Kidney failure in cats?

Question

My 13 year old cat was having trouble breathing and not eating, so I took him to the vet. He was diagnosed with pneumonia and put on antibiotics. He was running a very low temp--97--too. Back to the vet tomorrow for blood work to see if his kidneys are working.

Since his breath was bad and Fred has history of tooth problems, the vet checked that out as well. No tooth problems, but vet said that bad breath could signal kidney disease.

He drinks a lot and the litter box has suddenly become very smelly from his frequent trips.

Could kidney failure cause pneumonia? What are the symptoms of kidney failure?

Thanks for all of the good wishes! Fred actually ate about a teaspoon of his favorite cat food this morning. I appreciate all of the advice.

Answer 1

The most common signs seen in affected cats are a poor appetite, weight loss, dehydration, lethargy and depression. increased volumes of urine being produced (due to an inability to concentrate the urine in many affected cats). Other signs may include a poor coat, vomiting, bad-smelling breath, ulceration in the mouth and weakness.

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

It can make a cat less resilient.
You need to have a blood test for actual diagnoses but the symptoms you've named are very good indicators. Another one is weight loss.
There are diets that may buy your cat some time. The KD lines are specially made for cats with this condition as they are low protein. There are other treatments.You have to consult the vet as every case is different Sadly this is one of the most common geriatric disease. A friends cat passed away from this a year ago. She was managed,by her vet and by her person, for some time. Some cats go faster though. Your vet will be your best resource.
I wish you and Fred all the best.

I've added a link but there are lots of sites on the internet.
This explains some of the more technical terms that I wouldn't be able to.
http://shop.robbinspetcare.com/resources/crfcats.html

Answer 4

Unfortunately, kidney problems can have a lot or very little symptoms. The symptoms you've described all fit kidney failure. But it could easily be due to the pneumonia as well.
If your cat has kidney problems they can go onto a treatment. It's not easy for pet honors to do, but it's an IV that you'd have to give your cat daily. It makes them cold, they don't like it, but it takes away a lot of there problems with kidney failure. My sisters cat had the same problem, and she did well for a long time on it. But remember when the time comes, don't be selfish for your kitties time. Have their best interest at heart.
I hope everything goes well and your cat makes a full recovery.

Answer 5

Excessive urination is a sign of problems with his kidneys. It is common for cats to lose kidney function as they age. It does not necessarily mean the kidneys have "failed" totally and he may be having problems with them.

Kidney problems would not cause pneumonia except it could be causing stress which would lower his immune systems response to a bacterial infection.

I am glad his teeth are in good shape. I have a 22 yr old cat who has been in "kidney failure" for at least four years. It is not necessarily a death sentence though it will cause death eventually.

I hope Fred will recover and have some more good years with you.

Answer 6

My kitty was diagnosed with kidney problems a few years ago. Her symptoms: she just wasn't herself.. she got very lethargic and didn't respond to me when normally she's super affectionate. She would also hide alot. I brought her to the vets and they had to do blood tests to diagnose the problem then the vet put her on a low protein diet and she's been doing pretty good since then!

Answer 7

We had a cat with kidney problems several years ago. They did some kind of a flush with saline solution and gave antibiotics, They said for prevention of future problems to feed her science diet K/D cat food. It has fewer fillers, also makes their stools smell less. She is about 13 now... no problem since.

Answer 8

These articles all address your questions ... some more detailed than others :

http://www.felinecrf.com/what0.htm

http://www.catsofaustralia.com/cat-kidney-disease.htm

http://cats.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?zi=1/XJ/Ya&sdn=cats&cdn=homegarden&tm=12&f=21&su=p675.104.140.ip_&tt=14&bt=1&bts=1&zu=http%3A//www.fabcats.org/crf.html

http://www.cah.com/dr_library/felrenfail.html


I've been through kidney failure with two cats; I definitely feel for you and your kitty. I hope your kitty responds well to his treatments. Best of luck to you both !

Answer 9

Check out the Holisticat.com website. It gives you alot of info.