Cat Foods for Cats With Kidney Disease

Feline kidney disease is a serious condition that affects numerous cats each year. This condition can develop from a variety of causes: feline leukemia, infection, hypertension, genetics, old age or prolonged use of certain medications. The cat's kidneys slowly lose their ability to filter out toxins. Various treatments can make a cat more comfortable in the short term, including fluid therapy and special diets. Consult your veterinarian about special food for your cat's condition, such as the ones listed below.

  1. Eukanuba Veterinary Diet Multi-Stage Renal Formula

    • Eukanuba Veterinary Diet Multi-Stage Renal Formula is available only by prescription from your veterinarian, and contains low amounts of protein, phosphorus and sodium (salt). These food components can pose problems for a cat with less than fully functioning kidneys. You can purchase the Eukanuba renal diet in both dry and moist varieties, depending on your cat's preference. According to the Feline CRF Information Center: "...When introducing a new low protein diet, start by gradually increasing the new food and decreasing the old. This procedure could take anywhere from a week to a month depending on how finicky your cat is. If your cat doesn't like a dry version of the new diet, try the canned and vice versa."

    Hi-Tor Canned Neo-Diet Feline Canned Kidney Diet

    • Like most cat foods for chronic renal failure (CRF), Hi-Tor contains low levels of phosphorus, sodium and protein. This food is specially formulated to appeal to your cat's sense of taste and smell. Cats with CRF often have little or no appetite, so a highly palatable food with a tempting aroma helps entice your cat to eat.

    Medi-Cal Feline Reduced Protein

    • This food is designed for cats with kidney disease as well as heart or liver disease. You'll also need a prescription from your veterinarian for this one. Medi-Cal cat food contains special ingredients that help to prevent the formation of calcium oxalate crystals or stones, keeping your cat healthier and more comfortable while it copes with CRF.

    Royal Canin Veterinary Diet

    • Royal Canin Diet for Adult Cats comes in dry and moist varieties to suit your cat's food preference. This food is available from your veterinarian as well as from some pet food specialty stores. Royal Canin contains added ingredients to enhance flavor so your cat will want to eat, as well as being lower in protein, phosphorus and sodium than regular cat food.