Our cats’ kidneys play an essential role in their lives. Not only do they eliminate waste products from the body, but also keep us hydrated and regulate blood pressure.
Kidney disease can cause your cat a variety of issues, such as loss of appetite, weight loss and an impaired immune system. These issues can seriously reduce their quality of life and may even result in shorter lifespans.
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1. High water content
If your cat has kidney disease, one of the best things you can do for them is feeding a high water diet. Even healthy cats often don’t drink enough water to stay hydrated, which can be an issue for these felines.
Another reason a high water content is essential is it helps keep their kidneys working more efficiently and eliminating waste products. When protein breaks down in your pet’s stomach, it produces waste which must be filtered out by their kidneys.
Good news! There are now a variety of foods on the market designed specifically to support kidney health and function. These typically consist of high quality meat-based meals with high moisture content and controlled phosphorus levels.
2. High quality protein
Kidney Care Cat Food provides high quality protein that’s especially beneficial for felines with kidney disease, helping to slow the progression of chronic kidney failure by decreasing urea and phosphorus absorption by the body.
Additionally, protein supplements can prevent muscle wasting in cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD), which occurs when their diet is inadequately protein-rich.
Prescription veterinary diets that address all aspects of kidney issues in cats, including carefully controlled phosphorus and sodium levels, protein, minerals, and vitamins. While these are more expensive than their non-prescription counterparts, the quality and health benefits outweigh any extra expense.
3. Low phosphorus
When your cat is diagnosed with kidney disease, it’s essential to reduce their phosphorus intake as much as possible to help slow the progression of the condition. Phosphorus is one of the waste products that accumulates in cats’ kidneys and makes them work harder than necessary.
Good news is that many phosphorus restricted diets exist specifically for cats with kidney disease. These meals have precisely measured amounts of phosphorus, sodium and other ingredients to ensure your cat receives all essential nutrients while keeping their phosphorus levels as low as possible.
This food is highly palatable and a favorite among many cat owners, particularly those with multiple cats who have been diagnosed with kidney disease. Additionally, it’s suitable for adult cats as well as seniors.
4. Natural cat vitamins and supplements
Our cats’ kidneys are essential to their overall wellbeing and energy level. They regulate fluid levels, filter toxins from the bloodstream, and ensure mineral balance within the body.
Cats diagnosed with kidney disease may need additional support to ensure their kidneys perform at their optimum. Natural supplements can strengthen their immunity and give them a feeling of well-being.
Supplements come in tablet, liquid or powder form. Some contain potassium, phosphorus and B-complex vitamins that can be added to food or given directly to your cat.
5. Digestive enzymes
Your cat requires a variety of digestive enzymes in order to digest food and absorb it into their system. Enzymes are produced by the pancreas, helping break down protein and cellulose.
Enzymes are also essential to cells producing hormones like insulin. Without them, cats could go hungry because they cannot digest their food properly.
If your cat appears to have insufficient or no digestive enzymes, they could be suffering from exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI). This condition can be diagnosed through a trypsin-like immunoreactivity test on blood samples.
Plant-sourced digestive enzymes tend to be more stable than animal-sourced ones, which makes them popular in supplement form. They can be taken orally for improved digestion, working from the mouth through the stomach and into the intestines.
