Treatment of Kidney Failure in Cats: Prescription Diets for Cats with Chronic Renal Failure or CRF
When your precious feline friend is diagnosed with kidney failure, it can be a very difficult time for both pet and owner. Treatment of kidney failure in cats has many options that you can use to bring relief to your cat. Although there are no cures for kidney failure, your pet’s life can be prolonged with proper treatment.
Once your cat has been diagnosed, there are several dietary changes you can make for your pet that will help prevent further damage to the kidneys. It is commonly prescribed to feed your pet a diet low in phosphorus and protein. Low sodium content should also be present, as well as high potassium content. Fortunately, the diet you feed your pet will still be nutrient-dense, so it will maintain the best possible health.
A low phosphorus content will help reduce kidney calcification. The low level of protein means there will be fewer toxins building up in the blood that need to be filtered out by the kidneys. The kidneys do more than just get rid of waste in the blood. They also help regulate blood acidity, as well as electrolyte levels, vitamin D, and hormone production.
Another common remedy for treating kidney failure in cats is to provide the animal with fluids. Additional fluids are injected under the skin, as well as medications and appetite stimulants, since most cats with kidney failure do not have much of an appetite.
If your cat refuses to eat or drink, the only thing you can do is force feed him with a syringe. It’s not fun work, but your pet better get the nutrients and water she needs to maintain optimal health.
As an extreme measure, a cat owner may want to look into options for a kidney transplant. It’s a very expensive procedure, and it doesn’t work 100 percent of the time. However, when it works, it is an excellent alternative to other treatment options.
Treatment of kidney failure in cats can be a very difficult process for both the owner and the pet. When you put your cat on a special diet to treat cats with kidney failure, you effectively decrease the amount of damage done to her kidneys. Fortunately, most treatments are very effective and will make your cat live the best life possible under the circumstances.
