Natural Remedies for Renal Failure in Cats

Feline chronic renal failure (CRF) is an age-related medical condition that is one of the leading causes of death in cats seven years or older, according to the Feline CRF Information Center. Symptoms are varied but include excessive urination, increased thirst, nausea, dehydration, loss of appetite and stomach irritation. CRF is a terminal disease but is manageable with some home remedies.

  1. Diet

    • Your veterinarian might recommend putting your cat on a low-phosphorous, low-sodium diet. A low-phosphorous diet might help slow the progression of feline renal failure by reducing mineral deposits in the kidneys, according to the Healthy Pet Journal. Feeding canned food to a cat with renal failure can help with hydration, because canned foods usually contain more water than dry foods.

    Nutritional Supplements

    • Certain vitamins and nutritional supplements may help slow the progression of kidney disease in cats, according to the Healthy Pet Journal. Vitamin C and B complex help replenish essential vitamins lost because the kidneys are unable to recycle and retain the nutrients properly in the body. Essential fatty acids such as Omega 3 might also help slow the progress of renal failure in cats.

    Herbs

    • Herbs can be helpful at the beginning stages of feline renal failure. Herbal formulas designed to strengthen kidney function are available especially for cats with renal failure, according to the Healthy Pet Journal. These formulas can balance urine pH and mineral levels, normalize circulation and strengthen the cat’s immune response to foreign material in the urinary tract or kidneys. These herbal formulas can include ingredients such as potassium, nettle seed extract, folic acid, cranberry juice extract, marshmallow root, hawthorn berries, olive leaf and ginkgo biloba leaf.