Waste products are normally filtered out of the blood by the kidneys and excreted in the urine, but cats with CKD will end up with an accumulation of these waste products in the bloodstream as the filtering process breaks down. Ingredients such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen are common in pain relievers and cold medicine. Red blood cell count: if low, it may indicate kidney failure. Most cats will exhibit symptoms including: Urinary accidents, incontinence, or inability to urinate, Edema (fluid-filled swelling in the limbs). Ryan Llera, BSc, DVM; Robin Downing, DVM, CVPP, CCRP, DAAPM, Contributors: Ryan Llera, BSc, DVM; Robin Downing, DVM, CVPP, CCRP, DAAPM. Whole meat baby food. I always urge pet parents to ask their veterinarian for nutritional information for their pet. . "Firstly that the specific topic(s) were covered. Oftentimes, they will require kidney medication for cats, like Amlodipine, to lower blood pressure. I just dont want to eat much anymore. Dont confuse consomm with broth. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); I'm Richard, the lead writer for Senior Cat Wellness. Affiliate of Mars Inc. 2023 | Copyright VCA Animal Hospitals all rights reserved. If protein intake is too low however, CKD will start to break down muscle mass. In addition to standard renal diet features, this food is formulated with glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health support. When you think about kidney disease in cats, pain control is likely not the first thing that comes to mind. According to recommendations set forth by the World Small Animal Veterinary Association, a cat that weighs 11 pounds should consume 290 calories per day. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 35,467 times. they are known to cause acute kidney failure in dogs. While the other kitties in the house may think your kidney cuisine is positively delectable, you turn your nose up at it. It's a smart idea to always keep the numbers of your local vet, the closest emergency clinic, and the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center -- (888) 426-4435 -- where you know you can find them in an emergency. Symptoms include deformed bones, bone growths on the elbows and spine, and osteoporosis. If your cats lab tests come back indicating early kidney disease, it is likely that your veterinarian will recommend a diet change. A kidney support diet for cats with CKD will contain the following key components on a dry matter basis: Your veterinarian will help you choose an appropriate formulation for your cat. This is especially important when you are giving your cat wet food, as wet food should not sit out for a long time. Raw tuna contains thiaminase, which is an enzyme that destroys thiamine (vitamin B1.). It has a unique flavor that is different from white-fleshed fish. Certain medications may be recommended by a vet, if there is protein loss . Learn how to make homemade cat treats that are healthy for your pet with this recipe from Hills Pet Nutrition. Dehydration, high phosphorus levels, metabolic acidosis, fluid retention, and constipation may make you want to puke up an intestine. The professor in the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences at Ohio State University says there are a few veterinary treats that are low in phosphorus and sodium, but theyre not high in calories. You can also consult with your vet for guidance and advice. Unfortunately, foods that taste good are not always the healthiest for cats. These fish live in shallower waters and will have consumed less prey during their lifetime, so the mercury concentrations in their bodies will be significantly lower. It isnt easy to say no to a cat when its begging for its favorite fish-based food. Tuna is a decent food option for cats with kidney disease if served in moderation. So, can cats eat tuna? The most dangerous kinds, though, are dark chocolate and unsweetened baking chocolate. ~ Because the kidney diets from Hills, Purina, and Royal Canin are so highly digestible it is usually not necessary to convert gradually to the new food; however, sometimes a slow introduction helps a cat accept the new food. And, a small amount can make a cat ill. That doesnt mean I have the body of a 20-month-old. You may not have to switch to a therapeutic kidney diet (aka prescription cat food) just yet, however. That this info was available from and reviewed by qualified. A cat has two kidneys, one on each side of the abdomen, and they play a vital role in filtering waste from the body. Avoid tuna in brine and opt for tuna in water instead. Remember, any change in your cats behavior or activities could be a symptom of disease and should be investigated by your vet, even if it unfortunately involves glass tubes and cat posteriors. The safest thing to do is always feed your cat canned food, especially when she has developed kidney problems. Any suggestions on yummy high-calorie treats that are safe for a kidney kitty? Throughout your cats life, any disease process or illness that could affect hydration should be treated promptly with IV fluids. Throw away any remaining food in its bowl when it is done eating. Usually, the higher the number, the more concentrated the urine and the greater the ability of the kidneys to conserve water. Your use of this site is subject to the terms of our Legal Statement. Perhaps she can mix your kidney food with your favorite canned food. The canning/cooking process destroys thiaminase, so canned and cooked tuna is less likely to lead to a vitamin B1 deficiency than raw tuna. If you keep feeding them tuna, your cat may be at an elevated risk for mercury toxicity. Today were discussing if tuna fish is safe for cats with kidney disease. The simple answer is that cats are attracted to tuna. If you have noticed any digestive issues in your cat, its possible that the occasional piece of tuna is to blame. But make sure that youre giving it alternative treats, too. Try to get your cat mostly wet food made with proteins like rabbit or chicken. Fish like halibut, tuna, cod, and snapper tend to be high in potassium. Giving your cat wet food will ensure it gets enough water when it eats. Avoid fried or processed foods as well as dairy products, especially if your cat is lactose intolerant. A cat in any stage with an increase in either UPC or high blood pressure will most likely be treated with medication. Sign up for wikiHow's weekly email newsletter. However, its unlikely that the occasional portion would cause any health problems. There is some evidence that omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants may also help cats with kidney disease. The problem is that tuna is naturally very high in mercury. Dominican Republic - Repblica Dominicana, Greater China - Hong Kong SAR (English), World Small Animal Veterinary Association, human foods are converted to kitty calories, Cummings Veterinary Medical Center at Tufts University, Association of American Feed Control Officials, Foods that are Dangerous or Toxic to Cats. For example, try petting or playing with your cat when it uses its manipulative skills to beg for extra food. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d7\/Feed-a-Cat-with-Kidney-Problems-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Feed-a-Cat-with-Kidney-Problems-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d7\/Feed-a-Cat-with-Kidney-Problems-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/aid8731269-v4-728px-Feed-a-Cat-with-Kidney-Problems-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"