Customized Diet for Chronic Kidney Disease in a Cat

Feline chronic kidney disease, or chronic renal failure (CRF), is an incurable disease which causes the loss of the cat's kidney cells. The disease progresses quickly in some cats and more slowly in others. Many drug treatments are available to make your cat more comfortable, and along with prescription drug treatment a veterinarian usually recommends a low protein/low phosphorus diet to reduce stress on the kidneys.

  1. Protein and Phosphorus

    • Meat should be a minor (but necessary) ingredient in your cat's diet. Meat is the primary source of phosphorus and protein in a cat's diet, and restricting phosphorus and protein can help a cat with CRF feel better. The best way to provide proper nutrition for a cat with renal disease is to prepare a homemade diet which restricts phosphorus but includes supplements such as taurine, calcium, and vitamin C to promote kidney and overall health in your cat.

    Fluid Intake

    • Fluids ingested by your cat flush toxins from the bloodstream and make your cat more comfortable and help him feel better. Cats suffering from renal failure often drink lots of water without having to be encouraged to do so. Subcutaneous fluids can help your cat by replacing water lost through the kidneys, and can be given at home through a port that your veterinarian installs in your cat's skin.
      Another great way to be sure your cat consumes enough moisture is to provide her with a high-moisture diet such as canned food formulated for cats with CRF or a homemade diet. Dry cat food is inappropriate for cats with CRF and should not be a part of their diet, as it will dehydrate them.

    Commercial Diets

    • Prescription commercial protein-restricted diets for cats with CRF are available. Many cats do not like these diets and refuse to eat them. The cat must maintain healthy body weight and must eat regularly to do so, so if he will not eat a commercial low-protein/low phosphorus diet that diet will be rendered ineffective. Adding other sources of protein to a low-protein/low phosphorus diet also renders that diet ineffective by eliminating the benefits it offers.
      If your cat will not eat a commercially prepared diet, a homemade diet for cats with CRF is easily prepared, and may be more palatable to your cat. Try combining 1/4 cup cooked chicken, 1.2 oz. canned clams, 1/2 cup cooked rice, 1 tbsp. chicken fat, 500 mg Vitamin C and 1/4 tsp. parsley for a homemade diet suitable for a cat with CRF.