Natural Treatments for Kidney Failure in Cats

Feline kidney failure can be a chronic, ongoing condition or it can be an ailment that develops suddenly. Once your cat exhibits symptoms of kidney failure and has been diagnosed by a veterinarian, it is time to discuss treatment options. Your vet may recommend a number of traditional treatments, but knowing some natural treatment options can help you select the best course of treatment for your pet.
  1. Diet

    • One of the easiest ways to treat feline kidney failure naturally is to change your cat’s diet. According to Healthy Pet Journal, dry foods high in proteins, sodium and phosphorus are not good for a cat in kidney failure. It is believed that high phosphorus diets can cause more mineral deposits to build up in your cat’s kidney. Lowering the cat's phosphorus intake can slow down the development of the disease. Although proteins are important for a healthy cat, proteins can cause nausea and vomiting in an animal with feline kidney failure. You may want to limit your pet's proteins to avoid these symptoms.

      When choosing the right altered diet for your cat, it is best to discuss your options with a vet. Your vet can help you tailor a diet for your cat’s specific health needs. For example, instead of a low protein diet, the vet may recommend on that is high in proteins; however, the proteins will be of high quality. Another modification that may be made to your cat’s diet is switching from dry foods to wet foods. During kidney failure, dehydration is a specific concern and wet foods help promote hydration.

    Supplements

    • In addition to a change in diet, discuss the option of nutritional supplements with your cat’s veterinarian. B-vitamins can work to relieve stress in your cat as well as help replace vitamins your cat is lacking, according to Only Natural Pet Store. Other helpful supplements include vitamin C, vitamin E and taurine. Vitamins C and E act as cleansers for the entire body, including the kidneys. Taurine is an enzyme that helps regulate internal functions of the body. A supplement of taurine will help encourage healthy kidney function.

    Diuretic Herbs

    • When the kidney fails to filter waste from your cat’s blood stream, the waste backs up and makes your cat sick. One way to encourage your cat’s kidneys to properly filter waste is to use a diuretic. A diuretic is a substance that promotes the production of urine and removal of waste. A common herb used as a diuretic is dandelion. Dried dandelion flowers and roots can be fed to a cat. Alternatively, powdered dandelion can be sprinkled onto your cat’s food or dandelion vinegar can be added to your cat’s water.