Symptoms, Causes & Natural Remedies

Kidney disease is a common health problem in cats, particularly as they reach their senior years. The kidneys are responsible for filtering waste from the blood and regulating important bodily functions – such as hydration levels and blood pressure. When the kidneys aren’t working properly, waste builds up in the body and can cause a range of symptoms.

In this guide, we’ll explore the symptoms, causes, and natural treatments for kidney disease in cats. We’ll also provide recommendations for a proper diet from world renowned veterinarians.

Symptoms:

The symptoms of kidney disease in cats can vary depending on the severity of the condition. Early signs may be subtle and hard to notice at first – like spending more time at the water bowl. As the disease progresses, the symptoms become more apparent. Here are some common symptoms of kidney disease in cats:

• Increased thirst and urination
• Decreased appetite
• Weight loss
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Bad breath
• Lethargy and weakness
• Dehydration
• Urinary tract infections
• Behavioral changes

Causes:

Kidney disease can have a range of causes in cats, including:

• Age – Older cats are more prone to kidney disease.
• Genetics – Certain breeds of cats may be more susceptible to kidney disease.
• Infections – Bacterial or viral infections can damage the kidneys.
• Inflammation – Chronic inflammation can damage the kidneys over time.
• Toxins – Exposure to certain toxins, such as antifreeze, can cause kidney damage.
• Diet – A dry food diet or a diet that’s high in phosphorus and low in protein can put extra strain on the kidneys.
• Other health problems – Cats with high blood pressure, hyperthyroidism, or diabetes are more likely to develop kidney disease.

Natural Treatments:

There are several natural remedies that can help manage kidney disease in cats. Below are the steps we took with our cats that were diagnosed with CKD to successfully stop the progression of the disease and support their overall health:

1. We switched the diet from processed to a fresh food made with eggshell calcium (instead of bone to reduce phosphorus). You can make this yourself or purchase from a raw or fresh food company.
2. We added the Kitty Kidney Kit to their meals each day.
3. We supplemented with 2 other kidney support supplements, rotating them each morning in their breakfast meals:
   A. Bark & Whisker’s Liver & Kidney Support for Pets
   B. AminAvast

These steps really help with renal issues but will also increase immunity health, skin/coat, energy levels and digestive health!

Other Natural Remedies:

Here are some other natural treatments that can help if the above items are not available to you:

• Acupuncture – Acupuncture can help improve kidney function and reduce inflammation.
• Herbs – Certain herbs, such as milk thistle and dandelion, can help support kidney function.
• Omega-3 fatty acids – Omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce inflammation and improve kidney function.
• Probiotics – Probiotics can help support the digestive system and improve nutrient absorption.
• Amino acids – Amino acids, such as arginine, can help improve kidney function.

Veterinarian Diet Recommendations:

The common conventional treatment for kidney disease in cats includes a “prescription diet” that is low in animal protein, causing phosphorous levels to decrease. In order to balance these diets, the multi-million dollar pet food companies replace the meat with ultra-processed fillers that are inappropriate for cats, as they are obligate carnivores, and typically cause cats with CKD to waste away quickly. We do not recommend that you feed your cats these diets, especially the dry food options. Here are some healthier options that will allow your cat to thrive while helping to control the kidney disease with food:

Dr. Chris Bessant’s Whole Food Kidney Prescription Diet 

Dr. Judy Morgan’s Kidney Friendly Recipes

Dr. Karen Becker’s Diet Recommendation for Kidney Disease:

Dr. Karen Becker, DVM recommends a diet that is high in excellent quality protein and lower than normal levels of phosphorus and sodium for cats with kidney disease. If your cat is fed a processed dry food diet, she recommends transitioning to a better diet quickly. “Cats with renal disease do best eating high-quality, human grade canned food or a fresh, balanced homemade or commercial raw food diet.” Here are a few more diet recommendations:

• Wet or fresh food – Wet and fresh, human-grade foods have a higher moisture content than dry food, which can help keep cats hydrated.
• Low phosphorus – Look for foods that are low in phosphorus. High levels of phosphorus can put extra strain on the kidneys.
• High-quality protein – It’s important to maintain muscle mass in cats with kidney disease. Look for high-quality protein sources.
• Omega-3 fatty acids – Adding omega-3 fatty acids to the diet can help reduce inflammation and improve kidney function.
• Limited treats – Treats should be limited for cats with kidney disease. Look for low-phosphorus treat options.

Conclusion:

Kidney disease is a common health problem in cats, particularly as they age. It’s important to be aware of the symptoms and causes of kidney disease so that you can catch it early and begin treatment. Using diet & supplementation as treatment, many are able to slow or stop progression of kidney disease in cats.