Chronic kidney failure can happen in older cats. Fortunately, cats with chronic kidney failure can be kept comfortable and lovable for longer if they get the right diet and receive regular veterinary care. Here are three things a veterinarian might want you to know about kidney failure in cats. We at Animal Health Services in Columbus, MS, are here to help.

Some Cats Are at Greater Risk of Chronic Kidney Failure Than Others

Cats that have a history of bladder infections or kidney stones have an elevated risk of developing kidney failure as senior cats. Some cat breeds might be are more likely to develop the condition than other breeds. If your cat has a history of urinary tract infections or kidney stones, or has genetics that include a history or kidney failure, be sure to bring her in for regular veterinary checkups when she become a senior cat.

The Symptoms of Chronic Kidney Disease

In the early stages of kidney disease, the kidneys produce an unusually high volume of watery urine. The cat urinates so much and so often that dehydration and constipation set in. The cat will become lethargic. Appetite will be poor. In extreme cases, the eyes may seem to sink into their sockets.

In the later stages of kidney disease, the kidneys produce a small volume of highly concentrated, smelly urine. Your cat may have breath that smells like ammonia, bloody diarrhea, and seizures. It can be important to start treatment with your veterinarian before the cat reaches the later stages of kidney disease.

Feline Kidney Failure Is Progressive but Treatable

There is a great deal that a veterinarian on our team can do to help your cat live longer with a good quality of life even after a diagnosis of chronic kidney disease. A vet on our team can advise you on how to keep your cat hydrated and nourished without excessive strain on the kidneys, and prescribe medications that relieve the systemic imbalances caused by the disease. A veterinarian on our team can also advise you on procedures that may extend your cat's life by several years.

Start Treating Chronic Kidney Failure Early

We at Animal Health Service in Columbus, MS, are here to provide all of your feline healthcare needs. We are dedicated to providing every animal with the care that she may need. Call us today at (662) 328-2821 for more information.