Signs and Symptoms of Renal Failure in Cats: 10 Warning Signs

One of the most common conditions affecting cats is renal failure. Indeed, this ailment becomes very typical for old cats since the kidneys serve the function of eliminating toxins from the organism, regulating fluid levels and maintaining normal blood pressure. Nevertheless, as soon as the kidneys fail to perform their functions, toxins start building up. As a result, pets start feeling extremely ill and weak. Many owners fail to notice the symptoms at once because the first signs occur slowly, meaning that it is crucial to learn how to recognize these symptoms timely.

What Is Renal Failure in Cats?

Renal failure, also known as kidney failure, is characterized by a loss of kidneys’ ability to remove waste products. There exist two main types of renal failure. They include acute renal failure that occurs suddenly, and the development of chronic renal failure that occurs slowly over a long period of time. In this case, kidneys cease working efficiently resulting in the buildup of toxins within the body and causing damage to other organs. Despite the fact that this disease is hard to cure, proper treatment can extend pets’ lives significantly.

The Significance of Early Diagnosis

It is crucial to catch any kidney problem early, since kidney disease typically develops without showing any symptoms. Because cats tend to conceal their suffering from their owners, the condition tends to get serious before it is diagnosed. Nonetheless, the ability to recognize the symptoms will mean that the cat will receive earlier treatment. Through proper hydrating, medication, and diet management, the strain on the kidneys will be reduced. Thus, closely observing your pet’s behavior on a daily basis could be very helpful in preserving its kidneys.

1. Increased Thirst

The first sign of a feline kidney failure is increased thirst. This symptom is caused by the inability of diseased kidneys to hold fluids. As a result, the animal constantly feels thirsty and drinks a lot of water. You may notice that your pet visits the water bowl much too often, or that it finds additional sources of water in the house. Despite the fact that increased thirst does not have negative consequences at first glance, it always implies some kind of pathology in the cat’s body.

2. Increased Urination

In addition to excessive thirst, frequent urination is another symptom that you should watch out for. Kidneys play an important role in ensuring that urine is concentrated before it leaves the body. In case of kidney problems, urine becomes diluted, and this leads to an increase in urination frequency. Litter boxes will appear wet, which means they will need to be changed more frequently. Some cats might start urinating outside of their litter boxes due to pain or urgency. While some accidents are understandable, any change in urination behavior should not be taken lightly.

3. Loss of Appetite

Cats with kidney disease have a tendency to lose their appetite. The presence of toxins in the blood causes cats to develop stomach pains and nauseas. As a result, they will refuse to eat or eat very little amounts of food. Some cats tend to become picky eaters and refuse food items that they loved before. Since cats require food to stay active and healthy, their nutritional needs must be met at all times.

4. Unexplained Weight Loss

An unexplained weight loss is another common symptom of kidney problems among cats. The affected animals tend to lose their appetite, resulting in their becoming thinner with the passage of time. Moreover, cats are also unable to retain water because of dehydration. Pet owners will likely see bones that seem more prominent than usual and decreased body mass and energy levels. While some amount of weight variation is considered healthy for cats, consistent weight loss indicates the presence of some medical conditions. Regular monitoring of the weight of your pet can help diagnose illnesses. For this reason, weight loss in pets must be reported to veterinarians.

5. Vomiting and Nausea

In most cases, felines experiencing kidney ailments have gastrointestinal disturbances due to toxins building up within their bodies. The build-up makes cats’ stomachs irritated. Cats are seen salivating excessively, swallowing constantly, or looking uncomfortable after meals. Some of them even vomit liquid or semi-digested food on a regular basis. Consistent vomiting affects their health and causes dehydration, putting more stress on their kidneys. Thus, any stomach-related problem should never be treated as minor and associated with hairballs only.

6. Foul Breath

Another significant symptom that may be overlooked by cat owners includes bad breath. When felines suffer from kidney disease, their breath smells pungently of ammonia or urine. The cause of such odors lies in the inability to flush waste products through urine because they get stuck in blood circulation. In addition, cats may develop ulcers inside their mouths, resulting in the sensation of pain when trying to eat. Despite other possible origins of foul breath (such as diseases associated with teeth), this symptom usually occurs quickly and drastically. Thus, one should not overlook it.

7. Tiredness and Lethargy

In cases of kidney dysfunction, cats often experience tiredness and become inactive compared to previous behavior. Due to the poisoning of the whole organism, sick cats start sleeping much more, avoiding physical activities and playing time, and become indifferent to people. Sometimes the situation becomes worse, and animals lack strength for such basic actions as jumping to furniture or climbing up the stairs. Moreover, anemia may develop simultaneously with kidney illness, causing an additional lack of energy. Naturally, cats age and slowly slow down due to natural causes, but abrupt changes cannot be neglected.

8. Deterioration of Fur

Cats suffering from renal disorders typically do not groom well because of weakness or nausea. The deterioration of the fur is seen due to neglect by the cat because he feels too weak to perform normal activities like self-grooming. Some cats will have flaky skin or increased shedding. As poor self-care reflects poor health in cats, it becomes imperative for pet owners to pay close attention to the appearance of their pets. Changes in self-grooming habits and deteriorating fur could indicate the development of kidney failure.

9. Dehydration

As mentioned above, dehydrated patients suffer from kidney diseases because the kidneys are unable to hold adequate water. Although the pet increases his water intake, dehydration may still occur. Signs of dehydration in felines include the dryness of the gums, sinking of the eyes and decreased skin elasticity. It is quite normal for dehydrated cats to look tired. Furthermore, dehydration will cause further damage to the kidneys and will create a vicious cycle, hard to manage. Early recognition of this symptom is highly important.

10. Behavioral Alterations

It is not uncommon for alterations in behavioral patterns to occur before physical signs become noticeable. Felines with problems with their kidneys are likely to retreat into hiding spots, act cranky, or distance themselves from humans. Alternatively, others exhibit symptoms such as confusion, restlessness, or anxiety due to the effects of toxins on their brain’s functions. Besides, pain and nausea will make them less patient and tolerant while being handled by an owner. Though personality changes could be subtle at first, they usually serve as a sign that a severe internal problem is developing. Thus, cat parents should never overlook any strange behaviors displayed by their pets.

Causes of Renal Failure in Cats

There are various potential causes behind kidney failure among cats. Age-related issues remain the leading factor since kidney tissues tend to deteriorate over time. Nonetheless, infections, toxins, hypertension, urinary obstruction, and congenital problems may cause damage to these organs as well. Prescribed drugs, toxins, such as lilies and antifreeze, are known to lead to the development of acute renal failure. Other causes include dehydration and untreated dental problems that place additional strain on kidneys’ functions.

Diagnostic Tests Used by Veterinarians to Detect Kidney Disease in Cats

Several diagnostic tests are used to diagnose the presence of kidney failure in cats. The test measures the concentration ability of kidneys and presence of bacteria. Another test is the analysis of the blood in order to determine high content of metabolic waste such as creatinine and blood urea nitrogen. The early stage of detection is possible through regular physical examinations carried out at the annual checkup visit to the veterinarian. It is clear that annual physical examination of cats is essential since their health can improve drastically as well as their lifespan.

Treatments for Renal Failure

Though kidney diseases cannot be reversed completely, they can be successfully treated and managed. Prescribed foods such as those designed specifically for kidney failure help control blood pressure as well as reduce proteinuria. Fluids therapy is crucial for patients since it prevents the risk of dehydration. Additionally, medication can be administered to control other issues associated with kidney disease. Hospitalization will be inevitable in case of severe renal failures.

How to Avoid Kidney Diseases in Cats

While there is no way to avoid kidney disease, certain practices will help you reduce risks drastically. To begin with, always offer your cat fresh water. Cat owners should also feed their pets nutritious meals made of cat food. Routine visits to a veterinarian will assist in identifying any underlying illnesses your pet may be suffering from. It is vital to ensure that all toxic materials are kept away from cats. Finally, cat owners should regularly examine their pets’ behavior during litter box use. It is equally crucial to maintain excellent oral hygiene among cats since oral infections could impact the kidneys negatively.

Conclusion

Being aware of the various symptoms associated with renal failure will help you prolong your cat’s lifespan. Signs such as increased thirst, weight loss, vomiting, tiredness, and behavioral changes are key indicators that cannot be overlooked. Since cats tend to conceal their sickness, the smallest changes could point towards serious health conditions. The good news is that early diagnosis and treatment could prevent the spread of this disease. In conclusion, never overlook any abnormal behavior or delay in getting professional medical attention for your feline friend.