Cat Urinary & Kidney

What is kidney disease?

The kidneys are important, multi-functional organs. They are responsible for urine production, essential mineral regulation, and removal of waste from the cat’s bloodstream. Kidney disease, commonly called chronic renal failure, marks a gradual, long-term loss of kidney function. Kidney disease affects the kidneys’ ability to remove waste products from the cat’s blood, causing diminished kidney function and a decline in overall health.

What causes kidney disease in cats?

Kidney disease in cats can have a number of causes, which include:

• Low blood pressure
• Kidney infection
• Poisons
• Urinary blockages
• Trauma
• Cancer
• Thyroid conditions

What are the symptoms of kidney disease?

Some of the most frequently-reported signs of kidney disease in cats include:

• Depression
• Mouth ulcers
• Hair quality effects
• Lethargy
• Inappetence
• Bad breath
• Weight loss

Less frequently-reported potential signs of kidney disease in cats include:

• Anemia
• Vomiting
• Increased thirst
• Diarrhea
• Increased urination

How is kidney disease treated?

While treatment will vary from one cat to the next, based upon factors like the severity of the condition, the cat’s age, and his or her health history, treatment often includes one or more of the following:

• Dietary changes, which typically include a specially-formulated food with low phosphorus and low fat
• Anemia treatment, which might include a marrow production-stimulating medication
• Anti-emetics
• Antibiotics
• Blood pressure medication
• Phosphate binding medication
• Supplements, which often include potassium

How do supplements help cats suffering from kidney disease?

Supplements are beneficial because cats suffering from kidney disease typically lose potassium through their urine. This can be detrimental because it causes a poor hair coat, along with muscle stiffness and weakness. It can also worsen the severity of the cat’s condition. Supplementation goes a long way in preventing these effects, contributes to the cat’s health, and helps manage the disease more effectively.

What is the best kidney support supplement for cats?

Some of the best kidney supplements for cats include:

• AminAvast Kidney Support It helps improve your cat’s kidney function as it supports normal renal cell structure and maintains normal, low levels of oxidative stress. It comes in an easy-to-use sprinkle capsule.
• Azodyl is a nutritional supplement that supports cats’ and dogs’ renal function. These capsules work by slowing uremic toxin buildup to prevent further kidney damage.
• Pala-Tech Cranberry Plus comes in the form of a chewable tablet. This natural supplement is ideal for your cat’s urinary and bladder health because it minimizes bacterial infections within the urinary tract, bladder, and urogenital system.
• Renal K + Powder This powdered formula is ideal for pets with hypokalemia, which results in an increased need for potassium supplementation. It provides potassium gluconate, along with B-complex vitamins, to support the muscular, nervous, and renal systems.
• Methigel is a kidney supplement for cats that comes in a delicious and easy-to-administer gel. This product supports healthy urine pH, promotes urinary and bladder health and function, reduces crystal formation, and controls the odor of the cat’s urine. It is an ideal choice for cats who are highly susceptible to urinary tract or bladder infections.
• NaturVet Cranberry Relief Powder is a convenient, all-natural powdered supplement that supports your cat’s urinary tract and immune health.
• VetOne Cranberry Plus is a natural supplement that provides urogenital and urinary tract health support.
• VetriScience Renal Essentials Chewable Tablets or Bite-Sized Chews are tasty, easy-to-administer, natural supplements for cats with kidney disease. They help prevent kidney disease, and they provide kidney maintenance and care. It provides an essential nutrient blend to help normalize your cat’s kidney function, balance the urine pH and mineral levels, normalize circulation, and strengthen the feline’s immune response to foreign material within the urinary tract or kidneys.

What else can i do to keep my cat’s kidneys healthy?

As mentioned above, dietary changes are a relatively easy and highly beneficial way to support your cat through kidney problems of any kind. After you choose the best supplement to keep your cat’s kidneys healthy, be sure to take a look at our selection of kidney support foods for adult cats. We carry Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet K+M Kidney + Mobility Support Cat Food, which comes in a canned (wet) or dry formula. We also offer Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets NF Kidney Failure foods, which are available in an Early Care or an Advanced Care formula.

At Allivet, you’ll find all the supplements, foods, and prescription medications you need to support your cat through his or her kidney condition. You’ll even find treats and supplies to keep your kitty happy and reward him or her for good behavior!