prescribe daily medicine to control hypertension in your cat. Controlling blood pressure is crucial because high blood pressure can damage kidneys.
The kidneys struggle to control water balance, so cats can quickly dehydrate. Your cat’s vet will test your cat’s urine to ensure no infection or protein is leaking from their kidneys. If not treated, your cat’s kidney function can worsen.
Support Your Pet’s Wellness at Alexander Animal Hospital
Alexander Animal Hospital is a full-service animal hospital located in Severna Park, Maryland, serving the Severna Park, Pasadena, and Arnold Areas. Our goal is educating clients on the needs of their pets and understanding the importance of individualized veterinary care in order to strengthen the human-animal bond between owners and their pets.
We understand you have a choice when deciding on the care for your pets, and we strive to provide you with unparalleled services including wellness exams, vaccines, lost pet microchip ID, dental care, surgical services, digital radiography, and in-hospital laboratory services and diagnostics. Other highlights of Alexander Animal Hospital are the separate cat and dog waiting and exam rooms, as well as after-hours on-call emergency services.
Please take a look around our website and then give us a call at 410-777-8678 to set up an appointment. We’re social! Follow us on Facebook, X, and Pinterest for all the latest updates!