Feline kidney disease, commonly referred to as chronic renal failure, or CRF, is a common ailment in elderly cats. This incurable condition can be managed with diet, medications and subcutaneous fluids.
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Identifying CRF
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Chronic renal failure can happen in cats as young as 4, but most commonly afflicts older cats. Cats with CRF will often consume excess amounts of water and will urinate more than usual.
Understanding CRF symptoms
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A cat with CRF will drink more water because the kidneys are not functioning and processing urine correctly. Because of the frequent urination, there might also be instances of urinating outside of the litter box. At on onset of the urination symptoms, the kidneys may have lost up to 75 percent of their functional tissue.
Diet reccomendations
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To try to manage CRF by diet, veterinarians recommend a low-protein and low-phosphorous diets. These two elements are the most taxing to the kidneys, and reducing the amount in a cat's diet will help prolong the life of the kidneys. A veterinarian can prescribe food that meets both of these requirements. Owners may also explore options for cooking their own cat food at home.
Commercial Foods for CRF
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Read the ingredient and nutrition labels on any food product you intend to feed to a cat with CRF. Specifically look for foods with a low ash content, which impacts the amount of phosphorous in the food, and food with lower protein levels. Canned or "wet" cat foods are recommended for cats with severe renal disease due to the higher moisture level of the food.
The protein debate
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Although most veterinarians will recommend the low-protein/low-phosphorous diet, some argue that limiting protein can do more harm than good. Depending on the stage and severity of the renal disease, some cats may not need to have the protein intake limited. Because the kidneys filter nitrogen from the blood, and nitrogen is a byproduct of protein, limiting the amount of protein is thought to reduce the stress on the kidneys.
Medications
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Although there is no cure for CRF, there have been a number of medical advancements. Veterinarians can prescribe some dietary supplements that can mitigate symptoms or help with weight gain. If the cat is unable to stay hydrated by eating and drinking on its own, some owners might explore the option of administering subcutaneous fluids. A veterinarian can answer any questions specific to the feline.
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