The kidneys of a healthy cat are part of an efficient, necessary system that filters waste from his bloodstream and excretes it via urine.
When your cat’s kidneys fail, a condition known as renal failure, nothing in his or her body can take over this vital function. As a result, waste and toxins start to build up in his blood.
Types of Kidney Failure
There are two types of kidney failure in cats: chronic (ongoing) and acute (urgent). Chronic kidney failure causes the kidneys of a cat to gradually fail over time. Acute failure, on the other hand, is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment. This is not to say that chronic kidney failure is not risky. It is, in fact, the leading cause of death in domestic cats.
Is Your Cat at Risk?
Chronic and acute kidney failure have different risk factors. A cat’s risk of developing chronic kidney failure can be increased by the following factors:
- Years passing
- Deficiencies in nutrition
- A dry-food-only diet for life Genetics
- The blood pressure is extremely high.
- Caries of the teeth
- A lack of potassium
Chronic kidney failure can affect any breed of cat, but Abyssinians and Persians are thought to be at a slightly higher risk.
Acute kidney failure can be caused by urinary tract obstruction, abdominal trauma, infection, or poisoning. As a result, living outside in cats is a significant risk factor for this type of kidney failure. These are the two most common causes of acute kidney failure in cats caused by poisoning. Antifreeze and Easter lilies should also be kept away from your cat’s living area. To reduce her chances of developing this potentially fatal condition, keep your cat indoors where you can monitor her diet and safety.
Symptoms of Kidney Failure in Cats
The symptoms of acute and chronic kidney failure are the same, despite differences in risk factors. Keep track of any changes in your cat’s water intake and urination schedule first.
A change in drinking or urinating habits can be concerning. Urination increases in the early stages of chronic kidney failure and decreases in the acute or late stages of chronic kidney failure.
Uremia happens when your cat’s blood starts to accumulate waste and toxins due to kidney failure. The following are some of its symptoms:
- Appetite suppression and weight loss
- Dry coat
- Tongue and gum discoloration, as well as ulcers
- Stinking breath (often with an ammonia-like odor)
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Anemia (iron loss from gastrointestinal bleeding) (iron loss from gastrointestinal bleeding) (Iron deficiency due to gastrointestinal bleeding)
- Coma
When a coma occurs, death is imminent. As a result, you must take your cat to the veterinarian as soon as she exhibits any of these symptoms.
Treatment and Prognosis for Kidney Failure in Cats
Chronic kidney failure is extremely dangerous for cats, but it has a better survival rate than acute kidney failure if treated. A cat may be able to regain full kidney function if acute kidney failure is treated promptly and successfully, whereas this is unlikely with chronic kidney failure. Emergency veterinary treatment for acute kidney failure may include:
- Inducing vomiting in order to eliminate toxins ingested
- Dehydration is treated with intravenous fluids.
- Medications that increase urination
- Management of secondary symptoms such as anemia and electrolyte imbalances
- Peritoneal dialysis or hemodialysis are used to purify the blood.
Chronic kidney failure medical treatment typically focuses on symptom control and preventing the condition from worsening, typically by treating anemia, controlling vomiting, and addressing specific electrolyte imbalances. Your vet may also recommend that you make long-term dietary changes for your cat. Keep in mind that this type of kidney failure usually necessitates lifelong monitoring and special care.
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