Reasons for Feline Acute Kidney Failure

Like humans, pets can develop serious, often life-threatening health conditions. One such condition is acute kidney failure. Acute kidney failure in cats can have several different causes. It is important to know these causes because acute kidney failure strikes quickly.

  1. Antifreeze Poisoning

    • Cats may drink antifreeze if it is accessible to them because it has a sweet smell and taste. Outdoor cats may simply walk through antifreeze and then lick their paws.

    Other Toxins

    • A cat may also develop acute kidney failure from ingesting other toxic substances. These include the Easter Lily plant, heavy metals like arsenic, and certain medications like those for heartworms.

    Dehydration

    • Dehydration may lead to feline acute kidney failure. A cat is susceptible to dehydration if it does not have enough water in its bowl, experiences a period of frequent vomiting, or if illness causes it to drink very little.

    Obstruction

    • Urinary obstruction, or blockage in the urinary tract, may cause feline acute kidney failure. If blood clots block the arteries leading to the kidneys, the kidneys may fail from lack of blood flow.

    Infection

    • Overwhelming infection in the body, or sepsis, may lead to kidney failure in cats. Bacterial infections, such as E. coli, may also cause kidney failure.