Many cat owners are concerned about kidney failure. While it is most prevalent in older cats,
it can occur in cats of any age. One of the kidney’s primary functions is to excrete the body’s waste products. If your cat’s kidneys begin to fail, waste can build up in the bloodstream, causing a buildup of toxic substances.

So how can you tell if your cat is experiencing kidney problems? Symptoms you should look for that may indicate your cat is in early stages of kidney failure or chronic renal failure include loss of appetite, gradual weight loss, vomiting or diarrhea, lethargy or depression, dehydration,
change in water consumption, sometimes litter box aversion, mouth ulcers, bad breath, or bloody or cloudy urine.

Kidney problems in the cat can be caused by infections anywhere in the body, high blood pressure, congenital or hereditary diseases, urinary obstructions such as kidney stones, immunological disease, cancer, decreased blood flow to the kidneys, kidney trauma, or exposure to toxins especially antifreeze. There is no cure for renal failure, so the best option is to do what you can to prevent the kidneys from becoming damaged.

Maintaining your cat in optimum health and managing their intake of protein, phosphorus, and sodium, can help reduce the symptoms and add to your pet’s overall health and longevity. It is always better to prevent disease rather than treat it. To stay healthy and strong your cat needs to get the right nutrients.