Kidney health for cats
Kidney health for cats
What is kidney disease in cats?
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is defined as any abnormality of one or both kidneys that has been present for several months. It is a common condition, affecting about 1 of every 3 cats.1
Your cat’s kidneys play a vital role in removing metabolic wastes from the bloodstream, regulating fluid and electrolyte balance, producing or activating important hormones and helping control blood pressure. If your cat’s kidneys cannot do their job properly, CKD can eventually lead to life-threatening problems.
What causes kidney disease in cats?
The cause of CKD in cats often is unknown; however, several factors
may be involved that could increase your cat’s risk of developing
kidney disease:
Early detection of kidney disease in your cat
The signs of early-stage kidney disease are not visible. On diagnosis, CKD has already been present for some time but may be managed with the help of vet-recommended cat food for kidney disease. Signs of late-stage kidney disease tend to be similar but are far more noticeable to pet parents.
Signs
Signs
Nutrition for cats with kidney disease
If your cat has kidney disease, the nutrition formulated for them can help make an impact on their lives. Specially formulated therapeutic foods that contain decreased amounts of phosphorus and highly digestible protein, and increased omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil have been shown to support quality and length of life in cats with CKD compared to feeding a non-therapeutic food.
Your cat’s appetite may vary over time when they have CKD and offering different forms (dry, stews) and flavors of an appropriate food recommended by your veterinary healthcare team can be very helpful. The single most important thing you can do is make any changes to a new food gradually because some cats need several weeks or longer to get used to a new food.
Nutrition for cats with kidney disease
If your cat has kidney disease, the nutrition formulated for them can help make an impact on their lives. Specially formulated therapeutic foods that contain decreased amounts of phosphorus and highly digestible protein, and increased omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil have been shown to support quality and length of life in cats with CKD compared to feeding a non-therapeutic food.
Your cat’s appetite may vary over time when they have CKD and offering different forms (dry, stews) and flavors of an appropriate food recommended by your veterinary healthcare team can be very helpful. The single most important thing you can do is make any changes to a new food gradually because some cats need several weeks or longer to get used to a new food.
Recommended products for cats with kidney issues
Hill's Science Diet Adult Urinary Hairball Control Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Supports the health of the whole urinary system with optimal levels of magnesium
Hill's Prescription Diet c/d Multicare Stress with Tuna Wet Cat Food
Supports urinary care with added ingredients to help reduce stress in cats
Hill's Prescription Diet k/d Early Support Chicken, Vegetable & Rice Stew Cat Food
Delicious nutrition clinically shown to help protect kidney function and maintain a healthy weight and muscle mass
Hill's Prescription Diet c/d Multicare Stress Chicken & Vegetable Stew Cat Food
Supports urinary care with added ingredients to help reduce stress in cats
Hill's Prescription Diet Hypo Cat Treats
Treats for cats with food sensitivities, related skin conditions and sensitive stomachs
Hill's Prescription Diet c/d Multicare Stress Vegetable & Tuna Stew Cat Food
Supports urinary care with added ingredients to help reduce stress in cats
Hill's Prescription Diet k/d Kidney Care Starter Kit Variety Pack Cat Food, 5.25 oz dry food (2), 5.5 oz can (2), 2.9 oz can (4)
Delicious clinically proven nutrition that helps protect vital kidney function and available in a variety of forms and flavors to entice even the pickiest of eaters
Hill's Prescription Diet c/d Multicare Stress + Metabolic Weight Chicken Flavor Dry Cat Food
Nutrition to support urinary care and weight management with added ingredients to reduce stress in cats
Hill's Prescription Diet c/d Multicare Vegetable, Tuna & Rice Stew Cat Food
Formulated to support a cat's urinary health.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Urinary Hairball Control Savory Chicken Entrée cat food
Supports the health of the whole urinary system with optimal levels of magnesium
Hill's Prescription Diet c/d Multicare + Metabolic Weight Chicken Flavor Dry Cat Food
Nutrition to help promote urinary health and weight management
Hill's Prescription Diet k/d Chicken & Vegetable Stew Cat Food
Delicious clinically proven nutrition that helps protect vital kidney function and available in multiple wet forms & flavors to entice even the pickiest of eaters
Hill's Prescription Diet c/d Multicare Chicken & Vegetable Stew Cat Food
Formulated to support a cat's urinary health
Hill's Science Diet Adult Urinary Hairball Control Savory Chicken Entrée cat food
Supports the health of the whole urinary system with optimal levels of magnesium
Hill's Prescription Diet k/d + j/d Chicken Flavor Cat Food
Delicious clinical nutrition to help protect vital kidney function, encourage appetite and increase mobility in your cat
Hill's Prescription Diet k/d Vegetable & Tuna Stew Cat Food
Delicious clinically proven nutrition that helps protect vital kidney function and available in multiple wet forms & flavors to entice even the pickiest of eaters
Hill's Prescription Diet k/d Pâté with Chicken Cat Food
Delicious clinically proven nutrition that helps protect vital kidney function and available in multiple wet forms & flavors to entice even the pickiest of eaters
Hill's Prescription Diet k/d with Ocean Fish Cat Food
Delicious clinically proven nutrition that helps protect vital kidney function and increase appetite
Hill's Prescription Diet s/d Chicken Flavor Dry Cat Food
Support for your cat's urinary health
Hill's Prescription Diet c/d Multicare Stress with Ocean Fish Dry Cat Food
Supports urinary care with added ingredients to help reduce stress in cats
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References: 1Lulich JP, Osborne CA, O’Brien TD, Polzin DJ. Feline renal failure: questions, answers, questions. Compend Contin Educ Pract Vet. 1992;14(2):127–153. Brown SA. Renal dysfunction in small animals. The Merck Veterinary Manual website.