Cat kidney disease is an ailment that is most common in older cats and it can lead to two different kinds of kidney failure. Cats may suffer from acute or chronic kidney failure; acute kidney failure comes on suddenly, whereas chronic kidney failure is due to having kidney disease for a long period of time. The symptoms of both acute and chronic failure are similar, though being sure to catch and treat acute kidney failure is extremely important, as acute failure can quickly become fatal if left untreated. Many cases of acute kidney failure are due to the ingestion of a poison or recent trauma, and chronic failure can be due to infections and age. Understanding the symptoms of cat kidney disease is important as a cat owner, so you can treat or manage it sooner rather than later.
Symptoms of Cat Kidney Disease and Failure
- An increase in urination. This is often a sign that the kidneys are not able to hold luquid well and therefore your cat may be going to the bathroom more often than normal.
- UTIs or bladder infections.
- Decreased appetite and weight loss. Additionally, be on the watch for vomiting, diarrhea, or bloody urine.
- Ulcers on a cats gums or tongue and or a brown colored tongue.
- Noticeably bad breath that has an ammonia smell to it.
- A dull and dry coat.
If you have noticed these symptoms, especially when combined with more than just one on this list, you should consider talking your cat to the vet. Once at the vet’s office, the vet will likely run a few tests to determine if the kidneys are working the way they should be and the vet may also order x-rays or an ultrasound. The tests will look at the cat’s urine and blood to test for urea and creatinine levels, as well as other proteins, which will be abnormal if the cat’s kidneys are not working properly. X-rays and or ultrasounds may be ordered to see if the kidneys and surrounding area look normal.
If you have an older cat, you may want to bring them into the office for regular checkups to see how their kidneys are doing. Checkups can help you catch any chronic kidney disease or failure earlier and you can then set up a management plan for your cat sooner. If you have any questions about additional symptoms of cat kidney disease, you can simply call our office. We will gladly help answer your questions and help you determine whether or not you should bring your feline friend in for a visit to the Animal Hospital of Sussex County.
