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As a pet parent, learning that your feline friend has chronic kidney disease (CKD) can be overwhelming. However, with proper care and nutrition, you can help manage your cat's condition and improve their quality of life. This article will help you understand CKD and the importance of a specialized renal diet for cats facing this health challenge.

 

Why a Renal Diet Matters

A specialized renal diet is a key component in managing CKD in cats. These diets are carefully formulated to:

  1. Limit phosphorus intake, which can slow disease progression
  2. Provide high-energy density to maintain weight
  3. Balance protein levels to reduce toxin buildup while preventing muscle loss
  4. Support digestive health

 

Key Nutrients in Renal Diets

  • Protein: Renal diets contain carefully balanced, high-quality protein sources to reduce harmful waste products while preventing muscle wasting.
  • Phosphorus: Less is more when it comes to phosphorus. Restricting phosphorus intake can potentially improve life expectancy for cats with CKD.
  • Potassium: This electrolyte is a muscle's best friend. Higher levels in renal diets help combat the weakness often seen in CKD cats.
  • B Vitamins: These little nutritional powerhouses are added to make up for what's lost through increased urination. 
  • Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Think of these as nature's anti-inflammatory. They may help reduce inflammation and keep protein where it belongs – in your cat's body, not their urine.

 

Introducing a Renal Diet

Your veterinarian will likely recommend starting a renal diet as soon as your cat is diagnosed with CKD. The specific diet will depend on the stage of the disease, which is classified from IRIS Stage 1 to 4 based on kidney function loss.

 

Tips for Feeding Your Cat a Renal Diet

  1. Gradual transition: Mix the new food with the old, slowly increasing the ratio over a couple of weeks.
  2. Offer a mix of wet and dry food to provide variety in texture and aroma.
  3. Add warm water to dry food to enhance palatability.
  4. Ensure fresh water is always available, ideally in multiple places around the home. Water bowls should be placed in a separate area to where they’re fed. 

 

When Your Cat Turns Up Their Nose

So, you've got the perfect renal diet, but your cat is not interested. Here are some strategies:

  1. Texture play: If your cat prefers pâté, try a minced or sliced variety of renal diet food.
  2. Temperature matters: Some cats prefer their food at room temperature or slightly warmed.
  3. Small, frequent meals: Offer smaller portions throughout the day instead of 2 larger meals.
  4. Go gourmet: Try adding a small sprinkle of bonito flakes or a dash of low-sodium chicken or tuna broth for extra flavor.
  5. Rule out nausea: Talk to your veterinarian about the potential for underlying nausea as the cause for disinterest in the renal diet, especially if your cat has previously enjoyed it. Kidney disease in general can cause nausea, which in turn can cause food aversion. An anti-nausea medication +/- an appetite stimulant can help.

 

The Home-Cooking Option

If commercial diets aren't cutting it, a homemade renal diet for cats might be the answer. But remember, it's not as simple as throwing some chicken in a pot. You'll need to work closely with your veterinarian to ensure the diet is balanced and meets your cat's specific needs.

 

Treats on a Renal Diet: Finding the Right Balance

A question I’m often asked is, “can my cat have treats if they’re on a renal diet?” While it's important to stick to the prescribed renal diet, treating your kitty doesn't have to be off the table. Here's how to approach treats for cats with kidney disease:

  1. Choose kidney-friendly options: Look for treats that align with the goals of a renal diet - lower in phosphorus and protein, but still tasty. Freeze-dried beef kidney treats can be beneficial for cats with kidney disease. Despite their high protein content, these treats offer easily digestible, high-quality animal protein crucial for maintaining muscle mass. They're also rich in essential nutrients like vitamin B12, iron, and selenium. 
  2. Monitor total intake: Keep track of the protein and phosphorus from treats when calculating your cat's daily nutrient intake.
  3. Variety is key: Alternate between beef kidney treats and lower-phosphorus options like small pieces of cooked chicken or fish.
  4. Moderation is key: It is best to limit treats to 1-3 per day.

 

Quality vs. Quantity of Life

Here's where things get personal. While a diet is important, your cat's quality of life matters too. If your cat is refusing to eat the renal diet despite all your efforts, it might be time for a discussion with your vet. Sometimes, it's better to focus on keeping your cat happy and comfortable rather than strictly adhering to a diet they hate (I know if I ever get diagnosed with a life limiting disease, I’ll be living on wine and French fries).

Remember, every cat is unique, and what works for one might not work for another. Stay patient, keep communicating with your vet, and most importantly, cherish every moment. With love, care, and the right nutrition, you can help your cat live their best life, kidney disease and all.