How to Hydrate a Cat With Kidney Problems

According to a report by Dawn Fiedovczyk of Misericordia University, kidney disease, also known as renal failure, is one of the leading causes of death in cats. Kidneys remove waste from the cat̵7;s system and when the rate of elimination slows due to disease, the regulation of hydration decreases, negatively impacting numerous other bodily functions including heart rate, metabolism and vision. Increasing fluid intake and rehydrating a cat with kidney problems is the first step in treating renal failure.

  1. Fluid Increase

    • Provide your cat with constant access to a clean water supply. Water intake is one of the best natural ways to stave off dehydration. You can also increase fluid intake through diet. Wet cat foods have a substantially greater water content than dry or semi-moist foods and can aid in rehydrating your cat. Foods low in protein and high in carbohydrates will also reduce the workload of the kidneys while providing the cat with higher energy levels.

    Intravenous Hydration

    • A cat that is severely dehydrated may need intravenous or subcutaneous fluid therapy to replace lost fluids, vitamins, minerals and electrolytes. While this is usually performed initially in a vet̵7;s office in conjunction with urinalysis testing to determine the level of renal failure, future IV hydration may be administered at home. Done properly, this can be a simple and relatively painless procedure for your cat.

    Medication

    • A variety of medications are available to assist in rehydration of cats with kidney problems. While this approach does not cure the underlying renal disease, it does help manage dehydration and makes a cat more comfortable during treatment. Many medications are given orally and are specially designed to be attractive to cats in terms of flavor and texture. Amphogel and Phos-Ex are two commonly-used drugs that help remove toxins the kidneys cannot remove on their own, helping the cat̵7;s own body aid in its rehydration. Two additional drugs that help regulate a cat̵7;s bodily levels of calcium and potassium, two key elements of hydration, are Tumil K and potassium gluconate. A vet may also administer medications to help increase appetite and regulate blood pressure, both of which have an impact on kidney function and are directly related to a cat̵7;s hydration levels.

    Other Treatments

    • While less commonly used, the Misericordia report notes that blood transfusions, kidney transplants and some forms of herbal and homeopathic treatments have also been shown to be effective at helping decrease symptoms of renal failure while aiding in the rehydration of cats with kidney problems. Early detection of potential kidney problems through annual medical check-ups and urine testing are helpful at preventing renal failure.