Feline kidney disease is a condition where a cat's kidneys stop working correctly and can cause massive damage to the body. As kidneys fail to filter waste out of the blood, the cat experiences a range of physical symptoms that may culminate in seizures and death.
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The Facts: Kidney Disease
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According to Dr. Russell Swift, DVM, feline kidney failure is a direct result of poor nutrition, toxins and chronic disease. The artificial and heavily processed ingredients in commercial cat food damage kidneys, as do chlorine and fluoride in water and chemicals in the environment.
Process
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When the kidneys become damaged they stop filtering toxins out of a cat's blood. Normally, kidneys receive blood and filter it, sending waste and excess fluid to the bladder and urethra. Breakdown in this function leads to literal poisoning from the inside.
Symptoms
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Symptoms of kidney disease begin with exaggerated thirst and urination, as the cat's body seeks to flush the toxic buildup out through hydration. Most symptoms are directly related to this buildup of toxins. Anorexia, weakness, depression and weight loss are all common.
Seizures
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Seizures do not occur in all cases of kidney disease, but do occur when a case becomes advanced and fatal. The toxins in the blood travel to the brain and interrupt its function, causing seizures and sometimes paralysis.
Treatments
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Although kidney failure is an incurable condition, there are some changes that can increase a cat's quality of life. Vets recommend increasing a cat's nutrition through a quality raw food diet of meat and vegetables. Raw foods are more natural for cats, and will process through the body more easily. Some vets also recommend medications to support the cat's body where the kidneys are failing.
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