Chronic renal failure (CRF) or kidney failure is an unfortunate reality for cats. It is a problem more common in older cats. CRF is not a curable disease, but you can alleviate the painful symptoms of CRF by providing a nutritious diet and supplements for your cat.
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CRF Symptoms
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The most common and visible symptoms related to CRF are a large increase in the amount of water the cat drinks, and if the cat begins to urinate much more frequently. If your cat is older and you notice these symptoms, you should have the veterinarian perform a blood test to determine if your cat has CRF. Once it's diagnosed, you must accept the permanence of this disorder and attempt to make your cat as comfortable as possible. Unfortunately, CRF is a degenerative disease, and it is difficult to slow its progress.
Nutrition
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A common misconception regarding CRF is the requirement for a protein-restricted diet. According to research studies at Colorado University Veterinary School, there is no added benefit of a protein-restricted diet. It does not slow or prevent CRF. Instead, you should provide your cat with a fresh, hydrated, raw-food diet that is full of moisture to help the cat balance its internal fluids. Avoid "dry" cat foods, because they will complicate your cat's CRF.
Supplements and Holistic Healing
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There are various nutritional supplements that can assist in treating the symptoms of CRF, including weight loss. Foods high in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants help with a cat's CRF. A food that is high in both of these supplements is digestible algae, which can be sprinkled on top of moist cat food. You can also try Renafood, a cat food designed specifically to address CRF in cats. It helps detoxify the kidneys, which will have difficulty doing so on their own once CRF sets in.
When cats have CRF, they consume large amounts of water, but they cannot consume enough to compensate for the water loss that CRF causes. Rather than taking medication, veterinarians can place a semi-permanent port under the cat's skin that will allow fluid to be added. Once the veterinarian has inserted the port, you can add the fluid at home.
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