Kidney Failure in Cats

Also called chronic renal failure (CRF), kidney failure in cats is a serious health problem. If this very serious condition isn't dealt with on time it can lead to major health issues as well as death. General issues that play a part towards cat kidney malfunction and deterioration of health includes age, genetics, disease, as well as environment.

It's important to remember when dealing with older cats there is a chance they may also have other disease like hyperthyroidism, diabetes, heart disease, concurrent chronic kidney insufficiency.

Particularly for adult cats starting approximately age eight, with some animals kidney disease can happen quite suddenly, sometimes in a week or a month, and with other felines over a long extended time even years.

Causes of kidney malfunction include blockages that hamper a capable flow of blood towards the kidney, or else stones along with inflammations blocking the flow of urine through the kidney into the bladder. Commonly renal failure occurs when your cat ingests a poisonous substance like antifreeze, pesticides, or else home cleansing products.

Attention towards this feline health concern in the last number of years has been researched greater than ever before.

Focusing on various elements that result in such life-threatening pet health issues like hypertension, low potassium ranges, dental conditions and acidified diets, examination has established that various breeds of cats produce higher rates of Kidney breakdown as compared to others.

Investigation has shown cat breeds vulnerable to kidney failure include the maine coon, abyssinian, burmese, siamese, russian blue, and the balinese, and naturally occurs more in older cats.

Felines dealing with continual kidney failure have a far better chance than their predecessors, due to better nutritional improvements brought about by better cat foods and with the advances in medical science, but lets keep in mind, deterioration of kidney function is usually a slow but normal part of the normal aging process.

Kidney Failure Signs

Signs of kidney failure are lack of appetite, vomiting, depression, diarrhea and dehydration, and typically by the time your cat begins showing clinical signs, they might have no more than 25% of kidney function remaining. With a lot of variation between individual cats and the quantity of kidney deterioration there it can be impossible to give an accurate diagnosis or life expectation.

This sickness is really a progressive long-term shutting down of the kidneys. Although acute kidney failure appearing in cats is more abrupt, chronic kidney failure is observed more in elder cats and may be attributed to inadequate diet or perhaps a lifelong diet of just dry food, which lacks sufficient moisture to keep the cat properly hydrated. There is no cure for chronic kidney failure in cats, but a number of acute kidney failure cases can be cured and full function of the kidneys can be restored.

Combinations of tests can make an correct diagnosis used for renal failure in felines including blood work, urine analysis, urine culture, as well as ultrasound. As soon as the disease is diagnosed, low protein and low phosphorus diet programs are fed to reduce workload on the kidneys, and also to decelerate kidney decline and metabolic complications.

With elevations of blood phosphorus going on, many vets will prescribe a phosphate binder given at meal times. Probiotics is receiving some excellent scientific responses with feline kidney failure which seems to withdraw the toxins of kidney failure right out from the blood into the digestive tract.

Many feline owners are looking for Holistic therapies for his or her cat companions. Kidney disease, specifically acute as well as chronic kidney failure, is regrettably quite common in elder cats and many have benefited from herbal treatments.

Many pet owners adore their cats as if they were kids and will do just about anything to save them from sickness or illness, as well as Myself! My rescued cat "Bosco" is my best friend and always by my side when I'm home. Love the...Bos!

If your cat is extremely aged and has been diagnosed with kidney failure in cats?  The best course of action is to make sure that the cat’s remaining days are as pleasant as possible. Nourish your cat a specially formulated food with extra potassium, plus plenty of fresh water should always be available.

Hyperthyroidism in Cats

Hyperthyroidism in Cats can be Serious

Feline hyperthyroidism is not specific to a certain breed or sex it can affect all breeds of cat. It is most common in elderly animals over the age of 10 years and is the most common endocrine disorder for felines.

If you notice your cat acting unusually hyper and losing weight, they could very well have hyperthyroidism. The thyroid gland is located in the lower neck consisting of two lobes on either side attached to the windpipe, and it's main responsibility is regulating the animals metabolism.

When the gland is creating too much thyroid hormone, this is called hyperthyroidism making it the most common hormone disorder affecting cat health.

Producing a thyroid hormone called thyroxine (T4) and in addition a small amount of triiodothyronine (T3), these hormones effect every organ and body cell.

Hyperthyroidism is typically difficult to identify because very often there exists an underlying disease present such as kidney (Renal) disease, heart disorder, and liver failure. A blood test is the only way to identify hyperthyroidism where the T4 levels will be elevated. 

Hyperthyroidism in Cats Symptoms

Although there often are signs, such as the cats appetite has suddenly grown, but consistently losing weight.
Increased activity with thirst, and urination is additionally a signal. A cat that has a fast heart rate and is vomiting and has diarrhea could be another symptom.

In the event that your cat has been suffer from the disease, the anti-thyroid pill Methimazole (Tapazole) could be given daily, but this drug which is also prescribed for humans with hyperthyroid, will have to be administered for the rest of their lives. Methimazole for cats is not a curative for the disease.

Your cat could possibly have side effects with Methimazole including vomiting, absence of appetite, and depression. In addition it s also known to reduce low blood cell counts which is often serious, especially for elderly cats.

Another option is to have the enlarged thyroid gland surgically removed. This is definitely a final option, one reason is some cats have thyroid cells inside the chest cavity where removal is difficult. These animals will remain hyperthyroid even with surgery.


Radioactive iodine therapy is a very effective way to treat cats with hyperthyroidism. without any adverse side effects Radioiodine treatment (I-131) has a cure rate of 95% of Hyperthyroidism in cats.

Cats with hyperthyroidism frequently have some kidney disease or Liver disease, especially if their older.

Cats with kidney disease will actually show signs of worsening after treatment of hyperthyroidism, because the faster metabolism, accompanied with a hyperthyroid pumps more blood in the kidneys.

The modern way of thinking is to try a natural approach.There are many herbs on the market that the  (FDA) has approved and are safe.

Herbs for Cats with Hyperthyroidism: 

• Chamomilla - Known for its soothing and calming properties.
• Lycopus - Promotes the endocrine system, is also great for their coat.
• Zingiber - Aids in digestion and is also great for its soothing and calming effects.
• Cratageous - Aids the heart and circulatory system, and calms heart palpitations and assists a fast     pulse.
• Nux vom - Used for nausea or bilious, and irritability.

With reasons unknown, Hyperthyroidism in Cats has increased over the past 25 years. I would have to say it is probably due to over over vaccination, the unnatural foods that we are feeding, and also environmental factors.