Managing Kidney Disease in Cats: Natural Remedies That Can Help

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Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is one of the most common health conditions affecting older cats, with an estimated 20 to 50 percent of cats over 15 years old showing signs of kidney disease. If your cat is in the early stages of kidney disease, you may not notice much right away, but there are some early signs to look for.

Early Signs of Kidney Disease in Cats

• Increased drinking and urination: Cats with kidney disease often drink more water and urinate more frequently.
• Weakness and a dull coat: Your cat may seem weaker, have a sparse or poor-quality coat, and generally appear unwell.
• Changes in behavior: You may notice your cat behaving differently, feeling sick, or just not acting like their usual self.

CKD is typically seen in cats that are middle-aged or older, like my cat, Murray, who is about nine years old—right in the age range for kidney disease to start showing up.

What Do Kidneys Do for Your Cat?

The kidneys are essential organs that filter toxins from the blood, such as urea and creatinine, and regulate important body functions. They help maintain electrolyte balance, regulate water concentration, and produce hormones that stimulate red blood cell production. When kidney function declines, your cat can become dehydrated, which can worsen kidney disease, so maintaining proper hydration is key.

Diagnosing Kidney Disease in Cats

If you notice any of these early signs in your cat, it’s important to see your veterinarian. They will likely perform blood tests and a urine test to measure kidney function and make an accurate diagnosis. These tests check for urine concentration and levels of urea and creatinine in the blood, which are indicators of kidney health.

Five Important Steps to Help Your Cat with CKD

Here are five key steps that can help manage and support your cat’s kidney health.

1. Hydration is Key

The first principle I want to emphasize is hydration. The kidneys play a crucial role in retaining water, and when they begin to fail, they lose that ability. It’s essential to keep your cat well-hydrated to prevent dehydration, which can make kidney disease worse. A great way to do this is by feeding your cat canned food, which has a high moisture content—around 80 to 90 percent water. For example, I feed Murray canned food because it provides both the protein he needs and the moisture that helps prevent kidney failure.

2. Add a Phosphorus Binder

Phosphorus is a nutrient found in animal protein that can be harmful to your cat’s kidneys. Studies show that reducing phosphorus intake can help preserve kidney function and slow the progression of kidney disease. A supplement called Epakitin can help with this. Epakitin binds phosphorus and is derived from the shells of shellfish like mussels. It also contains chitosan, which helps lower levels of urea and creatinine. I recommend adding this supplement to your cat’s food—just one scoop, which is about 1,000 milligrams per day, will suffice.

3. Use Probiotics to Support Kidney Health

Another great natural option is probiotics. Azodyl is a product made from three types of probiotic bacteria that have been shown to benefit cats with CKD. These probiotics help break down kidney toxins like urea and creatinine, making it easier for your cat’s kidneys to function and ultimately making your cat feel better. The typical dose for a 10-pound cat like Murray is 1 to 2 capsules per day.

4. Essential Fatty Acids for Inflammation

Essential fatty acids have been shown to have numerous benefits for cats with CKD, especially in reducing inflammation. Inflammation plays a significant role in kidney damage, and reducing it can help protect kidney cells. I recommend my own supplement, Dr. Jones’ Ultimate Omega-3, which contains krill oil. Krill oil is an excellent natural anti-inflammatory, and Murray loves it—so I’m sure your cat will too.

5. Slippery Elm for Nausea

As kidney disease progresses, many cats begin to feel nauseous due to the buildup of waste products like urea and creatinine. Some cats stop eating or start vomiting, which further exacerbates the problem. A natural remedy that works wonders is slippery elm, which comes from the bark of the slippery elm tree. Studies have shown that slippery elm can help reduce nausea and vomiting in cats with CKD. The recommended dose is one 400-milligram capsule mixed into your cat’s food.

Final Thoughts

By incorporating these natural remedies, you can help your cat with CKD feel better, stay hydrated, and manage the progression of the disease. These steps can significantly improve your cat’s quality of life. Murray seems to love his new regime, and I hope your cat does too!

Thanks so much for watching this update on kidney disease in cats. If you haven’t already, be sure to subscribe, hit the bell for notifications, and click the link below for your free copy of my book.

Stay well, and remember, with the right approach, we can give our cats the best possible care for a healthy, happy life.