Kidney problems in cats

The kidneys cleanse the blood of harmful substances and help to remove nitrogen. If a cat has problems with the kidneys, this should be treated as soon as possible.

Acute kidney failure is a real emergency and must be treated immediately by a veterinarian. The cat produces a reduced amount of urine, usually followed by extreme thirst. They suffer from pain in the stomach and lower spine, and dark urine, sometimes containing blood. Usually their overall well-being is severely impaired and the animals are apathetic and/or no longer eat. This dramatic condition can occur as a result of an accident with high loss of blood, after serious infections, and also after poisoning with heavy metals, antifreeze or medication.  

Firstly, emergency veterinary care with infusions and diuretic drugs is essential, followed by treatment of the underlying disease, if necessary with antibiotic therapy lasting several weeks.

Diseases of the internal organs are not uncommon in cats, especially in older animals. Of particular importance are the organs that are central to the metabolism, such as the kidneys. As the main excretory organ, they are responsible for the daily production of urine. One of the main functions is the formation of concentrated urine. If the kidneys are chronically damaged, they can no longer fully perform their two most important functions, namely urinary concentration and the discharge of substances via the urine. Cats then suffer from a chronic failure of the kidneys (insufficiency). It is one of the most common causes of death in older cats.

The therapy for chronic kidney disease can vary, but it always includes the use of a dietary food. A special renal (kidney) diet is essential to reduce the levels of substances in the blood that are excreted via urine. Renal diets contain less protein than found in conventional diets, so that less urea is formed during the protein metabolism. In this way the urea content in the blood can be reduced. In addition, the phosphorus content is also reduced in order to delay the progressive destruction of kidney tissue. With animonda Integra Protect Kidney, a tasty renal diet is available for cats in the form of wet and dry food.