The kidneys are an essential part of a cat’s body, 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.

In this blog, we’ll talk about the common kidney problems in cats, right from the causes to how they’re treated.

Types of Kidney Problems in 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. This means that the signs are hardly noticed early on. As time passes by, the kidneys will experience age-related deterioration.

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.

Common symptoms of age-related CKD include: 

• Increased thirst and urination

• Weight loss and reduced appetite

• Vomiting and dehydration

• Lethargy and weakness

While there is no definite 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.

Through 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 another common cause of chronic kidney disease in cats. This happens when increased blood pressure damages the kidneys’ blood vessels, impairing the filtering process. 

Common symptoms of hypertension include:

• Increased thirst and urination

• Sudden weight loss and lack of appetite

• Lethargy and weakness

• Behavioral changes

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

3. Glomerulonephritis

Glomerulonephritis is a condition of the kidneys involving the glomeruli, the tiny filtering agents of the kidneys. The glomeruli become inflamed, possibly from infections, chronic inflammation, and other health conditions. 

As time passes by, the inflammation can hinder the kidneys’ filtering process, leading to CKD. Here are the common signs of glomerulonephritis.

• Protein loss in the urine during vet exams

• Increased thirst and urination

• Lethargy and poor appetite

• Weight and muscle loss

Similar to other conditions, a dietary change can help manage 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 the filtering process. 

This kidney problem in cats is typically hard to detect in the early years, with signs showing later in adult life. This kidney condition is common in Himalayan and Persian cats. Common signs include:

• Increased thirst and urination

• Abdominal pain and discomfort

• Weight loss and loss of appetite

• Lethargy and vomiting

Currently, there is no definite treatment for PKD, as only management techniques can be done to help with the symptoms. These include fluid therapy for dehydration, medications for pain, nausea, and vomiting, as well as other supportive treatments such as therapeutic diets. 

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. AKI generally requires immediate veterinary action.

1. Toxin Exposure

Some chemicals, such as pesticides, cleaning chemicals, and human medicines, can be highly dangerous for your cat’s kidneys. Plants can also be toxic to cats, especially when ingested.

These toxins can cause significant damage to your cat’s kidneys within a few hours. Common symptoms include:

• Vomiting and lethargy

• Seizures or unsteady walking

• Lack of urination or reduced output

• Painful abdomen

Treatment for toxin exposure requires immediate emergency care. Our vets will utilize IV fluids, activated charcoal, and supportive therapies to purify your cat’s body from the toxins. 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. Toxin and pressure build can occur when your cat’s urinary tract experiences blockages. As a result, this can cause severe damage to the kidneys and other organs.

Urethral plugs and bladder stones are some of the most common obstructions. Some of the signs include: 

• Blood in the urine

• Straining or inability to urinate

• Licking of the genital area

• Vomiting and diarrhea

To help unblock the urinary pathways, catheterization will be done to remove the blockage and restore natural urine flow. IV fluids and other supportive treatments will follow to flush out the toxin build 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 kidney problems in cats. These infections usually start in the bladder and then spread to the kidneys. When this problem is left unattended, affected cats can develop kidney failure, and the risk of the infection spreading increases.

Common signs include:

• Fever and abdominal pain

• Difficulty urinating and blood in the urine

• Vomiting and lethargy

• Increased thirst and urination

The primary treatment options for this kidney problem typically involve the use of an appropriate antibiotic, a specific prescription diet, and pain medications. Fluid therapy and other supportive treatments are also options to help your cat recover.

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. 

Common symptoms of hypotension include: 

• Lethargy and weakness

• Pale gums

• Slow and irregular heartbeat

• Reduced urination

The most probable treatment options for hypotension 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.