Question about electrolytes or any suggestions for a cat that's kidneys aren't functioning right?

Question

Is there electrolytes in any foods like chicken broth, and if so what foods, or what should I ask for from the vet. Today he ate and drank water good but barely peed. Need all the advice you can give, thanks.

P>S . I have had him to the vet. and thats why I know its his kidneys through blood work, but he is talking putting him down and I don't want to give up on him.

Answer 1

Please join the Yahoo group: feline crf. That's chronic renal failure.
The people there are dealing with the same issues you are. You can gain from their experience and support. You should be able to go to the site tomorrow to read the posts and present your concerns and problems. The moderator will undoubtedly approve your joining.

I have a 22 year old cat whose kidney numbers are horrific. She has had poor kidney function for three years now. She just had her teeth cleaned today. The vets adore this cat and are simply amazed that she is so healthy, spunky (apparently she was hissing at the dog in the next cage when she came out of anesthesia) and is having such a great life!

So don't give upon your old man too soon. You have to evaluate his quality of life. CRF is not an immediate death sentence. If Cameo were debiliatated in any way, in pain, not eating, not moving around, etc. I would not hesitate to give her the peaceful death.

The vet can give your cat fluids. Why didn't he???? You can learn to do this yourself at home. Many people in the CRF group do. Cameo has had a raw meat diet for the seven years I have had her. That's very water and nutritionally dense. You can get quality canned foods or feed human baby food like chicken, turkey, etc. without ANY onion and add a teaspoon of filtered water to each serving. The baby food should not be used indefinitely as it is lacking in taurine which your cat needs.

Hang in there and get the support and information you need. If you can afford it I would take the guy for some fluids tonight.

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

I don't know about the electrolytes--but, let me address the possibility of putting him down.

I had a Chihuahua (19 people years old) and a Siamese (15 people years old) who had lived together since the cat was born. I knew that which ever went first---the other wouldn't last long. I had to take the dog first and it was one of the few times I cried. The cat had to be put down about 3 months later.

There was no choice. Both were terminal. The cat was in total kidney failure and was in pain. If the vet thinks it's time--trust him/her. It isn't easy, but it's the humane thing to do to end the suffering a pet has.

My heart goes out to you because I've been there.

Check with the vet about the food. There might be a solution other than putting him down. But, know this...if your pet is suffering, only you can help him.

Answer 4

There is a prescription food only available through the vet that is good for un-healthy pets. It's Science Diet a/d. Cats can only live just so long without proper nutrients and the kidneys will start to shut down. That would be a double whammy for you. Get him to the vet for proper treatment.

Answer 5

I would first take it to the vet and have it checked for kidney stones. They are very common in cats and can cause that problem. While you are there most vet's offices have special formulas full of electrolytes. As a matter of fact it does have chicken broth in it but I don't belive that plain chicken broth has electrolyes.

Answer 6

Science Diet makes a food especially for cats with kidney problems. I think it's called K/D. You can also make your own food by boiling chicken and adding rice to it. Consult your vet and do research on the internet about cats with kidney failure. I lost one of my very favorite kitties to this disease. I know it's hard and you don't want to, but eventually you will have to euthanize him. Remember to think about him first. Good luck.

Answer 7

Don't give him dry food, it absorbs the water in his system
Give canned foods, they have high moisture content
(wild cats get most of their moisture from their prey)

Try a cat water fountain to encourage drinking

nutrical for vitamins and to stimulate appetite

meat baby food (no onions or garlic) , mix water or broth with canned foods

pro plan canned urinary health food chicken entree to lower ph

UTI paste for cats

whole natural raw foods and meats to bring the cat's system back to a more natural acidic state

Answer 8

Is he peeing outside the litterbox? My cat had the same problem, but I found him peeing on newspapers, magazines, trashbags, and there is blood and a lot of crystals in his urine, So I took him to the vet and he had a UTI. I feed him Science diet C/D. It works like a charm. My cat would pee everywhere in very little amounts. Take him to the vet. It is very painful.

Answer 9

Hi Karen...your kitty's symptoms verify that this he may have chronic renal failure (CRF) and it's quite common in senior kitties sadly. The blood work determines how much renal (kidney) function is left and this in turn will help you decide the proper course of action for care and diet. If the vet is talking about euthanasia please ask him/her to explain why. Many cats who have a 33% renal function or greater can be treated with daily subcutaneous fluids aka SubQ (similar to IV fluids), vitamin supplements, and a special diet change to Hills Science Diet k/d or Purina NF (available only by prescription from your vet). Please consider reading the feline CRF website below to learn about CRF and discuss your options with your vet.

It's very important to realize if your kitty is in end stage renal failure he is building up toxins in his body because his kidneys are unable to filter them out. If he is barely urinating his kidneys could well be shutting down, however because he is eating and drinking well I wonder if he can be treated effectively to live awhile longer too. Anyhow, end stage renal failure is extremely painful to a cat as they are slowly being poisoned literally to death by their own bodily fluids.

I personally know how this is an emotionally difficult time for you, however I don't doubt you love your kitty very much which is why you are looking to alternative solutions. However, please keep in mind that if you would like what is best for your little guy you will love him enough to do anything to prevent his suffering even if it is to say goodbye through a humane way--euthanasia.

Again, I've included a thoroughly detailed website below that explains all about feline CRF and what to expect medically as well as emotionally. It's definately worth investing every moment reading it as it can prepare you for what is to come. It will give you informative resources that you can discuss with your vet. You are your kitty's best health advocate.

I have experienced what you are beginning to learn when I lost my 17.5 years young boy kitty nearly 2 years ago. My heart and prayers go out to you and your kitty. You are welcome to email me for support and if there's anything else I can offer to help you advocate for your kitties wellbeing.

Answer 10

2