How to Manage Kidney Failure in Cats
If your cat has been diagnosed with chronic renal failure, also known as kidney failure, you probably already know the disease can't be cured. The good news is that in many cats the speed at which the disease progresses can be slowed with proper care. In many of these cats, managing chronic renal failure can provide additional years of life for the cat and provide the cat with a good quality of life.
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Things You'll Need
- Veterinary diet for chronic renal failure
- Electric water fountain
- Long, shallow bowl
- Deep bowl
- Prescribed medications
Instructions
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Feed your cat the diet specified by the veterinarian each day at the times specified.
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Set up an electric water fountain to encourage your cat to drink additional fluids.
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Provide your cat with a long, shallow dish to encourage your cat to drink additional fluids.
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Provide your cat with a deep bowl to encourage your cat to drink additional fluids.
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Ensure all water bowls are full of fresh, clean water at all times.
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Monitor you cat for symptoms of dehydration, and provide subcutaneous fluids whenever the cat needs additional fluids.
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Administer all medications to your cat as prescribed by your veterinarian.
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Provide your cat with a warm, cushioned bed where he can feel secure.
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Ensure your cat has ready access to a clean litter box.
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Tips & Warnings
Many cats with renal failure must have frequent administration of subcutaneous fluids. Some pet guardians choose to learn to do this at home, and others take their cats into the clinic to have the veterinarian administer the fluids. Discuss with your pet's doctor your options regarding subcutaneous fluids.
A cat with chronic renal failure should be kept indoors at all times. The cat's condition can change quickly, and you do not want your pet to be outdoors and unable to get home if illness is sudden.
You can provide your cat with broths as a treat to encourage the pet to take in additional fluids.
Reducing stress is important in caring for a cat in chronic renal failure. Stress can cause the disease to progress and weaken the cat's immune system.
Although your veterinarian will prescribe a particular diet for your cat, don't let your cat starve if the pet refuses to eat. Loss of appetite and weight loss are common complications in cats with chronic renal failure. Work with your veterinarian until you find a food that will work with your cat's condition and that your cat will eat. In many instances, the veterinarian will tell you to feed the cat what it will eat if the pet refuses to eat foods that will help in slowing the progression. Getting the cat to eat is the primary concern.
