Kidney failure is a common condition in cats, especially seniors. This chronic disease causes the kidneys to gradually deteriorate, affecting their ability to filter toxins and maintain the body's water balance. Detecting the disease early and adapting care can improve your cat's quality of life.
In this article, we will see:
✅ Causes and signs of kidney failure
✅ Appropriate treatments and care
✅ The role of osteopathy in improving the well-being of cats
1. What is kidney failure in cats?
The kidneys' role is to filter the blood, eliminate waste through urine, and maintain a healthy balance of water and minerals. When they stop functioning properly, the body gradually becomes poisoned.
There are two forms of renal failure:
🔹 Acute : Sudden and often caused by infection, poisoning, or severe dehydration. It can be reversible with prompt treatment.
Chronic : progressive deterioration of the kidneys, irreversible and requiring long-term management.
2. How to detect kidney failure in cats?
The first symptoms are often subtle and appear gradually.
🧐 Warning signs to watch for:
✔ Increased thirst and urination
✔ Loss of appetite and weight loss
✔ Fatigue and decreased activity
✔ Bad breath and mouth ulcers
✔ Dull coat and loss of vitality
💡 A blood and urine test is essential to confirm the diagnosis and adapt the treatment.
3. How to treat kidney failure in cats?
Although there is no cure for chronic kidney failure, early treatment can slow its progression and improve the cat's quality of life.
Veterinary treatments
✅ Specialized diet : low in phosphorus and protein to relieve kidney problems. (You may wish to consult a canine/feline nutritionist.)
✅ Increased hydration : Encourage the cat to drink (water fountains, wet food) and administer subcutaneous infusions if necessary.
✅ Medications : to control hypertension, support the kidneys and reduce metabolic acidosis.
Natural care as a complement
🌿 Herbal medicine: Certain plants such as dandelion and orthosiphon can help support kidney function.
💆♂️ Osteopathy: a gentle approach to promote the cat's well-being and improve renal blood circulation.
4. Osteopathy to relieve a cat with renal failure
Osteopathy is a valuable complement to veterinary care. It works on the entire body to improve the cat's comfort and optimize kidney function.
🐾 The benefits of osteopathy in cases of kidney failure:
✔ Improved blood circulation to the kidneys to slow down their degradation
✔ Relief from lower back pain associated with kidney strain
✔ Stimulation of the digestive system for better assimilation of nutrients
✔ Reduction of stress and anxiety related to illness
Osteopathic protocol:
🔹 Regular sessions adapted to the cat's condition.
🔹 Gentle techniques to release tension and improve energy balance
🔹 Work on the fascia and internal organs to optimize kidney function
5. Why consult an osteopath for a cat with kidney failure?
Osteopathy does not replace veterinary treatment, but it provides essential support to improve the well-being of cats with renal failure.
✅ Helps slow the progression of the disease.
✅ Relieves associated pain and tension.
✅ Improves the cat's comfort and vitality.
💡 Osteopathic monitoring in addition to veterinary care allows the cat to live better with its kidney failure and to find more comfort in daily life. 🐱💙
To make an appointment with your osteopath in Portugal, click here!
