Kidney problems and chronic renal failure (CRF) are two of the leading causes of early death in cats. Kidney disease often cannot be cured or reversed, but kidney problems can be managed with dietary changes, medications, and herbs. There are numerous causes for kidney problems, but a major contributing factor to many health problems including kidney disease, according to Lisa A. Pierson, DVM, is a dry, high-carbohydrate kibbled pellet diet. This keeps cats in a chronic state of dehydration, forcing the kidneys to work harder. Other causes include unnecessary annual distemper vaccinations, cancers, and diabetes.
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An Integrative Approach
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Treatment for kidney problems is usually holistic and integrative, combining diet and medication to manage symptoms. Adding herbs and supplements may be helpful in enhancing conventional treatment. Although herbs are "natural," they can be powerful, and produce unwelcome side effects. Some herbs can be potentially dangerous or interact negatively with common medications. Cats can also have idiosyncratic reactions to herbs (and most essential oils are very toxic to cats), so what works for you, or your dog, may be dangerous for your cat. If your budget allows, find a veterinarian who practices complementary and alternative medicine for guidance on using herbal treatments for your cat's kidney problems.
Herbs for Kidney Disease
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Because most kidney problems are incurable, your approach should be symptom management, to keep your cat as comfortable as possible. Several safe herbs can help with common symptoms of kidney problems and CRF.
Nausea and an acidic stomach are common in cats with kidney disease. Slippery elm bark or marshmallow root are both effective salves for an upset stomach, but slippery elm bark may be more effective. These come in powder form, which you mix with hot water. As it cools, it will thicken into a paste that can be fed as-is to the cat or mixed with a little palatable food. A maintenance dose is about 1 tsp. per day, although it is safe to give up to 5 tsp. daily.
Green herbs such as alfalfa, wheat grass, and spirulina are high in digestible, concentrated protein and B vitamins. Easy-to-digest protein is important for cats with kidney problems, and B vitamins stimulate appetite. Although milk thistle does not support kidney function directly, it is also high in B vitamins. Milk thistle does support liver functioning and the immune system, and can also calm upset digestive systems.
Stinging nettle seed may reduce creatinine, a waste product that can build up in urine if not properly filtered by the kidneys. Because the proper dosage needs to be monitored and tailored individually, you should consult with a veterinarian before giving it to your cat.
Some traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) herbal formulas are available for cats with kidney problems. These can be purchased online and through some veterinarians. Some blends are proprietary, meaning the ingredients are not disclosed. As with all herbal remedies, make sure you are getting products from a reliable supplier if you're not going through a veterinarian.
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