Remember, cats with kidney disease need to eliminate, reduce, or carefully control their intake of certain nutrients that healthy cats dont have to worry about. They need to consume a lot of water on a regular basis to stay healthy. There are a lot of chemicals and easily recognizable components in these calorie-boosting gels. It might be difficult to determine whether or not your cat is too thin. Is it improper to say that you cant go wrong by stuffing someones face with fat? Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a chronic, irreversible decrease of kidney function that is one of the primary causes of mortality in older cats. To avoid protein-calorie malnutrition and preserve body condition in cats with chronic kidney disease, it is critical that they consume a sufficient amount of calories. You may easily incorporate it into the food that you already provide for your feline companion. Veterinarians diagnose CKD when they see that the kidneys are not functioning properly. If your cat with kidney disease has a good appetite but still cant seem to gain weight, ask your vet if there are any high-calorie supplements or foods you can try. Consult your dietician about the best way to utilize them. Give your cat wet food instead of dry food. You should also avoid cat food that is high in phosphorus. Occasionally stir in a very little quantity of shredded rotisserie chicken into their meal. 2 Make sure the food contains reduced amounts of protein. Pet Keen is reader-supported. A sudden weight loss can be caused by many different diseases including dental problems, intestinal parasites, diabetes, and cancer. The cats may benefit from taking an appetite stimulant prescribed by your veterinarian. When it comes to the nutrition of a cat suffering from renal illness, protein and calories are the most crucial components to provide. Fortunately, there are two simple measures you may use to evaluate if your cat is too thin, excessively overweight, or exactly the appropriate weight. Hi, I am a pet loving enthusiast who has always had a fascination with everything cats. It is possible that the introduction of renal therapeutic diets will result in a reduction in food consumption at first. Keep in mind that your cats daily meal should consist mostly of a high-quality, well-balanced cat food. This fluid is absorbed by the body, and while this is less effective than IV fluids, it is more effective than oral intake. Please keep in mind that these meals are not dangerous to consume because they produce little waste products in your bloodstream. Lethargy and loss of energy. Given that my cat is a self-confessed junk food addict who cant resist temptation goodies, this was the ideal match for his taste buds. The most important factor in assisting a cat with renal illness in gaining weight is ensuring that they are getting adequate calories and protein. A typical weight for a cat may appear unnaturally thin to its pet owners due to the large number of overweight cats we see on a daily basis. If you continue to lose weight, you should consult with your dietician about your eating plan. Dr. Sarah Wooten received her veterinary degree from the University of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine in 2002. CKD in cats was associated with several risk factors, including thin body condition, prior periodontal disease or cystitis, anesthesia or documented dehydration in the preceding year, being a neutered male (as opposed to a spayed female), and living anywhere in the United States other than the northeast. We hope todays article helped explain the best ways to help a cat with kidney disease gain weight so that they can live a long, healthy life. The Veterinary Medical Center covers a portion or all of the costs connected with diagnosis and treatment in the vast majority of clinical studies conducted there. Don't overfeed your cat. Even when a cat isnt feeling well, they may require a little additional encouragement to consume their food. Maintaining adequate hydration is of paramount importance for cats with kidney disease. Consume sweets that are low in potassium, sodium, and phosphorus, such as croissants, sweet rolls, simple wafer cookies, Rice Krispie treats, cobbler or pie prepared with approved fruits, and puddings made with nondairy creamer, half and half, or heavy whipping cream. Learn more. Vomiting or diarrhea. Chicken, turkey, fish, pork tenderloin, and eye of the round cow are just a few of the options. The chicken and wheat are safe for cats' stomachs. It is very important that you help them overcome this, as not eating will certainly result in their death. In the past, cats with chronic kidney diseases were usually as good as dead, and they were only given medication to help prolong life for the short term. Tube feeding for cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a significant therapeutic technique that should be investigated in any cat when medical therapy fails to adequately remove anorexia and in CKD animals with deteriorating BCS. The key way to help a cat with kidney disease gain weight is by ensuring they are getting enough calories without too much protein. has become a hobby of Brookes and she is continually learning how to give her aquarium pets the best life possible. Sudden weight loss. Though many cat owners have commented that their cat's breath smells faintly of fish, unusual bad breath is a worrisome sign. 2000;217:13371342. Dairy products can be consumed in small quantities if they are organic. It should be noted that Antech and Banfield are both owned by Mars PetCare, and RenalTech was created on the basis of data from feline patients assessed at Banfield Pet Hospitals during a 20-year period. Personally, after doing some research, I decided on the GNC Pets Ultra Mega High Calorie Booster Gel for Pets as my choice. According to Dr. Shelly L. Vaden, a professor of internal medicine at the North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Its been an extremely exciting time over the last decade or so in that weve significantly improved our abilities to diagnose and detect chronic kidney disease. Weve also made significant strides in in medical management. Dr. Vaden was a featured speaker at the New Therapeutic Approaches to Chronic Care Symposium, which took place at the AVMA Virtual Convention 2020 in August of 2018. Cats with kidney disease require a strict diet to keep their kidneys from working too hard, so adding a potassium supplement could put extra work on your cat's kidneys and worsen the kidney disease. Any additional queries should be sent to your doctor or a nutritionist for resolution. Quimby believes that providing appropriate nourishment to cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is crucial to maintaining a high quality of life. Some suggestions for incorporating these items into your diet are as follows: Sour cream may be used to dress omelettes, noodles, grains, and vegetables. I made this website with the purpose of writing everything I know about cats in order to answer all of your cat questions. Switch to wet food: Canned cat food is more appealing than dry. If you are set on preparing a homemade diet for your cat, then you need to have a consultation with a board-certified veterinary nutritionist or through a veterinarian-recommended website like BalanceIt. You may also find that youre happy with minimally processed foods that still meet the nutritional requirements for your cat with kidney disease, but make sure to discuss any dietary changes with your vet before switching the food. There is one important component here, however: UNSALTED butter. Keep in mind that some meals include some phosphorus and saturated fat, and that they may only be consumed in small quantities. You want to make sure that your cat is getting around 2.5 grams of protein per lb of body weight each day. The Hand Test: You may also use your hand as a point of comparison to gauge the overall health of your cats body. Loss of interest in playing or interacting. In addition, weight reduction might be subtly noticeable and delayed to begin. Cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have been demonstrated to exhibit stomach mineralization and gastric gland enlargement, among other symptoms. Some people believe that these foods are not of a high quality due to the ingredients lists, but its important to understand that the formulation of these ingredients is not only effective at supporting the needs of cats with kidney disease. This will likely require you to give your cat a prescription anti-nausea medication, but there are multiple forms of these medications, so if you have difficulty giving pills, for example, youll have the option of liquid medications or compounded medications. If you suspect that your cat is near the end of their life, you should check out my article on when to euthanize a cat with kidney disease. For the time being, Dr. Quimby is searching for cats suffering from chronic kidney disease (CKD) to participate in her research. Change in volume and frequency of urination. Cats with chronic kidney disease should not be given food or force-fed renal diets when experiencing a uremic crisis with active vomiting since these treatments are likely to result in food aversions in the cats. Read on to learn how to prevent kidney disease in cats. Cats benefit from increased fatty acids, antioxidants, and B vitamins along with controlled sodium content. Most senior cats enjoy the taste of this 510 kcal per ounce cup pet food. Giving your cat wet food will ensure it gets enough water when it eats. I personally recommend this cat food to help your cat with kidney disease gain weight: Hills Prescription Diet k/d Kidney Care Dry Cat Food. Use syrup on pancakes, French toast, waffles and hot cereal. This will help your cat reach the appropriate number of calories on a daily basis. For example, you could want to experiment with flavoring the cuisine with artificial flavoring. However, dont start feeding your cat anything new without checking with your vet first. If youre seeking for simple solutions to getting your cat to eat again, check out our suggestions here. Stay on top of cat food recalls here >, Have a dog? It is necessary to make dietary modifications when you have chronic kidney disease (CKD). One thing that your vet may be a great resource on is adding high-calorie additives to your cats food. Your veterinarian will help you choose an appropriate formulation . For cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD), a protein content of 28-35 percent on a dry matter basis is advised. And so, here are some tips on how you can gain weight healthily. A cat with kidney disease that experiences rapid weight loss will likely die very soon. You should also make sure that your cat with kidney disease consumes around 35 calories per lbs of body weight. Keep in mind that your cats daily meal should consist mostly of a high-quality cat food with a variety of nutrients. Anemia: In cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD), moderate to severe nonregenerative anemia can cause weakness, lethargy, anorexia, and cold sensitivity. Their meal should be heated in the microwave for a few seconds to bring out more of the flavor. It is possible to obtain a chart either online, via organizations such as the American Animal Hospital Association and the World Small Animal Veterinary Community, or in person at your veterinarians clinic. Instead of plain water, drink beverages that have calories . You should also ensure that your cat is drinking a lot of water. What can we do to help them feel better and continue to eat? they wonder. Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for good health. If your cat refuses to eat a prescription kidney diet, switching from a dry to a canned food diet could help them gain weight. For cats with kidney disease, there are certain nutritional elements that are overlooked by regular cat foods, like the need for a low level of phosphorus. (US & Worldwide Statistics in 2023). Cats with kidney disease may need more than tasty food to help them eat and gain weight. She stays active with yoga and obtained her 200-hour yoga teacher certification in 2020. A flowing water fountain may also be used to boost your pets interest in drinking more water. You may consume less calories as a result of having to avoid certain items. Elizabeth lives in Iowa, The 6 Potential Solutions for Helping a Cat With Kidney Disease Gain Weight, Nutrition Goals for Cats With Kidney Disease. A few simple measures can help reduce the risk of kidney disease in cats and keep your pet healthy for years to come. It is solely intended to be used for informative reasons. Its important for your cat to maintain their body weight so they have something to fall back on if they become more ill, but this will likely take extra work on your part to help your cat achieve. Often, cats with kidney disease will have a permanent feeding tube inserted. Cats suffering from renal illness are prone to becoming dehydrated and losing their appetite. Certain cats, like some dogs, prefer their food to be served cold. First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Broth, Water, Potatoes, Potato Starch. Mirtazapine is a prescription drug that is perfect for a cat with kidney disease that needs to gain wait. The kidneys are less efficient in excreting waste items from the body through the urine when they are diseased. Brooke enjoys plants and gardening and keeps a vegetable garden during the summer months. Risk factors related with the development of chronic renal disease in cats assessed at primary care veterinary facilities, according to a research paper published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association on February 1, 2014. Fish keeping, How to Help a Cat With Kidney Disease Gain Weight. It is essential for a cat with kidney disease to maintain a healthy weight to survive. Whether you have concerns about your dog, cat, or other pet, trained vets have the answers! If your pet has been diagnosed with kidney disease and needs to gain weight, here are six possible options to help. Camping with her family, skiing, SCUBA diving, and competing in triathlons are some of her favorite pastimes. Kidney disease often causes nausea, a loss of appetite, and an overall feeling of illness that may cause cats to eat less. Supplemental feeding can be as simple as syringe feeding your cat watery food, or it may be as complex as having a permanent feeding tube placed and giving them feedings through the tube. You should never attempt to do any kind of forced supplemental feeding without consulting with your vet first. Make an appointment with your nutritionist to discuss incorporating these items into your diet. This works by lowering the amount of protein that leaks out of the kidneys. Weight loss can also be caused by a deterioration in digestive function that occurs in certain geriatric cats over the age of ten, which can occur in some older cats. If you have diabetes or high cholesterol, consult with your dietician before consuming these products. Dehydration is also a symptom of kidney disease, so it is extra important that you ensure your cat has access to fresh, clean drinking water. As long as the kidneys are properly perfused, subcutaneous (SQ) fluid treatment has no effect on increasing GFR over what the kidneys are capable of producing. If you believe your cat needs to gain weight, you should take them to the veterinarian first to rule out any underlying medical concerns that may be causing them to lose weight. There are also multiple prescription kidney diets on the market, so you may find that one particular food works best for your cat. 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