What is Feline Kidney Disease? Explanation of Causes, Treatments, and Prevention

There is a disease that can be called a fate for cats, and that is "kidney disease."

Although kidney disease is a life-threatening illness, it is known to be very difficult to detect early. What can cat owners do to protect the health of their precious cats?

In this article, we will explain the symptoms, treatments, and prevention methods for kidney disease in cats in an easy-to-understand way.

Causes of Kidney Disease in Cats

It is believed that the reason cats are prone to kidney disease lies in their body structure.

Cats' ancestors lived in arid deserts. To survive in an environment with little water, they had to avoid losing moisture from their bodies as much as possible.

This is where the "kidneys" come into play.

The kidneys are organs that function to excrete waste products through urine, maintain the body's water balance, and regulate blood pressure.

To make effective use of water within the body, the kidneys filter blood to produce concentrated urine containing only waste products. This mechanism is thought to place a burden on a cat's kidneys.

Symptoms of Kidney Disease in Cats

Kidney disease in cats includes "acute kidney injury (acute kidney failure)" and "chronic kidney disease (chronic kidney failure)."

Symptoms of Acute Kidney Injury (Acute Kidney Failure)

Acute kidney injury is a condition where kidney function declines rapidly due to dehydration, poisoning, infectious diseases, or urinary stones.

Symptoms include "not urinating," "loss of appetite," "signs of dehydration," and "convulsions," but recovery can be expected if treatment is performed in the early stages.

Symptoms of Chronic Kidney Disease (Chronic Kidney Failure)

Chronic kidney disease is a condition in which the kidneys continue to be damaged, causing renal function to gradually decline until they eventually stop working altogether.

There are almost no initial symptoms, and it is not uncommon for owners to realize the disease has "progressed significantly" by the time they notice it.

The progression of chronic kidney disease in cats is divided into four stages. It is surprising that there are almost no symptoms until renal function drops below 25%.

Watch out for polyuria and polydipsia in cats!

"Polyuria and polydipsia" (excessive urination and excessive thirst) are signs of chronic kidney disease in cats.

As renal function declines, the kidneys can no longer concentrate urine, leading to the production of large volumes of dilute urine. Because the cat becomes dehydrated, it will also drink more water.

To notice symptoms of polyuria and polydipsia, it is important to regularly observe the volume and frequency of urine, as well as how much water they drink.If you notice signs of polyuria and polydipsia, do not wait and see; take your cat to a veterinary clinic.

Treatments for Kidney Disease in Cats

When a cat is diagnosed with kidney disease, what kind of treatment is needed?

"Acute kidney injury" and "chronic kidney disease" require different treatments, so we will explain each.

Treatments for Acute Kidney Injury (Acute Kidney Failure)

If there are acute symptoms, hospitalization is required. Treatment is based on the cause and symptoms, such as IV drips for dehydration or antibiotics for infections.

We aim for recovery of renal function through early detection and treatment, but if recovery does not occur, it may transition into chronic kidney disease.

Treatments for Chronic Kidney Disease (Chronic Kidney Failure)

Currently, there is no cure or treatment to completely resolve chronic kidney disease. Unfortunately, renal function lost due to chronic kidney disease cannot be recovered through treatment.

Treatment for chronic kidney disease focuses on making it easier to excrete waste products from the blood and slowing the progression of the disease.

・IV Therapy

IV drips are administered to hydrate the cat and suppress the progression of the kidney disease. Since drips are required once a week or more, owners may sometimes perform these at home.

・Dietary Therapy

To prevent the buildup of waste products in the body and reduce the burden on the kidneys, cats are fed therapeutic diets adjusted in sodium, phosphorus, and protein content.

・Drug Therapy

Medications are prescribed to suppress symptoms caused by kidney disease, such as proteinuria, anemia, and gastric ulcers. Supplements like activated carbon, which adsorbs waste products, may also be prescribed.

・Dialysis

Although special equipment is required, some animal hospitals offer hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis.

Prevention of Kidney Disease in Cats

Cats are prone to kidney disease. What's more, it is hard to notice and incurable... To ensure your cat does not suffer from kidney disease, learn the methods for prevention.

Increase Water Intake

To reduce the burden on the kidneys, encourage your cat to drink plenty of water on a daily basis.

As this also leads to the prevention of urinary stones, try ways to increase water intake such as providing multiple water stations or topping food with wet food.

Observe Urine Volume and Frequency

Chronic kidney disease can be spotted by changes in "urine volume." Observe the amount of urine daily, and be careful if it increases more than usual.

You can also notice changes by the color and odor of the urine. When symptoms of polyuria and polydipsia appear, the urine becomes pale and loses its characteristic odor.

Do Not Keep Items That Cause Poisoning

There are items, such as lilies, that can cause poisoning if a cat ingests them, leading to damage to the kidneys.

Always keep your cat's living space clean and ensure that nothing that could trigger poisoning is left out.

Get a Health Checkup Once a Year, Even When Healthy

Even if there are no signs of poor health, have a health checkup once a year. Since the risk of kidney disease increases from the senior stage onwards (past 7 years of age), a bi-annual checkup is recommended.

Although chronic kidney disease is difficult to notice by appearance due to the lack of initial symptoms, it can sometimes be discovered through blood tests and urinalysis.

Summary

Cats have a habit of trying to hide it even when they are feeling unwell.

In the natural world, if it is known that they are weak or ill, they become easier targets for predators.

Because of this nature, you might not be able to notice changes in your cat's condition easily. The only thing you can do as an owner is to observe them carefully to ensure you don't miss any signs of trouble.

First, start by observing your cat's water intake, urine volume, and frequency. Keeping notes in a "Cat Health Journal" makes it easier to notice changes in their health.

Why not incorporate a new, small habit into your life with your cat?

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