Among the many problems cats face, kidney problems are up there on the list. These problems are super concerning, especially when they age. The kidneys are an important part of their bodies, helping clean the body by filtering waste from the bloodstream. 

They also help maintain good hydration levels and balance the mineral content in a cat’s body. When the kidneys aren’t functioning properly, it can lead to several health concerns that can affect your cat’s health and overall well-being.

Types of Kidney Problems in Cats

When the kidneys are no longer able to perform its tasks effectively, it can lead to a couple of kidney problems for cats. These are the two main categories of kidney problems in cats: chronic and acute.

Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic kidney disease, or CKD, is a condition that progresses over time, meaning that the clinical signs are hardly noticed during the early years of a cat’s life. As time passes by, the kidneys will experience age-related deterioration and cats of significant age, such as seniors and adults, will have the signs. 

While chronic kidney disease can’t be 100% treated, there are lots of ways to manage the problem, allowing cats to enjoy their senior years. Here are some of the most common causes of chronic kidney problems in cats:

1. Age

As cats age, their kidneys also age. As a result of the aging process, the kidneys will be less efficient in filtering blood. The nephrons in the kidneys start to malfunction, and the kidneys progressively lose their ability to filter out waste and regulate important body functions.

Symptoms of Age-Related CKD

• Increased thirst and urination

• Weight loss and reduced appetite

• Vomiting and dehydration

• Lethargy and weakness

Treatment for Age-Related Degeneration CKD

While there is no surefire way to treat CKD, some ways to help manage the disease are fluid therapy and prescription diets. Fluid therapy utilizes IV fluids to regulate your cat’s hydration levels and prevent dehydration.

By using specially formulated and prescription diets, you can help reduce the protein, phosphorus, and sodium intake of cats to help reduce the workload of the kidneys.

2. Hypertension

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a common cause of chronic kidney disease in cats. This happens when the high blood pressure damages kidney’s blood vessels, leading to a less efficient filtering process. Through hypertension, more problems can arise which can further damage the cat’s kidneys.

Symptoms of Hypertension

• Increased thirst and urination

• Sudden weight loss and lack of appetite

• Lethargy and weakness

• Behavioral changes

Treatment for Hypertension

Managing hypertension involves blood pressure-lowering medications like amlodipine. A diet change can also work, mainly by reducing the sodium of your cat’s meals. Regular monitoring is needed to make sure the treatments are working to manage your cat’s blood pressure. 

3. Glomerulonephritis

Glomerulonephritis is a condition of the kidneys involving the glomeruli, the tiny filtering agents of the kidneys. These glomeruli become inflamed, possibly the immune system’s response to infections and other chronic conditions. As time passes by, the inflammation can hinder the kidney’s filtering process, leading to CKD.

Symptoms of Glomerulonephritis

• Protein loss in the urine during vet exams

• Increased thirst and urination

• Lethargy and poor appetite

• Weight and muscle loss

Treatment for Glomerulonephritis

Similar with other conditions, a diet change can help in managing the symptoms of this kidney problem. Diets low in sodium, phosphorus, and protein can be used to help in some cases to manage the problem for a short while. Additionally, immunosuppressive drugs, a low dose of aspirin, and ACE inhibitors are also possible options depending on your cat’s condition.

4. Polycystic Kidney Disease

PKD is an inherited kidney problem that causes fluid-filled cysts to develop in the kidneys. As these cysts grow over time, they can impair kidney function and hinder their filtering process. PKD is typically hard to detect in a cat’s early years, with signs showing later in adult life. This kidney condition is common in Persian and Himalayan cats.

Symptoms of Polycystic Kidney Disease

• Increased thirst and urination

• Abdominal pain and discomfort

• Weight loss and loss of appetite

• Lethargy and vomiting

Treatment for Polycystic Kidney Disease

Currently, there is no sure treatment for PKD, as only management techniques are done to help deal with the symptoms. These include fluid therapy for dehydration, medications for pain, nausea, and vomiting, and other supportive treatments such therapeutic diets. Regular vet checkups are key in helping manage PKD.

Acute Kidney Injury

Acute kidney disease happens suddenly and is usually caused by factors that can cause immediate damage to the kidneys. These include toxins, infections, and blockages. Acute kidney disease typically needs immediate veterinary action to prevent things from getting worse. The good news is that with urgent care, the effects of the disease or injury can be reversed and treated.

1. Toxin Exposure

Some chemicals, such as pesticides, cleaning chemicals, and human medicines, can be super dangerous for your cat’s kidneys. Plants such as lilies can also be harmful to cats when ingested. These toxins, when ingested, can cause significant damage to your cat’s kidneys within a few hours.

Symptoms of Toxin Exposure

• Vomiting and lethargy

• Seizures or unsteady walking

• Lack of urination or reduced output

• Painful abdomen

Treatment for Toxin Exposure

Treatment for toxin exposure requires immediate emergency care. Our vets will utilize IV fluids and supportive therapies to purify your cat’s body from the toxins. Additional fluids will also be used to bring back its optimal hydration levels, helping the body recover. Diuretics will also be used to help increase urine production, helping flush out toxins from your cat’s body.

2. Urinary Blockages

Urinary blockages are a huge concern when it comes to your cat’s kidney health. Kidney problems such as toxin buildup and pressure increase can happen when your cat’s urinary tract experiences blockages. When these occur, they can cause severe damage to the kidneys and other organs affected. Some of the common causes of this include urethral plugs and bladder stones.

Symptoms of Urinary Blockages

• Blood in the urine

• Straining or inability to urinate

• Licking of the genital area

• Vomiting and diarrhea

Treatment for Urinary Blockages

To help unblock the urinary pathways, catheterization will be done to remove the blockage and restore the natural flow of urine. Once this is done, IV fluids and other supportive treatments will be done to flush out the toxin buildup and restore your cat’s hydration levels. In severe cases, surgery will be the best option.

3. Infections

Bacterial infections are also another cause of acute kidney injury, which is another kidney problem in cats. These infections usually start their way from bladder to the kidneys. When this problem is left unattended, kidney failure and the risk of the infection spreading are to be expected.

Symptoms of Infection-Based AKI

• Fever and abdominal pain

• Difficulty urinating and blood in urine

• Vomiting and lethargy

• Increased thirst and urination

Treatment for Infection-Based AKI

The main treatment options for this kidney problem would require the appropriate antibiotic, a specific prescription diet, and pain medications. Fluid therapy and other supportive treatments are also options to help your cat recover. In more serious cases where stones are involved, surgery will be needed.

4. Hypotension

While it is similar but vastly different from hypertension, hypotension can also cause kidney problems in cats. The change to a low pressure would result in a lack of blood circulation and a less efficient filtering process. 

Symptoms of Hypotension

• Lethargy and weakness

• Pale gums

• Slow and irregular heartbeat

• Reduced urination

Treatment for Hypotension

For hypotension, the most probable treatment options we will use will involve fluid therapy and medications. IV fluids are a great way to bring back normal hydration levels, while medications that raise blood pressure can help cats recover. 

Preventing Kidney Problems in Cats

Taking the right steps to prevent kidney problems in your cats is essential to keeping them safe from dangerous health concerns. While some factors are unavoidable, such as genetics and age, there are lots of ways to work around them and help our cats live long and happy lives. Here are some ways to help prevent kidney problems in cats:

1. Encourage Hydration

Ensuring your cat stays well-hydrated is one of the most important preventive measures. Since cats are prone to dehydration, especially when fed dry kibble, providing fresh, clean water at all times is crucial. Consider giving wet food, which has a higher moisture content and helps keep your cat hydrated. You can also use water fountains as the appeal can be enticing for cats.

2. Feed a Balanced Diet

Providing a well-balanced diet designed to support your cat’s kidney health is a big help when it comes to keeping its kidneys in good condition. Cats with a history of kidney issues or those at risk may benefit from special prescription diets that provide low amounts of protein, sodium, and phosphorus. 

These diets reduce the workload on the kidneys. Contact us to help you decide which foods are great for your cat.

3. Regular Veterinary Checkups

The occasional cat checkup is a big part of keeping your cat’s health in check. We thoroughly check on your cat’s kidneys, making sure they are functioning perfectly. If we see anything that needs urgent care, we’ll get right to it and fill you in on what’s happening. These routine checkups help a lot in making sure we keep your cat healthy and happy.

Conclusion

Kidney problems in cats, whether chronic or acute, may be inevitable, but there are some ways to prevent and manage the symptoms. With our collective teamwork, we can provide a healthy and happy life for your cats. It all takes a bit of knowledge and a lot of care.