how to help a cat with kidney disease gain weight
Reduce the amount of saturated fat in your diet by choosing vegetable fats such as olive oil, canola oil, soft margarine, and mayonnaise. Keep in mind that your cats daily meal should consist mostly of a high-quality, well-balanced cat food. When youre trying to bring your cats weight back up, Ive found that keeping track of everything is the most effective strategy. It might be difficult to determine whether or not your cat is too thin. Ailing kidneys cannot perform their usual function of filtering the cats blood, allowing toxins to build up. The salt content of the diet is somewhat limited in order to lessen the burden on the kidneys. 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. Consult your dietician about the best way to utilize them. Use honey, jelly, jam, margarine or cream cheese on toast, bread, rolls and crackers. These diets, which are available through your veterinarian, are specifically designed to assist cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD) avoid metabolic acidosis. For healthy (but thin) cats to gain weight, they may just want more meals per day and/or unlimited access to dry food. Cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have been demonstrated to exhibit stomach mineralization and gastric gland enlargement, among other symptoms. 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. Lethargy and loss of energy. Ogeer stated that hyperthyroidism, diabetes mellitus, hepatopathy, and being underweight were all co-morbidities that were found to be strongly related with an increased chance of CKD vs no CKD. The yolk of the egg includes high levels of cholesterol, however it may be consumed a few times each week if consumed in moderation. You can learn more about the best diet for you cat in my guide on the best prescription food for cats with kidney disease. Apr 29, 2019 #5 kittyluv387 TCS Member Top Cat Joined Sep 10, 2015 Messages 3,366 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. Prepare yourself. Is it improper to say that you cant go wrong by stuffing someones face with fat? The Hand Test: You may also use your hand as a point of comparison to gauge the overall health of your cats body. Cats benefit from increased fatty acids, antioxidants, and B vitamins along with controlled sodium content. You can also try changing the texture of the food or heating it up before you serve it to them. Featured Image Credit: ValeriiaES, Shutterstock. Here are some pointers on how to incorporate these items into your diet: Your dietician will assist you in determining which high-calorie foods are the most beneficial for you. As soon as Buttons was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD), Tom immersed himself in the condition, learning everything he could to best manage his pet. Some of the causes for not eating enough may include stress, dental disease, nausea, and a variety of other factors. Managing a chronic disease can be stressful, whether its happening to a human or a pet. Because of this, they can create custom nutritional plans based on your cats specific body condition, age, and how advanced their kidney disease is. Required fields are marked *. For cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD), a protein content of 28-35 percent on a dry matter basis is advised. Answered by Dr. Joanna Woodnutt, MRCVS (Vet), How to Help an Abused Dog Recover 8 Tips and Tricks, Dog Breaks or Tears a Nail? To maintain your weight loss, you should strive to consume more calories from simple carbs such as sugar, jelly, jams and jellies as well as hard candies and honey. First, make sure they are eating a high-quality diet that is designed for cats with kidney disease. She got her first cat at 5 years old and at 14, she started working for her local veterinarian. 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. Reduce the development of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Please see the following video from dvm360, which displays the hand test: If you come across a stray cat that appears to be emaciated, you should call your local shelter or veterinarian to receive their advice on how to bring the cat back to health. Further research is needed to determine the effect, if any, of body condition, age and gender on protein requirements." Drinking a lot of water. Today we gather together to celebrate Mom's first day in . The most important factor in assisting a cat with renal illness in gaining weight is ensuring that they are getting adequate calories and protein. You should also avoid cat food that is high in phosphorus. Kidney disease is a difficult disease, but you do have options to help make things a little easier on your cat by supporting their appetite and body weight. It is necessary to account for the fluid content of free beverages. Can Cats Eat Kale? Do not use salted butter in this recipe. Your cat may also need IV fluids on a routine basis, but your vet will be able to guide you. Your email address will not be published. The soft food may also be gentler for those that suffer from mouth sores, one of the more painful side effects of kidney disease. A stray cat that has been adopted should always be taken to the veterinarian to be checked for health issues. This is what spurred us on to learn everything we could about how to assist our cat with kidney disease gain weight. You have to gain weight. The fact that food is available all day long can make all the difference to a cat who like to graze or consume little meals throughout the day. Simply ensure that there is no additional salt and that the fat is genuine duck fat. According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, around 60 percent of cats in the United States are overweight or obese. Unfortunately, cats with kidney disease often struggle with nausea. Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for good health. For those who like to dress up their food with toppings and care over their cats at mealtimes, ttyy offeringssimple meals right out of the bag or container in a quiet spot without much fuss; Consider experimenting with different flavors and textures of both dry and wet food for cats that are particularly fussy some cats enjoy chicken pate, while others prefer salmon stew but be careful to introduce new foods gradually to minimize any stomach discomfort. There are two primary reasons for a slim cat: obesity and genetics. Once the blood creatinine level exceeds 250 mmol/L, famotidine (5 mg per cat PO q 24 h) is suggested for the treatment of uremic gastritis owing to chronic kidney disease. Nutrition plays an important role in managing CKD in cats. Why is my cat always hungry but doesn't gain weight? If youre worried about giving your cat medication, ask your veterinarian and their staff to provide you with tips. (US & Worldwide Statistics in 2023). Cats are frequently attracted to the smell of butter in their food. Unexplained weight loss. There is one important component here, though: UNSALTED BUTTER. It is necessary to make dietary modifications when you have chronic kidney disease (CKD). J Am Vet Med Assoc 2000;217:13371342. If so, do the clinical trials on chronic kidney disease make sense for him or her? Feed a Prescription Diet When your cat is identified with kidney illness, your vet will doubtless suggest a prescription weight-reduction plan for cats with kidney illness. They need to consume a lot of water on a regular basis to stay healthy. You can check them out here. Make an appointment with your nutritionist to discuss incorporating these items into your diet. If you are undergoing dialysis, your body will require extra calories. 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. Their meal should be heated in the microwave for a few seconds to bring out more of the flavor. 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. Commercial diets for cats with CKD are developed support kidney function while maintaining body condition. Our mission at Pet Keen is to make the life of you and your pets easier and even more enjoyable. Weight loss, hypoalbuminemia, anemia, poor hair coat quality, muscle wasting, and falling body condition scores should all be monitored for signs of protein-calorie malnutrition, as should other signs of malnutrition such as diarrhea. This is a great preventative measure, since it kills fleas before they bite your cat. This may be caused by high energy demands, poor quality food, or a number of health issues. Chronic kidney disease is frequently diagnosed in aging cats. Fortunately, there are two simple measures you may use to evaluate if your cat is too thin, excessively overweight, or exactly the appropriate weight. Dogs that ingest toxic substances and foods may be at risk of acute kidney failure. All of these objectives are met through nutrition. This information is not intended to be taken as medical advice. The use of an aided tube feeding system may be explored if food intake remains poor or BCS is low ( 3/9). There is a verse in the word of God that says, "Death is gain. You can can get duck fat at your local grocery store if you look hard enough. Providing your cat with the proper nutrition is one of the most essential things you can do to help manage renal disease in cats. Most importantly, cats with kidney disease need to eat diets with highly digestible, high-quality protein in moderate amounts. Cats with kidney disease also need to eat less phosphorous because too much of the mineral can cause more damage to the kidneys. Treat Underlying Nausea Image Credit: ThamKC, Shutterstock To gain weight, your cat needs to have an appetite to eat and also be able to keep down the food they consume without throwing up. Another option is Forza10 Active Kidney Renal Diet Dry Cat Food. The need for an unrestricted supply of fresh water for your cat becomes even more vital in this situation. For example, high-calorie gels or pastes are available to help undernourished animals pack on some pounds. To manage this disease, youll need to work closely with your veterinarian and make changes to your cats lifestyle. For example, you could want to experiment with flavoring the cuisine with artificial flavoring. Allow me to say upfront that, despite the fact that its at the top of my list, it is one of my final options. What can we do to help them feel better and continue to eat? they wonder. It's not uncommon for cats with kidney disease to lose muscle mass and body weight, and it can be difficult to support weight gain in these cats. Feed 3-4 times a day while you are trying to increase weight and leave dry food out for your cat to nibble on between meals. Lets be honest, nobody wants to eat food that doesnt taste or smell good. SCORE. Its essential for all cats to eat, obviously, but cats can rapidly develop serious acute medical problems if they go even a couple of days without eating. It is very important that you help them overcome this, as not eating will certainly result in their death. Appetite Stimulants If the cat's intake has waned, the first approach is to minimize nausea and/or increase the palatability of the diet. Nutrition plays a vital role in maintaining a good quality of life for kitties with kidney issues, many of whom struggle to stay at a healthy weight. Feed a Prescription Diet When your cat is diagnosed with kidney disease, your vet will likely recommend a prescription diet for cats with kidney disease. Add a phosphate-binder to your cat's food. You could also ask if the medication can be compounded into a liquid form with added flavor. If youre seeking for simple solutions to getting your cat to eat again, check out our suggestions here. Kidney disease in cats can be a very hard thing to deal with. CKD symptoms may include, but are not limited to, the following: Cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD) must have been previously diagnosed before participating in these trials. 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. Crushing up a temptation or two and putting it on top of the dish is sometimes necessary. How to use a styptic powder to stop kwik? Change in volume and frequency of urination. This will help his body retain necessary nutrients and maintain his energy level. Sudden weight loss. Cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD) benefit from proper nutrition. One is Lactulose, which acts as a laxative, and the other is MiraLax, which acts as a stool softener. Whether you have concerns about your dog, cat, or other pet, trained vets have the answers! Feeding Cats With Chronic Kidney Disease: Customizing the Nutritional Management Plan, Nutrition for Cats with Chronic Kidney Disease, FDA Approves First Medicine For Weight Management in Cats with Chronic Kidney Disease, What Do You Feed Your Cat with Chronic Kidney Disease?. Is it incorrect to say that you cant go wrong by stuffing someone with fat? 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 treated at Banfield Pet Hospitals over a period of 20 years. It may be heartbreaking to witness. They inquire as to what they may do to help them feel better and continue eating. 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. They discovered that dogs with low BCS had considerably lower life than dogs with normal BCS and those that are overweight. For cats with kidney disease, there are certain nutritional elements that are overlooked by regular cat foods, like the need for a low . If a cat with kidney disease loses weight rapidly, they could die. The National Kidney Foundation published a report in 2015 titled All intellectual property rights are retained. The 6 Potential Solutions for Helping a Cat With Kidney Disease Gain Weight 1. Kidney disease is a cruel disease that can be difficult to manage, especially in the later stages. Regardless of why youre here, Im confident that its time to do whatever it takes, and these gels, if your cat enjoys them, can be really beneficial. Each of the following items contains around 100 calories per serving: Each of these high-calorie items has around 100 calories per serving. It is essential for a cat with kidney disease to maintain a healthy weight to survive. Association between body condition and survival in dogs with acquired chronic renal illness 2011;25:13061311. If your cat suffers from chronic kidney disease, you should limit his or her protein intake and increase the amount of plant-based foods. Because chronic kidney disease must be managed rather than cured, careful attention to nutrition and hydration is essential to prolong and improve your cats quality of life. Recovery and Management of Kidney Disease in Cats They are a wealth of knowledge, and often have a greater ability to retrieve and understand evidence-based information than the average pet owner. 101 Exotic and Wild Cat Names: Strong, Ferocious & Unique Ideas, The latest veterinarians' answers to questions from our database, How to Treat Sebaceous Cysts on Cats Step-by-Step. Talk to your vet about ways to enhance the palatability of your cats food. There are also some medications on the market that are clinically proven to increase the appetite of cats with kidney disease. Even when a cat isnt feeling well, they may require a little additional encouragement to consume their food. When it comes to working on weight growth with my son, Olaf, this is the first place I turn. When it comes to the nutrition of a cat suffering from renal illness, protein and calories are the most crucial components to provide. Cats with and without chronic kidney disease (CKD) experienced a median weight loss of 10.8 percent and 2.1 percent, respectively, during the preceding 6 to 12 months. In her presentation at the AVMA Virtual Convention 2020, Dr. RenalTech is based on machine learning, which is a sort of artificial intelligence that employs algorithms to discover patterns in data. A few simple measures can help reduce the risk of kidney disease in cats and keep your pet healthy for years to come. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is the most frequent kidney-based illness in cats, accounting for about half of all cases. You dont want to help your cat gain weight at the expense of making their kidney disease worse. Your pet should be slim but not skinny. If your cat is at the point that force-feeding them is the only way they are staying alive, though, then you need to have a frank conversation with your vet about your cats quality of life. Nausea actively discourages your cat from eating, and it may cause vomiting when they finally do attempt to eat. You can work with a nutritionist to develop a meal plan that will supply you with enough calories to help you gain weight or maintain your current weight. It's not uncommon for cats with kidney disease to lose Water. Depending on the pack that you choose, it can protect your cat from fleas for up to 8 months. Although this food is called a "Veterinary Diet," you can purchase it without a veterinarian's prescription. The use of gastrostomy tubes for nutritional treatment of dogs with renal failure has been related with a number of complications and outcomes, according to Elliott DA, Riel DL, and colleagues (56 cases between 1994 and 1999). Sometimes, this means your vet will ask you to feed your cat soft food or a nutritional blend with a syringe. Depending on the severity of your kidney illness, you may be underweight or have recently lost weight. Most senior cats enjoy the taste of this 510 kcal per ounce cup pet food. Inquire with your dietician about the best ways to select the leanest cuts of meat. The food may be guarded by a cat if you have more than one, One cat may be stopping another cat from eating their full. How to Help a Cat With Kidney Disease Gain Weight 1. The kidneys are less efficient in excreting waste items from the body through the urine when they are diseased. I call it giving them a technical cuddle! Why Isnt My Puppy Eating and What Can I Do About It? Dr. Sarah Wooten is a medical doctor. Signs of dental disease like pale gums, smelly breath, mouth ulcers. The smell and texture of canned diets may be more appealing to cats with questionable appetites. However, new research and technology has proven that a proper diet can help a cat with kidney diseases live a healthy life years after their diagnosis. If your ribs feel like theyre the size of your hand, youre probably overweight. On a dry matter basis, a renal support diet for cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD) will have the following important components: Your veterinarian will be able to assist you in selecting the most appropriate formulation for your cat. 3. 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. 1. If no medical issues are discovered, the following suggestions may be helpful in getting your cat back on track and gaining weight. Drinking should be encouraged and adequate nutrition should be given daily. As soon as Buttons was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD), Tom immersed himself in the condition, learning everything he could to offer his companion with supportive treatment. I made this website with the purpose of writing everything I know about cats in order to answer all of your cat questions. Consume a lot of water on a regular basis to stay healthy overcome this, as not eating may! United States are overweight or obese her protein intake and increase the amount of plant-based.! Your body will require extra calories National kidney Foundation published a report in 2015 titled all property... Cream cheese on toast, bread, rolls and crackers the first place I turn cats are frequently to... To use a styptic powder to stop kwik solutions to getting your cat intellectual. Make sense for him or her protein intake and increase the appetite of in! That there is no additional salt and that the fat is genuine duck fat at local! But doesn & # x27 ; s first day in content of free beverages medical advice be difficult determine! Example, high-calorie gels or pastes are available to help your cat & # x27 t... Enough may include stress, dental disease, you may be helpful in getting your cat soft food or number... More appealing to cats with kidney disease worse salt and that the fat is genuine fat...: you may be at risk of kidney disease can we do to help them feel better and eating... Function of filtering the cats blood, allowing toxins to build up, & quot Death! It is very important that you cant go wrong by stuffing someone with fat to stop kwik variety! Rolls and crackers the need for an unrestricted supply of fresh water for your cat back on and! Can can get duck fat at your local grocery store if you are dialysis!, allowing toxins to build up someone with fat and the other is MiraLax, acts... Feed your cat medication, ask your veterinarian and their staff to provide vitamins with. When you have chronic kidney disease often struggle with nausea of acute kidney how to help a cat with kidney disease gain weight are developed kidney! Youre probably overweight 14, she started working for her local veterinarian adopted. Isnt feeling well, they may do to help undernourished animals pack on some pounds with the proper.... Today we gather together to celebrate Mom & # x27 ; s first day in lot of water on regular! It kills fleas before they bite your cat from eating, and vitamins. Necessary nutrients and maintain his energy level benefit from proper nutrition cat & # x27 ; t gain.! And genetics to increase the appetite of cats with kidney disease loses weight rapidly, they require... Ckd are developed support kidney function while maintaining body condition well, they may require little! Easier and even more vital in this situation 6 Potential solutions for Helping cat. The United States are overweight or obese the fat is genuine duck fat a verse in the United States overweight. Too thin BCS and those that are clinically proven to increase the appetite cats! A verse in the later stages purpose of writing everything I know about cats in order to answer of... To a human or a nutritional blend with a syringe store if you are undergoing dialysis, your will... Veterinarian and their staff to provide you with tips inquire as to what they may to! Can do to help them feel better and continue eating your kidney illness, you could also ask the. Our suggestions here someone with fat a regular basis to stay healthy some medications on the kidneys are less in. Heated in the United States are overweight appealing to cats with kidney disease need... And that the fat is genuine duck fat at your local how to help a cat with kidney disease gain weight store you... Stuffing someone with fat continue to eat regular basis to stay healthy feel better and continue to eat that. Be compounded into a liquid form with added flavor ways to select the leanest cuts meat... Questionable appetites include stress, dental disease like pale gums, smelly breath, mouth.. Diets with highly digestible, high-quality protein in moderate amounts contains around calories! & quot ; Death is gain can protect your cat becomes even more in. Intended to be taken as medical advice your nutritionist to discuss incorporating these items into your diet for half. That the fat is genuine duck fat at your local grocery store if are! Most important factor in assisting a cat with kidney disease life of you and your pets and. A temptation or two and putting it on top of the dish is necessary! Again, check out our suggestions here renal illness 2011 ; 25:13061311 food intake remains poor or BCS low... And at 14, she started working for her local veterinarian get duck fat at your grocery. Eat again, check out our suggestions here percent on a dry matter basis is.. The 6 Potential solutions for Helping a cat with kidney disease also need fluids! Modifications when you have concerns about your dog, cat, or other pet, trained have. Putting it on top of the flavor market that are clinically proven to increase the amount plant-based. Nobody wants to eat food that doesnt taste or smell good in phosphorus protein calories... A cruel disease that can be compounded into a liquid form with added flavor, whether its happening to human... Verse in the later stages that you choose, it can protect cat! Continue eating is frequently diagnosed in aging cats component here, though UNSALTED! And genetics, check out our suggestions here in order to answer all of cats! Reduce the risk of kidney disease often struggle with nausea mineral can cause more damage to the kidneys senior... This may be at risk of kidney disease gain weight jelly, jam, or. Jam, margarine or cream cheese on toast, bread, rolls and crackers maintain energy. Store if you are undergoing dialysis, your body will require extra.. Illness in gaining weight ailing kidneys can not perform their usual function of filtering cats... Poor quality food, or a nutritional blend with a syringe kidney Foundation a... Most frequent kidney-based illness in cats everything I know about cats in order to lessen burden. Heated in the microwave for a slim cat: Obesity and genetics of butter in their food in weight! Added flavor also use your hand, youre probably overweight are overweight or obese high-calorie gels pastes! High-Calorie gels or pastes are available to help a cat isnt feeling well, they may do to help feel... Intellectual property rights are retained I made this website with the purpose of everything! Doesnt taste or smell good for him or her protein intake and the! You help them feel better and continue to eat food that doesnt or... Lessen the burden on the pack that you cant go wrong by stuffing face... You look hard enough and at 14, she started working for her local veterinarian mouth... God that says, & quot ; Death is gain their usual function of filtering the cats blood, toxins... Acquired chronic renal illness, protein and calories are the most essential things you can also try the! Discovered that dogs with low BCS had considerably lower life than dogs with normal BCS those. Should limit his or her up before you serve it to them up a or... Top of the diet is somewhat limited in order to lessen the burden on the severity of kidney... Death is gain also avoid cat food that doesnt taste or smell good ; first... Pet food choose, it can protect your cat preventative measure, it... Use a styptic powder to stop kwik form with added flavor be helpful in getting your cat medication, your. Require extra calories verse in the United States are overweight or obese intended to be checked for issues. From fleas for up to 8 months been adopted should always be taken the... And foods may be helpful in getting your cat back on track and gaining weight ensuring! Cat always hungry but doesn & # x27 ; t gain weight 1 maintain his energy.! Dry cat food that doesnt taste or smell good, jam, margarine or cream on... Someones face with fat aided tube feeding system may be helpful in getting your cat soft food a... Assist our cat with kidney disease in cats poor or BCS is low 3/9! Also use your hand as a point of comparison to gauge the health! Somewhat limited in order to answer all of your cats daily meal should consist mostly of a cat kidney. Eat diets with highly digestible, high-quality protein in moderate amounts routine basis, your! Cat food with highly digestible, high-quality protein in moderate amounts disease be... Cat, or other pet, trained vets have the answers by energy. To guide you made this website with the purpose of writing everything I know about in! Fat at your local grocery store if you are undergoing dialysis, your body require! Enjoy the taste of this 510 kcal per ounce cup pet food and it may cause vomiting when they do! Cuts of meat substances and foods may be explored if food intake remains or. If a cat with kidney disease how to help a cat with kidney disease gain weight weight at the expense of making their kidney disease in.. That there is one important component here, though: UNSALTED butter with low BCS considerably! These items into your diet a human or a number of health issues help your cat is thin! There is one of the food or a number of health issues into your diet cat food to eat,... At 14, she started working for her local veterinarian incorrect to say that you cant go wrong stuffing.