Natural Medicines for Kidney Disease in Cats

Kidney disease the second-leading killer of cats. Many older felines will suffer from kidney disease, but the diagnosis does not mean a death sentence for your cat. There are many ways that you can help your animal to live a considerably normal life with the proper treatments. Some symptoms of kidney problems include an increase in thirst, weight loss and more frequent urination. Always consult with a holistic veterinarian before giving your cat any natural remedy.

  1. Slippery Elm Bark

    • Slippery elm bark is an herbal remedy used to treat digestive and intestinal problems. It coats the lining of the stomach, soothing and reducing irritation that is common with kidney failure. You typically find slippery elm bark in powder form at most health food stores. When buying this powder, be sure slippery elm bark is the only ingredient. A typical dosage is 1/4 to 1/8 of a tsp. once or twice a day. You can sprinkle it on the cat's food, or mix with baby food to help combat the taste, which some cats don't like. Do not give slippery elm bark immediately after giving your cat any medication; it might reduce the medication's effectiveness. Wait at least an hour, or give it an hour before.

    Vitamins B and C

    • Giving cats supplements of vitamin C and vitamin B aids in kidney production improvement, according to the Daily Puppy. Some cat owners also notice an increase in cats' energy after they're given vitamin B.

    Flower Essences

    • Flower essences might have a soothing effect on a cat. Most flower essences have some sort of calming effect that helps to keep the cat more comfortable. Recommended essences for feline kidney failure include crab apple, olive, star-of-Bethlehem and gorse. According to Feline CRF, you can place two to eight drops of these essences in your cat's water bowl so that he may reap their benefits.

    Diet

    • The Whole Dog says a cat with kidney failure should eat a diet that is low in sodium, protein and phosphorus. You should avoid feeding your cat a lot of beef and organ meats and replace them with lacto-proteins such as eggs, chicken, fish, turkey and ricotta cheese. The cat's diet should only contain 24 percent high quality protein and plenty of cooked, pureed vegetables and white rice. Do not feed your cat any processed foods that contain chemicals, or byproducts that can put a burden on the kidneys, according to according to Shirley's Wellness Cafe.