Cat Kidney Care: The Vet's Guide to Kidney & Urinary Health in Cats

Cats are known for their independence and resilience, but they are just as vulnerable to kidney and urinary issues as any other pet. These health concerns can significantly impact their quality of life, often without obvious symptoms to alert their owners.

Understanding the importance of kidney and urinary tract health in cats is crucial. This guide covers the early signs of disease, diagnostic processes, and effective treatment options. We will explore everything from diet and hydration to monitoring litter box habits, helping cat owners manage these conditions and ensure their pets lead healthier, happier lives.

The kidney and urinary systems are vital to a cat's health, tasked with eliminating waste, maintaining hydration, and balancing electrolytes. A properly functioning system ensures that blood pressure is regulated, harmful substances are filtered out, and essential hormones are produced.

What is Kidney Disease in Cats?

In cats, the kidneys play a critical role in filtering the blood, removing waste, and balancing bodily fluids and electrolytes. They are also crucial for hormone production, which regulates red blood cell creation and blood pressure.

Kidney disease in cats can appear as either an acute or chronic condition. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is commonly seen in older cats and is characterised by a gradual loss of kidney function over time. Conversely, Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) may occur suddenly and cause rapid deterioration of kidney function, posing serious health risks.

What is Urinary Disease in Cats?

Comprising the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra, the urinary tract is essential for removing waste and excess fluids from the body, a key factor in maintaining a cat's overall health.

Cats can suffer from a variety of urinary diseases, ranging from cystitis (inflammation of the bladder) and urinary stones to more severe conditions such as urethral blockages, particularly in male cats. These issues can lead to significant discomfort and pain, and without timely treatment, can escalate into life-threatening complications.

Understanding the causes of kidney and urinary diseases in cats is crucial for prevention and effective management. These conditions can stem from a variety of sources, ranging from genetic predispositions to lifestyle factors.

Kidney-Related Issues

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Common in older cats, often leading to gradual organ degradation.

Lymphoma or Carcinoma: These types of cancer can affect the kidneys and are relatively common.

Cystic Kidney Disease: Frequently seen in certain breeds, characterised by the formation of fluid-filled sacs in the kidneys.

Bladder/Urinary Tract Issues

Infections: Bacterial infections can inflame the urinary tract, leading to discomfort and other symptoms.

Stress Cystitis: Particularly in cats, stress can lead to inflammation of the bladder.

Bladder Stones: Mineral deposits can form stones that may cause blockages or irritation.

Obstructions: Known as "blocked cats," this serious condition occurs when cats are unable to urinate due to a blockage.

Certain breeds of cats are more susceptible to kidney and urinary diseases. For example, the Abyssinian is known to be prone to amyloidosis of the kidneys, a condition involving protein deposits. Additionally, breeds like Siamese, Ragdoll, and Burmese are also more likely to develop chronic kidney disease due to genetic factors.

Recognising the signs of kidney and urinary diseases in cats is crucial for early detection and effective management. These symptoms can vary but often include noticeable changes in water consumption and litter box behaviour.

Kidney-Related Symptoms

Increased Water Consumption and Urination: Cats may drink more and subsequently urinate larger volumes, which can be an early indicator of kidney issues.

Weight Loss: Often accompanied by a deterioration in the cat's overall appearance and coat quality.

Urinary Tract-Related Symptoms

Frequent Litter Box Visits: Cats may visit the litter tray multiple times with little-to-no urine voided.

Discomfort or Pain: Manifested by straining during urination.

Changes in Urine: Discoloured or particularly foul-smelling urine can indicate a problem.

One of the most effective ways to detect early signs of kidney and urinary diseases in cats is by vigilant litter box monitoring. Observing changes can provide critical early warnings, and here are some things to look out for:

Early detection of these symptoms is key to effectively managing kidney and urinary diseases in cats. Regular monitoring and prompt veterinary consultation can prevent complications and ensure better health outcomes for your feline friend.

Supporting a cat with kidney or urinary disease involves a combination of careful monitoring, timely diagnosis, and appropriate treatment to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

Diagnosis of Kidney/Urinary Disease in Cats

Diagnosing kidney and urinary diseases in cats typically begins with a thorough evaluation by a veterinarian, including:

Blood Tests: Essential for assessing kidney function and overall health.

Urine Tests: Help evaluate kidney performance and detect urinary tract infections.

Ultrasound: Provides a visual assessment of the kidney and bladder structure.

Cystoscopy: Especially useful for examining the urethra and bladder for cats with urinary tract issues.

Regular visits to the vet are crucial for early diagnosis and ongoing management of kidney and urinary diseases, ensuring the best possible outcome for your cat.

Effective treatment of kidney and urinary diseases in cats often requires a multifaceted approach, focusing on managing both the symptoms and any underlying conditions that could worsen the prognosis. Key treatment strategies include:

Managing Underlying Conditions: Addressing diseases that contribute to or complicate kidney and urinary health.

Controlling Hypertension: High blood pressure can be damaging to the kidneys, so maintaining normal pressure is crucial.

Ensuring Adequate Hydration: Promoting good water intake to help flush the kidneys and urinary tract.

Regular Urination: Encouraging frequent urination to prevent the build-up of toxins and crystals.

Infection and Inflammation Control: Using medications to manage infections and reduce inflammation within the urinary tract.

B Complex Vitamins: Essential for general health and can help support kidney function.

Together, these strategies form a comprehensive plan to manage kidney and urinary diseases in cats, aiming to stabilise the condition and provide a comfortable life for your pet.

Preventing kidney and urinary diseases in cats is essential for maintaining their overall health and well-being. Effective prevention involves a combination of proper diet, adequate hydration, appropriate use of supplements, and other general care practices.

A balanced diet plays a crucial role in the health of a cat's kidney and urinary systems. Here are some dietary considerations to help prevent these diseases:

Kidney Health: Feeding a high-quality diet is vital. Once renal disease is diagnosed, a renal-specific food is recommended to support kidney function.

Urinary Health: A urinary support diet can help prevent the formation of urinary stones and crystals. Ensuring adequate water intake alongside this diet promotes a healthier bladder and helps maintain urine dilution and optimal pH levels, reducing the risk of stress cystitis.

Hydration is critically important for both kidney function and urinary health in cats. Increased water intake helps dilute urine, which can prevent the formation of stones and reduce the burden on the kidneys. 

Here are some tips to encourage cats to drink more water:

Supplements can also play a role in preventing urinary health issues, particularly for cats prone to stress-related conditions like cystitis. Products like Zylkene and Feliway can help manage stress, which is a significant factor in urinary health.

Additional strategies to prevent kidney and urinary diseases include:

Regular Veterinary Checks: Routine vet visits should include blood pressure monitoring and urine concentration tests to detect early signs of disease.

Management of Concurrent Diseases: Proper management of conditions such as arthritis and diabetes is essential.

Minimising Certain Medications: Avoid using medications that are harsh on the kidneys unless absolutely necessary.

Avoiding Nephrotoxic Substances: Keep nephrotoxic substances like antifreeze and plants such as lilies out of reach, as they can be extremely harmful if ingested.

By combining these dietary, hydration, and care strategies, cat owners can significantly reduce the risk of kidney and urinary diseases, helping their cats lead longer, healthier lives.

In closing, here's a piece of invaluable advice from Dr Jane for all cat owners who want to ensure the long-term kidney and urinary health of their feline friends:

"Maintaining your cat's kidney and urinary health starts at home. I cannot stress enough the importance of feeding your cat a high-quality diet and always ensuring they have access to fresh water. It’s vital to keep a close eye on their litter tray habits too; changes in urine volume, colour, or frequency can be early signs of health issues. Make regular veterinary visits a priority, especially as your cat gets older, to keep track of their blood work, urine tests, and blood pressure. These practices are your best tools for catching potential problems early and keeping your beloved cat healthy and happy."

- Dr Jane Miller BSc, BVSc (hons)

By following Dr Jane's advice, cat owners can play a proactive role in preventing kidney and urinary issues, ensuring their cats remain healthy and vibrant for years to come.

This article was written by Dr Jane Miller