Dogs have been said to be man’s best friend, but for many people, it’s their cat that they look to for comfort. These soft, cuddly creatures make great companions, but like all animals, they grow old and start to experience issues with their health, specifically their kidneys.

Kidneys are important because of the many roles they have in making sure your cat stays healthy. These roles include removing toxins from blood, balancing salt and water, producing hormones and controlling the acid in the body. For senior cats, issues may arise and prevent their kidneys from functioning to the best of their abilities. Kidney disease could be the culprit, but you first have to look at the causes, symptoms and how it is diagnosed before you can go about treating your cat for this illness.

What are the causes of kidney disease?

Similar to other diseases and illnesses that mammals may develop, kidney disease can be caused by a number of things. In some cases, there is no underlying cause that can be found, but a veterinarian in D’Iberville, MS should still be able to recognize the exact reason your cat has kidney disease. Of the many causes of this illness, kidney tumors, infections, toxins and genetics are the most common.

What are the symptoms of kidney disease?

Failing to notice these symptoms will lead to them worsening, the disease progressing and it being too late to attempt treatment. However, as your cat’s owner, you should be able to tell when something is wrong. If your cat has kidney disease, there will be symptoms present that may be able to help you determine what exactly is going on. If your cat has experienced weight loss, lethargy, increased thirst, increased urination and poor appetite, they may have kidney disease.

If you suspect that your cat is suffering from kidney disease, you can get a formal diagnosis by taking him or her into a veterinarian in D’Iberville, MS and getting a blood and urine sample collected and tested. Should it be revealed that they do have kidney disease, you can start the treatment process. With there being no cure for kidney disease, managing this condition is key. A huge part of managing the illness will require you to adjust your cat’s diet. Restricting protein and phosphate content and good maintenance of their fluid intake will all prove to be helpful to your cat’s health and make living with this condition more bearable. If necessary, drug therapy is also an option.

Upon hearing that their cat has kidney disease, people may panic and feel helpless. Although kidney disease is not curable or reversible, your cat doesn’t have to suffer and live in pain. Taking your cat for regular checkups can help detect this disease early on, but if your cat is diagnosed, the best thing you can do is work to manage it and lessen the effects of this condition, which will ultimately prolong your cat’s life and keep your best friend around a little longer.

To learn more about feline kidney disease or seek treatment for your beloved pet, visit D’Iberville Veterinary Hospital today.