Many cats have a health problem called chronic kidney disease.If it is caught early enough, the illness can be slowed down.If your cat is no longer interested in food, reach out to your vet.They could order blood and urine tests.You can work together to improve your cat's quality of life.
Step 1: Do you know your cat's drinking habits?
The level of your cat's water bowl should be checked at the beginning of the day.If your cat is drinking more water on a daily basis, you should check it out.If you watch to see if you clean out more wet litter than normal, you can tell if your cat's water intake has increased.Increased urinating and drinking can be a sign of a problem with the kidneys, because most cats don't need a lot of water.When a cat has a disease that causes them to lose water when they urinate, they need to drink more water.The kidneys have a hard time concentrating urine and saving water in the blood.Cats will need less water if they eat wet food.Some of their water will come from the wet food.That is one reason why wet food is the best choice if you suspect a problem with the kidneys.
Step 2: If you vomit or don't like food, watch.
It is possible that your cat is avoiding stomach pain by refusing to eat.The inflammation of the stomach can be caused by issues with the kidneys.A cat with uremia may vomit blood and have a reduced appetite.The kidneys are no longer able to remove toxins from your cat's blood.
Step 3: If your cat's fur is matted, you should notice it.
Your cat will not want to clean its fur if it has developed sore gums or other health issues.Your cat might stop grooming itself.Your cat's fur may look dull or dirty.
Step 4: If your cat seems sluggish, take notice.
Cats like to sleep.The most important thing to notice is if your cat doesn't like games that it used to like.If your cat lacks energy, it is possible that it has a problem with the kidneys.Your cat may feel unwell due to the build up of waste.If your cat has a bad kidneys, it can contribute to blood problems by no longer supporting the regeneration of blood cells in the body, as well as being unable to remove toxic waste.If your cat's eyes are dull or white in color, that is a sign ofKidney-Related Anemia.
Step 5: A tent test is needed to check your cat for dehydration.
Dehydration in your cat can be caused by a disease.Take your cat's scruff and pull it up a bit.Let go after that.Your cat is hydrated and healthy if the scruff drops quickly.They may be dehydrated if the scruff drops back slowly or stays tented.
Step 6: Take your cat to see how they are feeling.
It can be hard to tell if your cat is resting or not.If you can see if your cat will come to you or play, you will be able to interact with them.If they can't do it, see if they respond to your voice or lift their head.If your cat has a dull look in its eyes or is unable to interact with you, this could be a sign of kidney disease.Your cat's head is very heavy and requires a lot of strength to hold it up.Cats with low levels of potassium tend to hang their heads.This is a rare sign, and if not present, does not mean your cat doesn't have the disease.
Step 7: You should check your cat's mouth.
If your cat's kidneys aren't cleansing toxins from its body, then there may be problems with its stomach, throat, and mouth.Slowly open your cat's mouth, using both hands.Make a note of any areas that are red.Ulcers can be white or gray.They can also be found under the tongue.You may notice that your cat's breath smells bad.
Step 8: You can request a urine test from your vet.
A urine test is the first thing your vet will do if you suspect a problem with your cat.They will take a urine sample from your cat in the office and run labs to look for the specific gravity of the urine.The same urine sample is likely to be used by your vet to test for other issues.A urine test called a urine creatinine ratio (UPC) can be used to determine if the urine is due to a disease or not.
Step 9: If you want to rule out other conditions, schedule a blood test for your cat.
A blood test won't always show that your cat's kidneys are malfunctioning.A blood test can help to narrow down the cause of your cat's health problems by eliminating other possibilities.A series of blood tests can be used to check for other related health issues, such as anemia, that don't develop.
Step 10: Your vet can check your cat's blood pressure.
As your cat's problems get worse, its blood pressure will likely go up.If your vet checks your cat's blood pressure every 1-2 weeks, you will have a baseline to compare any changes to.You can come in for a blood pressure check without an appointment.If your cat's blood pressure is not monitored, it can cause serious side effects, such as blindness.If your cat has high blood pressure, your vet can prescribe a medication to lower it.
Step 11: Talk to your vet about having a procedure done.
If your vet is concerned that your cat is showing signs of failure due to cancer, they may suggest surgery to take a sample of the cat's kidneys.Discuss this procedure with your vet as it will require that your cat be put under general anesthesia.