One of the most common questions I receive from cat owners is about chronic renal failure or chronic kidney disease. Chronic kidney failure is extremely common in older cats. In most cases when the pet starts to show signs of kidney disease, the cause of the problem may be long gone but the damage to the kidney has been done. When we treat this disease we do not expect cure it but to manage the problem so the kitty have a good quality of life.

Most people do not realize that the kidney is responsible for removing toxins from the body, regulating blood pressure, conserving water,activating Vitamin D, balancing salts, stimulating the production of red blood cells and other complex functions.

When the kidney starts to fail, its ability to get rid of toxins decreases. To compensate for this, the patient has to drink a lot of water to try and flush these toxins out. The kidney loses its ability to save the proper salts and vitamins and just flushes everything out. Toxic levels go up in the pet’s body and that makes him or her feel ill, lethargic,and anorexic. Vomiting and seizures can also result. Conventional treatment for this is IV fluids, hospitalization and some anti-nausea medication like Cerenia or an antacid like Pepcid AC. A diet change is frequently prescribed. Administering subcutaneous fluids ( under the skin) at home by the owner has been a life saver for many cats. Although kidney transplants are available for cats, they are expensive and dangerous.

Holistic medicine can be extremely helpful for this condition especially when combined with traditional medicine. Holistic nutrition, herbal medicine, acupuncture, and supplements like Omega 3 fatty acids and B vitamins can help to prolong your pet’s life and improve his appetite and energy. Chinese herbs like Rehmannia have been used for thousands of years for kidney problems in humans. Other Chinese herbs can be used to stimulate appetite. A new herbal combination from Pet Wellbeing called Kidney Support Gold. It is safe for long term use and has a combination of traditional Chinese herbs that have been used to support kidney health. This medication is an improvement on the old Tripsy formulation.

Renal failure does not have to be a death sentence. I have seen a large number of these cats return to a normal life for many years with holistic treatment.