Pet Health: What You Need to Know

3 Signs Cats With Kidney Disease Show That Mean They Need Help

2 December 2020

Connor Hawkins

When a cat is diagnosed with kidney disease, it means that they have a condition that will lead to a decline in health over time. While the kidneys will gradually become less efficient, there are things that an animal hospital can do to help give your cat a boost. That's why it's important to recognize the signs that a cat with kidney disease is getting worse. Here's what you should be aware of.

Excess Urination

Most cats with kidney disease pee more than their counterparts who don't have it. It's simply because the diseased kidneys are less efficient than healthy kidneys, and use more water to filter out the same amount (or less) of toxins and byproducts from your cat's blood. However, there are times when even kidney diseased cats seem to be drinking far more than usual and peeing excessively, too.

If your cat seems to be going more often, or has difficulty holding their bladder while getting to the litter box, or has an accident like peeing on your lap, it's likely due to their kidneys declining.

Lack of Appetite

Another common problem with kidney disease in cats is a lack of appetite. It tends to come and go, and certain appetite stimulants from your vet can be helpful. However, there may be times where even with the appetite stimulants your cat is unable to eat much or anything at all. At times like these, you have to get to the animal hospital right away, as your cat needs all the nutrients and calories it can get in order to stay healthy during this difficult time.

Vomiting

Part of the reason why your cat may have lost their appetite due to kidney disease is the same reason that causes this problem. Vomiting is a fairly common problem among cats with kidney disease because as the toxins in their blood grow higher, they tend to become nauseated. This can make eating unappealing, but it can also lead to vomiting, even if your cat isn't eating much or at all.

All three of these situations can be helped by an animal hospital. The first course of action will likely be to give your cat an IV with saline solution to help flush their blood of unwanted toxins and to provide them with the hydration they need so their kidneys can work as well as they can. Beyond that, certain medications to stimulate appetite and reduce nausea can be very helpful in getting your kitty to eat. But the most important thing is to never put it off, as a cat's health can change very quickly with kidney disease.

For more information, reach out to a local animal hospital.

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