Mold & Kidney Disease in Cats

Many people who suffer from a toxic or allergic reaction to their environment have discovered that mold causes their symptoms. Animals can also suffer from reactions to mold. Kidney diseases can result from a cat's reactions to mold. Cat owners must ensure timely treatment to prevent a mold-caused kidney disease from progressing to a more severe illness.

  1. Types of Molds

    • Scientists have divided the types of mold found in the environment into subcategories that include allergenic molds, pathogenic molds and toxigenic molds. It is possible to find these molds anywhere in the environment. Allergenic molds may affect an animal or person who already has problems with allergies while anybody can develop an infection through exposure to a pathogenic mold. Scientists believe that toxigenic molds may suppress the immunological system of an individual or an animal, which would cause them to experience serious health effects.

    Mold on Food

    • In 2009, many cat owners found that their cats' kidney problems were traced back to their food. Researchers focused on the possibility that mold growing on the cat food caused formerly healthy cats to develop kidney problems after they ate the contaminated food. Cat food companies recalled approximately 60 million cans of pet food over concern of the possible link between the food's contamination and the resulting renal-failures and deaths among cats who ate those food products. Since a cat owner cannot discern many types of mold that grow on food by sight, some cat specialists suggest a raw food diet for cats to ensure that the cat eats a more natural diet.

    Mold in the Air

    • Aspergillus mold exists in the air. As a cat breathes these spores the fungus can enter the cat's system, causing lung, intestine, liver and kidney problems. It can impair the cat's immune system and cause severe illness or even death. A cat owner who believes that his home has mold that may affect his cat should contact an accredited mold inspector for an assessment of possible mold problems in the home.

    Symptoms

    • When a cat begins to drink excessively and urinate frequently, a cat owner should bring the cat to a veterinarian for a blood test. The blood test will check whether these are symptoms of renal failure. No cure exists for renal failure in cats, but a restricted diet and the administering of certain medications can, in some cases, make the cat more comfortable.

    Prevention

    • Airborne mold grows in damp areas and thrives in dark, moist locations. Homeowners should look for patches or wet spots on a floor, wall or ceiling that can indicate the presence of mold. Homeowners should try to clean the mold with household detergent while wearing gloves and a face mask. Do not use a bleach to clean up mold. If a homeowner notices a large amount of mold, if the mold seems especially damp or if the mold comes back after repeated cleanings, a professional should clean the mold.