If your cat has chronic kidney disease (CKD), it may need a special diet. Kidney disease isn't uncommon in cats. While a special diet won't cure the condition, it will help keep your cat comfortable and happy. Cats with CKD tend to have diet-related problems that other cats don't have.
Fortunately, you and your veterinary clinic can help with this problem. Keep reading to learn more about cats with CKD and how a specialized diet may help.
What Is CKD?
CKD is a condition where the kidneys are infected, diseased, or not working as they should. While the cause of CKD may be treatable in some cats, others may experience permanent problems. Many kidney problems come on gradually, so you won't notice any symptoms until it is well advanced. While cats of any age can have kidney problems, it primarily affects older cats.
Fortunately, proper care can slow down or halt the progression of your cat's kidney disease. Care may include medications combined with diet therapy. The kidneys filter and regulate minerals, electrolytes, and water to keep the body's hydration balanced. When the kidneys aren't functioning well, some of these minerals become imbalanced.
What Diet Elements Affect Cats With CKD?
Some of the most common imbalances in cats with CKD are the excessive accumulation of potassium and phosphate. Sodium may also be off. Too much potassium can be extremely dangerous and cause heart rhythm abnormalities. Studies show that too much protein causes another issue, especially if your cat has late-stage kidney disease. While all cats need protein, too much in the blood can worsen problems in cats with CKD.
Renal diet cat food is usually low in phosphorus and potassium to reduce blood acidity. These diets are also low in protein but have enough to keep muscle tissue from breaking down. CKD can make breaking down a large amount of protein difficult and can lead to uremic toxin buildup even when phosphorus is low.
What Happens if Cats Don't Get a Kidney-Friendly Diet?
If you don't regulate your cat's diet, your cat could end up very sick. Your cat's kidneys won't be able to regulate the right amount of sodium, potassium, protein, phosphate, and water. Eventually, these substances build up and cause illness. They will make your cat's kidneys deteriorate faster.
Since many cats with CKD are older, some may have other issues that affect their nutrition. For example, older cats may have sensitive teeth or stomachs. You will need to transition to the new diet carefully. Your veterinarian can help you individualize your cat's diet for their specific needs. See your veterinarian if you suspect your cat has CKD or if you need help with their diet.
Share5 April 2022
There are so many different diseases that can affect pets. Some of them you have probably heard of, like rabies and parvovirus. Others you may not have heard of, like alopecia x and Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada syndrome. To protect your pet from well-known and more obscure diseases, you need to take them to regular vet appointments. This is where they will receive vaccines, deworming agents, and other care to keep them in great shape as they age. Learn more about the care vets provide on this blog. Whether you're a cat owner, a dog owner, or the owner of some other pet, we think you'll benefit from reading here.