What causes kidney failure in male cats?
Poisons, which are the most common cause of acute renal failure. Antifreeze, toxic plants like lilies, pesticides, cleaning fluids, and certain human medications are highly poisonous to your cat’s kidneys. Even a single tablet of ibuprofen can lead to their kidneys shutting down.
How old does a cat have to be to have kidney failure?
Chronic kidney failure, also called chronic kidney disease, develops over many years. It usually begins when cats are about six years old and becomes progressively worse as the nephrons slowly die. When more nephrons die than can be replaced, kidney failure becomes apparent.
Is there a cure for kidney failure in cats?
While not curable, kidney failure in cats is treated using a range of therapies, with most aiming to reduce the kidneys’ workload, minimize waste products in the blood, replace lost nutrients, and manage clinical signs. Subcutaneous fluids are often administered to cats who have become dehydrated. Chronic kidney failure is not curable.
What makes a cat more likely to have kidney disease?
Certain factors like kidney stones, urinary tract infections, or hereditary conditions could make kidney disease more likely. Encouraging your cat to drink more water can help with kidney health. As cats age, the likelihood of developing kidney disease increases.
How can you tell if your cat has kidney disease?
Kidney Disease in Cats: What Cat Owners Should Know. Most cats show no outward signs of kidney disease until the problem is very advanced. Even when they do, the first signals of kidney disease in cats are easy to miss, including subtle weight loss, urinating/peeing more often and drinking more water.
If your cat is 7 years or older, pay special attention to their health. While the exact causes of chronic kidney disease aren’t always clear, even to vets, they include:
Certain factors like kidney stones, urinary tract infections, or hereditary conditions could make kidney disease more likely. Encouraging your cat to drink more water can help with kidney health. As cats age, the likelihood of developing kidney disease increases.
Kidney Disease in Cats: What Cat Owners Should Know. Most cats show no outward signs of kidney disease until the problem is very advanced. Even when they do, the first signals of kidney disease in cats are easy to miss, including subtle weight loss, urinating/peeing more often and drinking more water.
Untreated, kidney disease can lead to a series of health problems. When it’s chronic, there’s no cure. But with early diagnosis and good care, you can help boost both the quality and length of your pet’s life. Older cats aren’t the only ones at risk.