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Chronic Renal Failure In Cats (CRF)
The digestion of food produces waste products, which are carried by
blood to the kidneys to be filtered and excreted in the form of urine.
When the kidneys fail, they are no longer able to remove these waste
products, and toxins build up in the blood producing clinical signs of
kidney disease.
CRF affects all breeds of any age, although older cats tend to be more
commonly affected. The average age of diagnosis in cats is 9 years.
Breeds thought to be more susceptible include Abyssinians and Persians.
CRF affects almost every body system causing many changes throughout
the body and usually results in the following:
Abnormal filtration of blood and retention of waste materials
Disturbance of fluid, electrolyte and acid-base balance
Failure of hormone production (including substances that stimulate
the production of red blood cells.
What to Watch For
Several symptoms are present when your cat begins to suffer from CRF.
These include:
Lethargy
Vomiting
Bad breath
Anorexia
Weakness
Lack of coordination when walking
Depression
Increased thirst/excessive drinking
Increased urination (sometimes noted as pet using the litter box more
frequently, urinating in abnormal places in the house or increased
weight of the litter box)
Diagnosis
Diagnostic tests are needed to recognize CRF and exclude other diseases.
Treatment
Although there is no cure, early detection can slow the progression of
the disease. CRF can be a life-threatening condition that requires
hospitalization and treatment for stabilization in extremely ill pets.
Treatments may include:
Fluid therapy for dehydrated pets
Dietary therapy with a protein/phosphorus restriction
Free access to water
Supportive care and careful monitoring of urine output
Control of vomiting with diet and drug therapy as needed
Management of anemia if needed
Management of blood abnormalities such as high potassium levels,
low potassium levels, metabolic acidosis and high phosphorus levels
Home Care
Chronic renal failure is life-threatening, and if you suspect your
cat has this condition, you should see your veterinarian as
soon as possible.
What Should You Feed Your Cat?
By: Alfred
Hey guys, I guess you could say I'm an expert when it comes to eating!
I do it every day, and I know what Tastes Good and what is Good For Me!
Let's get a little science lesson in here:
You know that cats are carnivores, meaning they are meat eaters. They
don't have the ability to manufacture proteins in their liver as dogs
and humans do, thus they have to get their proteins from food.
Complete proteins come from meat sources. Incomplete proteins come
from grains. Incomplete proteins do not have all the amino acids present
required to form what we call a complete protein.
Also you will want to consider the presence of harsh chemical
preservatives that are in some foods, such as BHA, BHT, and ethoxyquin.
All have been proven to play a role in various degenerative diseases
such as kidney and liver disease, and cancer.
Now, what do you believe would be better for your little kitten, a food
that has a cancer causing agent, or a food that has all natural preservatives?
Our suggestion then is to look for a cat food that has at least
2 to 3 meat sources of proteins to every one grain source.
When your kitty goes out for a hunt, does he bring back an ear of corn,
or mice and rodents?
Also look for a food that has all natural preservatives instead
of toxic chemicals.
Our recommended food is
Life's Abundance Premium Health Food For Cats
It is a 100% complete and balanced formula that is safe for your cat
or kitten, and will supply them with the nutrients they need.
Help your precious kitty live the Longest and
Healthiest Life Possible.....
Check out Alfred's
Favorite Feline Dining Experience Here
While you're there, check out the Gourmet Cat
Treats.....GREAT for Hairballs!
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