What Can I Do to Support My Cat with Chronic Kidney Disease?

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a common health condition affecting older cats. Although CKD cannot be cured, with the right care and lifestyle adjustments, cats with kidney disease can enjoy a comfortable life. Managing a cat’s kidney disease involves a combination of specialised diets, maintaining adequate hydration, and adjusting daily routines to reduce stress. Here’s a guide to supporting your cat with CKD and ensuring they maintain a good quality of life despite their condition.

Understanding Chronic Kidney Disease in Cats

CKD is a progressive condition in which a cat’s kidneys lose their ability to filter waste products and toxins from the blood. Over time, kidney function declines, leading to a build-up of toxins in the body. Symptoms of CKD in cats often include increased thirst, frequent urination, loss of appetite, weight loss, and lethargy. As CKD progresses, these symptoms can worsen, so early diagnosis and careful management are essential.

Tips for Managing CKD 

1. Diet 

Why Specialised Diets Matter

Dietary management is one of the most important aspects of supporting cats with CKD. Cats with kidney disease require a diet specifically formulated to reduce the workload on their kidneys, manage waste build-up, and slow disease progression. Ordinary cat food is often too high in protein and phosphorus, making prescription renal diets a key component of treatment.

Key Elements of a Renal Diet

A proper renal diet for cats with CKD typically includes:

• Lower Protein Content: High-quality but restricted protein helps reduce waste production that the kidneys must filter. This can lessen nausea and vomiting, common symptoms of CKD.
• Reduced Phosphorus: Excess phosphorus can speed up CKD progression. Low-phosphorus diets have been shown to slow disease progression and improve survival rates.
• Increased Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation and improve kidney health.
• Higher Levels of Essential Vitamins and Antioxidants: These support overall health and help combat oxidative stress on the kidneys.

How to Transition to a Prescription Diet

Many cats can be reluctant to change diets, especially if they have eaten the same food for years. A gradual transition is crucial. Start by mixing a small amount of the renal diet with your cat’s current food, increasing the new food gradually over a couple of weeks. Since cats with CKD often have fluctuating appetites, feeding smaller, frequent meals can also encourage eating.

2. Keeping Your Cat Well-Hydrated

The Importance of Hydration in CKD

As kidney function declines, cats with CKD lose the ability to conserve water, which can lead to chronic dehydration. This exacerbates CKD symptoms, such as lethargy, nausea, and reduced appetite. Ensuring your cat stays well-hydrated is essential in CKD management.

Tips for Increasing Your Cat’s Water Intake

• Wet Food over Dry Food: Switching to a wet food diet provides additional moisture, countering dehydration. Many prescription renal diets are available in both dry and wet forms, so consult your vet to determine the best option.
• Encourage Drinking with Fresh Water Sources: Cats are often drawn to running water, so using a cat fountain or regularly refreshing their water bowl can encourage more drinking.
• Add Water to Food: Adding a small amount of water to your cat’s wet food can boost hydration. Avoid overly diluting the food, as cats can be picky about texture.
• Subcutaneous Fluids: In more advanced stages of CKD, some cats benefit from this. Consult your vet to see if this is suitable for your cat.

3. Lifestyle Adjustments 

Beyond diet and hydration, lifestyle changes can ease CKD symptoms and improve your cat’s well-being.

Minimise Stress

Cats with CKD are often more sensitive to changes in routine, so minimising stress is beneficial:

• Establish a Predictable Routine: Regular feeding times, litter box cleaning, and play sessions provide predictability, which reduces stress.
• Provide a Quiet and Comfortable Rest Area: Cats with CKD may tire easily, so ensure they have a warm, quiet spot to rest, away from noise or other pets.

Offer Frequent Bathroom Access

Increased urination is common in CKD, so it’s important to provide easy access to clean litter boxes. Consider adding extra litter boxes, especially if you have a multi-level home or if your cat struggles to reach their usual spot.

Promote Mental and Physical Activity

Keeping your cat mentally and physically active can help them stay engaged. Provide gentle play sessions or interactive toys to stimulate them. For older or less active cats, short periods of gentle play or grooming can offer comfort and bonding.

4. Supplements and Medications: Additional Support

Supplements

Certain dietary supplements can provide additional support for kidney health. Consult your veterinarian to see if these are suitable for your cat:

• Phosphate Binders: These help control phosphorus levels when dietary adjustments alone aren’t sufficient.
• Potassium Supplements: Cats with CKD often experience low potassium levels, which can cause weakness and poor appetite. Potassium supplements may be beneficial if your cat’s levels are low.
• Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements: If a renal diet doesn’t provide sufficient omega-3s, supplements may help reduce kidney inflammation.

Medications

Specific medications can help manage symptoms and slow CKD progression:

• Anti-nausea Medication: Nausea can decrease appetite in cats with CKD, so anti-nausea drugs can improve comfort.
• Blood Pressure Medication: High blood pressure is common in CKD cats and can worsen kidney damage. Controlling blood pressure helps protect the remaining kidney function.
• Appetite Stimulants: If your cat struggles to eat enough, an appetite stimulant prescribed by your vet can help them get the necessary nutrients.

Discuss with your veterinarian if these would be suitable for your cat. 

Monitoring Your Cat’s Condition

Routine veterinary check-ups are essential in CKD management. Regular visits allow your vet to monitor kidney function, check blood pressure, and adjust diet or medication as needed. Blood tests, urinalysis, and blood pressure checks provide insight into how well your cat’s CKD is being managed and enable timely adjustments.

Final Thoughts

CKD in cats requires a well-rounded care plan, but with the right approach, many cats can maintain a good quality of life for years. Work with your veterinarian to develop a care plan that includes a specialised diet, optimised hydration, lifestyle changes to reduce stress, and regular monitoring. Through small steps and attentive care, you can help your cat with CKD lead a happy, comfortable life.