Our cats can seem happy and safe in our homes, but illnesses can still creep up on our cats. One of these sneaky diseases is kidney disease. Kidney disease is a severe disease, which will leave you asking yourself, ‘can my cat survive kidney disease?’ it’s not something that can be caught outside, so you must be vigilant of your cat’s behaviors, especially as they age. Keep reading to learn more about kidney disease in cats and whether your cat can survive the disease.
What is Chronic Kidney Disease?
Chronic kidney disease is also known as renal failure. It occurs when a cat’s kidneys can no longer work as expected. Kidneys have a significant role in a cat’s body and act like a filter. They eliminate waste from the blood and regulate hydration. They also have a role in managing blood pressure and play a role in creating red blood cells. These are critical roles for a healthy and functioning cat. One struggling organ can put a lot of stress on your cat’s body. When the kidneys can’t perform these functions, your cat’s health is at risk, and medical intervention is required.
Symptoms of Kidney Disease
Animals tend to behave differently when they feel unwell. As responsible pet owners, we must pay extra attention to their behaviors when we notice our pets acting out of character. There are specific signs to look out for if you suspect your cat has kidney disease. These signs include: increased urination and trips to the litter box, dull fur, decreased appetite with weight loss, and an increase in drinking water. More severe and apparent symptoms to look out for are bad breath or vomiting and diarrhea that could contain blood. If your cat is experiencing any of these symptoms, you should contact your vet immediately to schedule testing and reach a diagnosis.
Causes of Kidney Disease
Kidney disease can creep up on your cat due to old age, but there are other possible causes. Factors like genetics, autoimmune diseases, cysts, blockages, clots, bacterial infections, and dehydration can also cause kidney disease. Other illnesses like cancer can also lead to kidney problems. Unfortunately, most of these causes are out of our control, but there are causes that we can control by being vigilant pet owners. Ingestion of toxic substances like plants, rat poison, antifreeze and other medications meant for humans can cause kidney disease in your cat. All harmful substances must be hidden and out of your cat’s way.
Treatment and Lifestyle
Unfortunately, kidney disease is not something that can be cured or reversed. Once your cat is diagnosed with the disease, they will live with it for the rest of their life. The good news is that if you detect kidney issues early enough, there is treatment available that can extend your cat’s life and have them living comfortably for many years. The treatment and medication must be given on a consistent schedule. This management can significantly slow down the progression of the disease depending on the stage it is at. Some treatment options include injection of fluids or vitamins, supplements, and medication to help with symptoms of dehydration. Your vet will be able to find the best treatment for your cat.
With early detection, the answer to the question, ‘can my cat survive kidney disease?’ will be a ‘yes.’ Even though kidney disease is incurable, your cat can still live a fulfilling life with consistent treatment and care. Be sure to be vigilant of any odd behavior, especially if your cat is getting older. Be sure to follow Luv My Sitter on more helpful blog posts!