What Holistic Treatments Can Be Done for a Cat With Renal Failure?

Renal failure is diagnosed when the kidneys have lost 50 to 70 per cent of their cells. According to Don Hamilton D.V.M., author of "Homeopathic Care for Cats and Dogs," it is a particularly difficult disease to deal with as kidney cells do not regenerate. This leaves no chance of retrieving the lost cells. Conventional veterinary medicine provides essential steps to maintaining the health of a cat with renal failure; however, holistic additions may enhance your cat's health.

  1. Herbs

    • Give your cat herbs that nourish the kidney's tissues. Richard Pritcairn D.V.M., author of "Natural Health for Dogs and Cats," suggests herbs like alfalfa and marshmallow for herbal treatment of renal failure. Marshmallow may be administered by preparing a tea and giving ½ tsp. to your cat two times a day. In a cup of boiling water, infuse 2 tbsp. of marshmallow flowers or leaves and let it steep for five minutes.

      Alfalfa is a helpful blood tonic. Pitcairn suggests 1 to 2 drops of alfalfa tincture three times a day to begin with. Or you can give one alfalfa tablet twice a day. Once an improvement is seen, the dose can be given once a day.

      Chinese herbs may also benefit your cat by improving blood flow, reducing toxins and blood pressure and promoting urination. According to Cheryl Schwartz, D.V.M., in her book "Four Paws, Five Directions: A Guide to Chinese Medicine for Dogs and Cats," the herbal formula Liu Wei Di Huang Wan is useful in renal failure when there is no vomiting occurring. A similar formula called Chih Pai Di Huang Wan is used with extreme thirst, nervous irritability, high blood pressure, insomnia and hot skin. A veterinarian familiar with Chinese medicine may also be able to give your cat acupuncture to benefit the kidneys.

    Supplements

    • Support your cats overall health to limit stress on the kidneys. According to Schwartz, Coenzyme Q 10 helps to eliminate toxins and facilitates oxygenation and lower blood pressure. Cats can take 10 mg a day. Give your cat digestive enzymes. Adding a digestive enzyme to your cat's food will help her to absorb more nutrients and decrease digestive disturbances.

      Be careful when giving vitamin powders to your cat since some ingredients, like vitamin E, can cause an increase in blood pressure.

    Homeopathy

    • Take your cat to a homeopathic veterinarian. While there are numerous homeopathic remedies that can aid in renal failure treatment, a qualified homeopath is often needed to analyze your cat's specific symptoms to match the best remedy.

    Food and Lifestyle

    • Provide quality food and a healthy environment for your cat. According to Pitcairn, highly processed foods, extreme heat, cigarette smoke and chemical fumes should be avoided. Make sure that the cat has fresh air and access to sunlight. Provide plenty of fresh water and brush her frequently.

      Remember that renal failure is an extremely serious disease. If your cat appears to worsen, immediately bring her to the veterinarian.