Kidney issues are common in the feline world, especially for geriatric cats. Renal failure can be serious business. The earlier you pick up on the kidney disease in your cat by knowing its early symptoms the better chance you have of getting him back on track.
Kidney Failure
When it comes to kidney failure in cats, two different types exist: acute and chronic. While chronic kidney disease is generally progressive and slow-moving, acute kidney disease typically appears rapidly, seemingly out of nowhere. The failure of the kidneys often results in a lot of potentially harmful issues, including problems with mineral balance and calcium levels. In many cases, kidney failure is deadly.
Early Signs of Chronic Kidney Disease
According to the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, the earlier chronic kidney disease is diagnosed the better chances a cat has of not just surviving but thriving. The early indications of chronic kidney failure are intermittent throwing up, reduced appetite, loss of weight, frequent urination and excessive water consumption.
Early Signs of Acute Kidney Disease
Since acute kidney disease comes on very quickly and suddenly in cats, "early" signs of it aren't really that early. If you suspect for any reason that your kitty is experiencing it, get emergency medical attention immediately. With acute kidney disease management, time is of the essence. Be on the lookout for the early signs including bodily weakness, throwing up, appetite loss, coordination problems, confusion, convulsions, halitosis and painful urination. A few of these signs appear in cats with either type of kidney disease, such as vomiting and appetite changes. The only way to know for sure which type your cat has is by taking her to the veterinarian for an examination.
General Symptoms
If you own a cat, especially one on the senior side, knowledge of kidney disease symptoms in general goes a long way. After all, cats are notoriously masterful at concealing signs of sickness until very late in the game. Some notable signs of kidney disease are depressive mood, exhaustion, gait difficulties, dehydration, watery stools, blood in the urine, going No. 1 outside of the litter box, constipation and aching in the kidney region. If your kitty has a kidney ache, you may notice her taking on a markedly hunched posture out of pain. Waste no time in getting your cutie to the vet if you have any reason at all to think the poor thing is suffering from kidney disease.
Always check with your veterinarian before changing your pet’s diet, medication, or physical activity routines. This information is not a substitute for a vet’s opinion.