Feline Treats for Kidney Failure

Also known as chronic renal failure (CRF), kidney failure is a common disease in cats. To protect the kidneys, veterinarians generally prescribe diets low in protein, salt, and phosphorus for CRF patients--bland foods that many cats don't like. While incurable, special diets may slow CRF's progression. Regular feline treats are a no-no for cats with kidney failure, but special or homemade treats for felines with CRF encourage them to eat. Warming food before serving and dividing up meals throughout the day also help the appetite of the cat with kidney failure.

  1. Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Feline Treats

    • Royal Canin, which manufactures special veterinary diets of all kinds, features a feline treat suitable for cats with kidney failure. Low in phosphorus, sodium, and fat, the treats can be given to CRF cats as long as they don't exceed 10 percent of the daily diet. The treats include antioxidants such as vitamins C and E, along with taurine, an essential amino acid for felines. Don't give these treats to cats that are sensitive to fish or tomatoes. Royal Canin's website: royalcanin.us.

    Baby Food

    • Whole meat, pureed baby foods without added vegetables can be served as a treat to CRF cats to tempt them to eat. Check labels for phosphorus content, and avoid baby foods with high amounts. Feed only as a treat, not as a regular meal, since baby food doesn't contain taurine.

    Homemade Treats

    • Enticing a cat with kidney failure to eat can be a challenge. Several simple, homemade treats may do the trick. Cats with failing kidneys need to drink a lot water to flush the waste from their systems--copious water drinking is an early sign of CRF. Make yourself a tuna sandwich from canned tuna in water and let kitty drink the tuna water. Check the label to make sure no onion or other ingredients are in the tuna, since onion is harmful to cats. Cooked eggs contain digestible proteins while being low in phosphorous. CRF cats need their B vitamins, and pet stores carry palatable feline vitamins that can be fed as treats.