Older cats are more likely to have other health issues like high blood pressure, a hereditary disease, or cancer.Cats with chronic kidney disease need a special diet to stay healthy and manage their symptoms.If you don't want the cat's condition to get worse, you may not be able to feed it.Pick a food that will help your cat's kidneys and adjust its diet.You can also talk to your vet.
Step 1: You should give your cat wet food.
Cats with kidneys that can't retain water can become dehydrated.They need to drink a lot of water to stay healthy.If you give your cat wet food, it will get enough water when it eats.Dry food should not be eaten.All natural canned wet food is a good choice.You should look for wet food that has seafood in it.Make sure they are low in salt.If you want to avoid brine, opt for tuna in water.Adding water to your cat's wet food will increase its water consumption.
Step 2: Make sure the food contains less meat.
It can be hard on your cat's kidneys to process a lot of protein at the same time, so a reduced diet is important.It is a good idea to give your cat wet food that is high quality.Rabbit and chicken are high quality and easier to digest for cats.Look at the ingredients list to make sure the food is low in calories.Try to get your cat to eat mostly wet food.Some sources of meat and fish are good for your cat.Plants are lower quality and do not provide the proper nutrition to a cat withrenal disease.
Step 3: The food has low levels of sodium and phosphorous.
Problems with the kidneys can be made worse by phosphorous.If you limit or restrict your cat's intake of phosphorous, it will not get worse.It is a good idea to look for food that is low in phosphorous.It is important for your cat's kidneys to have low sodium.There is a cat food that is low in salt.
Step 4: Inquire about food recommendations from your vet.
Several food brands should be recommended by your vet to make cat food for cats with kidney issues.These are usually low in calories.They will be made with cats with problems.
Step 5: Gradually change your cat's diet.
Cats can find it hard to switch to a diet that tastes better.Change your cat's diet gradually over a few weeks.Put a small amount of the new food with the old food.Slowly increase the amount of new food in the old food over a period of weeks.When your cat eats all of the mixture, give it more new food.Don't try to get your cat to eat the new food right away.It is very bad for your cat's health if you do this.
Step 6: The food should be warm.
Bringing the cat food to a warm temperature can make it more appealing to your cat.Put the wet food in your cat's bowl and encourage it to eat it.
Step 7: It's a good idea to maintain a regular feeding schedule.
Feed your cat twice a day.It will make it easier for your cat to adjust to a new diet if you do this.Once the feeding schedule for your cat is established, try not to change it.This is important when you are giving your cat wet food, as it should not sit out for a long time.Make sure your cat eats all of it by giving it at the same time every day.It's a good idea to throw away any leftover food when you're done eating.
Step 8: Make sure your cat has access to fresh water.
Cats with kidney problems should have access to fresh water at all times.Put fresh water in your cat's water bowl.Make sure your cat has access to fresh water by putting out multiple water bowls.Chicken or tuna water can be put out for your cat to drink.
Step 9: Ask your vet for cat food.
Special cat food may be prescribed by your vet if your cat has a serious problem with the kidneys.The prescription cat food will help manage your cat's symptoms.Your vet should tell you how often to feed your cat food.Feed your cat according to your vet's instructions.
Step 10: Discuss supplements with your cat.
Depending on your cat's needs, your vet may recommend supplements.Give your cat supplements according to your vet's recommendations.Pet safe supplements are approved by your vet.If your cat has high phosphate levels in its blood, your vet may recommend a binder that you can add to its diet.Your vet may suggest a potassium supplement for your cat if it has low levels.
Step 11: Your cat should be brought in for regular check ups.
This will allow your vet to keep an eye on your cat.If you start your cat on a new diet, your vet may ask you to bring it in to check it out.It is possible to prevent other major issues from developing in your cat by scheduling regular checkups.