Feline Kidney Failure Diet

Feline kidney failure, commonly a disease of older cats, has no known causative agent. Trauma, urinary disease and bladder stones can all lead to renal failure and veterinary care can be extensive and life-long. Treatment usually includes prescribed medications, subcutaneous and/or intravenous fluids, and a diet change. Cat owners need to discuss the progression of renal failure with their veterinarian and learn why following veterinary protocols in treatment and diet can improve the prognosis for their pet.

  1. The Disease

    • By the time a cat is diagnosed by a veterinarian as being in renal failure, approximately 75 percent of the kidney has been compromised and is non-functioning, states Dr. Alleice Summers in her book "Common Diseases of Companion Animals." Toxins produced by the cat's diet are no longer being filtered out of the blood and into the urine and the resulting build up can cause the clinical signs of renal failure.

      Whether renal failure is acute (suddenly occurring) or chronic (ongoing over a period of time), the symptoms of the disease are the same. The cat may begin drinking an excessive amount of water and suffer with polyuria (excessive urination). It can stop eating regular food, lose weight and/or become dull and lethargic. Vomiting and diarrhea are often symptoms that can lead a cat to dehydration and constipation.

      Because feline kidney failure is incurable and progressive, veterinary treatment at this point is often palliative -- designed to offset the symptoms of the disease and make the animal more comfortable. This treatment usually includes a radical diet change designed to lower the toxin levels in the cat's blood and improve kidney function.

    The Diet

    • The most commonly prescribed veterinary diet is very low in protein, phosphorus and magnesium. Protein by-products and the extra minerals the body does not need to maintain stasis are normally excreted in the cat's urine and this particular diet reduces the kidney workload. Dietary buffers are added to the food to counteract the metabolic acidosis common in kidney failure that leads to stomach upset and muscle wasting. Low sodium content helps to improve kidney blood flow and reduce renal hypertension, while high levels of Omega 3 fatty acids help lower blood pressure systemically. Vitamin B supplements and soluble dietary fiber in the form of whole grains increase needed calories and aid in reducing instances of diarrhea and/or constipation in the animal. The added fiber also decreases urinary nitrogen and serum urea nitrogen levels in the cat, slowing the progression of the disease.

    Considerations

    • Because of the high possibility of dehydration with kidney failure, veterinarians often suggest that cat owners provide the canned diet to their pet due to the extra concentration of water in the food. The daily amount of food is dependent on the weight of the animal and the vet's recommendations. When starting their pet on the prescribed diet, owners are urged to slowly transition the old food to the new over a period of around a week to avoid digestive upset. Pet owners are also advised not to supplement the diet with treats or other foods that can lower the efficacy of the food plan.