Kidney disease often affects adult cats; however, the lives of these cats can be improved with homeopathic treatments. Cats who suffer from kidney disease benefit from a course of treatment that focuses on diet, herbal supplements and stress reduction. Consult with a holistically trained veterinarian to determine the best treatments for your pet.
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Diet
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A cat's dietary needs begin to change when kidney production begins to fail. Cats are carnivorous creatures and naturally require a high-protein diet. For years, veterinary experts recommended a low-protein diet for cats suffering from kidney disease. Because of the amount of protein cats require to stay healthy, low-protein diets are no longer recommended.
Cats are carnivorous creatures and require a meat-rich diet to stay healthy. As kidney production begins to decline, processing meat and other proteins taxes the kidneys. To compensate for the added stress, high-quality proteins are recommended. This means feeding your cat food without any byproducts. A homemade, raw-food diet is best; however, there are several brands of cat food designed for animals with kidney issues. Consult a veterinarian to determine what is best for your pet.
Serve cats a diet high in easy-to-digest proteins like chicken and fish. Kidney disease leads to dehydration. Keep plenty of fresh water available and feed cats a diet of wet food. Wet food has higher water content than dry food and helps cats stay hydrated.
As kidney disease progresses, dietary changes may become necessary. It becomes harder for the kidneys to process proteins. Keep your veterinarian informed of changes in your pet's eating habits. The medical staff will help you design the most effective dietary plan to keep your animal healthy.
Herbal Treatments
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As kidney disease progresses, it becomes increasingly difficult for cats to get sufficient vitamin and minerals from food alone. Supplement diets with B vitamins, vitamin C and fish oil. These supplements have been linked to improvements in kidney functioning and in the mood and energy of cats.
Additional herbal supplements help improve kidney function, slow the progression of kidney disease, and reduce pain. There are many different herbal supplements on the market. It is important to consult with a holistically trained veterinarian to determine which supplements are best suited to your pet's needs. Some commonly recommended brands are Renagan by Thorne Research, Renal Essentials for Cats, and Only Natural Pet Kidney/Urinary Support Herbal Remedy.
Cats also benefit from herbal tea therapy. Tea therapy helps cats maintain hydration levels and treats symptoms of kidney disease. Slippery Elm Bark and Stinging Needle Seeds help reduce nausea and can improve kidney functioning. These herbs can easily be brewed into a therapeutic tea for your cat. Slippery Elm Bark is endangered and can be difficult to find. You may substitute Marshmallow Root for Slippery Elm Bark, as it has similar benefits.
Stress Reduction
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Cats suffering from kidney disease often experience a loss of appetite and a decline in energy. Stress reduction therapies help with these symptoms and help improve the longevity of your cat. Consult with a holistically trained veterinarian for the best way to reduce your cat's stress level. Some recommended therapies include acupuncture and the use of flower essences, which can be burned like incense. Acupuncture therapies significantly reduce stress, especially when combined with injections of B vitamins.
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