🐱 7 ways to care for your cat's kidney disease

— The editor has collected veterinary information + cat slave practical experience, and has broken it down in detail for everyone —

Cats in Hong Kong are living longer and longer, but the accompanying chronic kidney disease (CKD) is becoming increasingly common. According to international studies, approximately one-third of cats over the age of 10 have kidney problems. Kidney disease is a progressive condition that doesn't appear overnight, but once diagnosed, it requires long-term management and care. While it can't be completely cured, daily care can effectively slow the progression of the disease and improve your cat's quality of life. The following seven care methods are explained in detail by the editor.

1️⃣ Provide sufficient clean drinking water💧

Subtitle: Aquatic Kidney Disease Cats' "Life-Saving Medicine"
The main function of the kidneys is to eliminate toxins and maintain water balance. If you don't drink enough water, the burden on your kidneys will be greater.
👉 Editor's Tip:

• Place a few more water bowls at home so that your pet can drink at any time.
• Use a water dispenser to keep the water flowing to encourage your cat to drink more water
• You can try adding a small amount of cat soup to increase water intake
• Avoid feeding only dry food; it is best to feed with wet food to increase water intake.

2️⃣ Choose a special kidney prescription food🍲

Subtitle: Nutritional formula is the key to protecting the kidneys <br>Cats with kidney disease need a diet low in phosphorus and a moderate amount of high-quality protein, which ordinary cat food cannot provide.
👉 Editor's reminder:

• Veterinarians generally recommend switching to a "kidney prescription diet"
• Prescription foods contain low-phosphorus ingredients, which help reduce the burden on the kidneys
• The protein quality is higher than ordinary grains, but the portion size is well controlled
• Some prescription foods also contain additional Omega-3 to help reduce inflammation.

Editor’s tip: Don’t change the food on your own; make sure you get a veterinarian’s evaluation before making any decision.

3️⃣ Monitor your weight and appetite regularly⚖️

Subtitle: Subtle changes are indicators of the disease <br>Cats with kidney disease are prone to loss of appetite and even gradual weight loss.
👉 Editor's suggestion:

• Weigh the master every week and record the data
• Pay attention to whether their food intake has decreased
• If the dog suddenly refuses to eat, it may mean that the condition has worsened and you should notify your veterinarian immediately.

4️⃣ Take with medication or nutritional supplements💊

Subtitle: Follow your veterinarian's instructions and do not add or subtract on your own .<br>Many cats with kidney disease need to take long-term medication or use supplements to support kidney health.
👉 Edited by the editor:

• Common medications: blood pressure lowering drugs, drugs that help control proteinuria
• Common supplements: Phosphate binders, Omega-3, B vitamins
• Sometimes your veterinarian will recommend subcutaneous fluids to help with hydration.

Editor's note: Never believe in online remedies, as cat kidney disease falls under the category of professional medical care and you must follow the veterinarian's instructions.

5️⃣ Pay attention to urine volume and urination🚽

Subtitle: The secret inside the cat litter box <br>Kidney disease can affect the urine concentration function, and your cat may urinate more frequently and in larger amounts.
👉 Editor's observation points:

• Whether urine output has suddenly increased or decreased
• Is the urine light in color?
• Does urine smell particularly strange?
• Keep the litter box clean so you can easily observe changes

6️⃣ Provide a comfortable and quiet living environment🏠

Subtitle: Reducing stress equals protecting the kidneys <br>Cats with chronic illnesses need a stable environment to avoid stress that worsens their condition.
👉 Editor's suggestion:

• Keep quiet at home and avoid loud noises
• Prepare warm and comfortable rest areas
• Spend more time with your pet, but avoid excessive interference
• Reduce sudden changes such as moving house and changing environment

7️⃣ Regular follow-up and blood tests🩺

Subtitle: Continuous monitoring to delay deterioration <br>Kidney disease is a progressive disease and regular check-ups are very important.
👉 Edited by the editor:

• Regular blood tests to check renal function (such as creatinine, urea nitrogen, and phosphorus)
• Depending on the condition, you may need a follow-up visit every 1-3 months.
• Based on the examination results, the veterinarian can adjust the food, medicine and treatment plan.

🐾 Editor's summary

While kidney disease is a long-term battle for cats, with dedication and patience, through dietary management, hydration, medication, and regular checkups , your cat's quality of life can be significantly improved. I want to emphasize: the most important thing isn't simply to prolong their lifespan, but to ensure they live a comfortable and happy life .