Feline Renal Failure & Taurine

Since kidneys are vital to the regulation of multiple body processes, cats in renal failure exhibit a number of health issues related to their disease. Maintaining taurine in a cat's diet is one of many things a cat owner must provide to ensure their kitty's quality of life while dealing with this disease.

  1. Acute vs. Chronic Renal Failure

    • Acute renal failure is a sudden onset of renal failure that requires emergency treatment and may be caused toxins, infections or renal blockage. Chronic renal failure occurs more progressively and isn't typically noticed by cat owners until their cat is in later stages of the disease. These cats require lifelong treatment and care.

    Taurine

    • Taurine is an amino acid that humans are able to synthesize on their own. Cats, however, must be provided taurine in their diet since they cannot synthesize it on their own. Therefore it is called an essential amino acid.

    Taurine Deficiency

    • Cats not fed enough taurine can develop retinal degeneration, which can lead to blindness, and dilated cardiomyopathy, which is when the heart chambers enlarge and the heart muscle weakens.

    Hypertension

    • Cats with chronic renal failure are prone to developing hypertension, or high blood pressure. The kidneys are highly involved in maintaining proper blood pressure, so in renal failure that system is off balance and the risk for hypertension increases the further the disease progresses.

    Conclusion

    • Since hypertension can cause excess stress on the heart, cats with chronic renal failure need taurine in their diet to decrease their risk of dilated cardiomyopathy. While excess taurine is not typically required for every cat with chronic renal failure, your cat may need higher levels if she is at greater risk, or if she already has dilated cardiomyopathy unrelated to the renal failure. Consult your veterinarian for the best diet for you cat.