Recipe for Kidney Formula
using our InstinctsTC Kitten Formula powdered premix

Diagnosis: Kidney Disease

Sadly, the diagnosis of kidney disease (e.g. kidney dysfunction or renal failure) has become much too common in companion cats today. Kidney disease is largely unapparent in its early stage without laboratory tests; a reason why most cases are only detected when damage is severe and often irreversible. Severe loss of kidney (or renal) tissue is permanently disabling, but cats can lead a near normal lifestyle for many years with only a fraction of normal kidney function. Renal failure occurs when about 70% of healthy kidney tissue has been destroyed.

Causes of kidney disease can include bacterial or viral infection, acute or chronic dehydration, urinary infection, accumulative exposure to toxins, acute poisoning, high blood pressure, immune system disorders, or potassium deficiency. Any of these can cause inflammation of kidney tissue, leading to scarring and permanent impairment of normal kidney function.

Symptoms of advanced kidney disease include increased water intake and urination, vomiting, loss of appetite, or even weight loss. Blood and urine samples will reveal elevated Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) and Creatine, indicating that the kidneys do not sufficiently filter toxic metabolic by-products from the blood. Levels of other blood constituents like potassium, calcium, phosphorus, glucose, total protein, and albumin can tell us about the kidneys’ regulatory function. The presence of an infection or inflammation can be detected with a complete blood count. A urinalysis provides additional information on the extent of kidney damage and also tells of the cat’s ability to concentrate urine, and whether an infection is present in the urinary tract.

Test results will differentiate between kidney dysfunction and renal failure. Kidney dysfunction does not necessarily imply renal failure but rather impaired function. In cases where only one kidney is damaged due to a past infection, an accident, or a birth defect, the other kidney - if healthy - will adequately compensate. Cats with kidney dysfunction normally do not require a modified diet or medication. However, regular laboratory testing of blood and urine is recommended for cats with kidney dysfunction to monitor whether the dysfunction is progressing to a more serious disease state, e.g. renal failure.

Caring for a cat with ailing kidneys

The objective of treatment for cats with kidney disease is to control disease progression. In most cases there is no cure. A modified diet reduced in protein, phosphorus, and sodium reduces many of the cat’s symptoms and may also preserve the remaining healthy kidney tissue. Fluid therapy might be necessary to relieve severe symptoms. Cats with advanced kidney disease will feel nauseous, inappetent, and vomit frequently. However, caregivers should make an effort to get the cat to eat regular meals to prevent the body from metabolizing its own muscle tissue, which will worsen the cat’s discomfort. At times this may mean bribing the cat to eat anything as opposed to nothing. Of equal importance is to keep the cat well hydrated. Because most cats dislike drinking plain water, it is best to feed moist food and avoid dry products. Foods can also be watered down and unsalted broths may also be offered. Regular, in-home subcutaneous fluid therapy might become necessary if the advanced disease state makes the cat very uncomfortable.

It is imperative that the ailing cat is no longer subjected to toxic substances including most flea treatments. Regular laboratory testing of the cat’s blood and urine, especially for levels of Blood Urea Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium can be very helpful in monitoring whether the therapeutic measures are effective in halting the progression of the disease or even improving the condition.

Feline Future’s Kidney Support Formula for cats with renal failure is a modification of our regular formulation to contain less phosphorus, approximately 30% less protein, high levels of essential fatty acids, and calories from fat. Increased levels of Vitamin A support immune function and tissue regeneration, whereas increased levels of B vitamins and potassium compensate for urinary losses of these nutrients.

Preparation of this special food for your ailing feline friend is simple. Your Veterinarian may prescribe various medications for your cat to block phosphorus absorption, treat possible anemia, stimulate appetite, or increase dietary potassium intake. Maybe your Naturopathic Veterinarian will suggest therapeutic alternative medicine. However, we recommend that caregivers refrain from dietary supplementation beyond your Veterinarian’s recommendations. Additions like garlic, brewer’s yeast, multivitamins, Vitamin C, alfalfa or other green powders can be harmful to your cat.

When prepared as directed, Feline Future’s Kidney Support Formula is a complete and balanced diet, well liked by most cats, and recommended for therapeutic use only!

Don’t spare on Catnip! Catnip has many medicinal properties. It stimulates the appetites and is good for anxiety, inflammation, pain, and stress.