Early kidney failure in cat, where to get her special food?

Dinah93

Thanks so much for sharing with me, it's making me feel more positive about her being with us for a while yet.

the_devil_made_me_do_it

My cat was diagnosed with diabetes about 2 yrs ago. If I had taken the vets advice she would've either been put to sleep or over-dosed on insulin. I found a website dedicated to feline diabetes, which also had a forum. I started to read what others had written about their experiences and I contacted a few of the regulars. Their advice was invaluable. With their help, my cat went into remission and no longer needs insulin. That's not to say she is no longer diabetic, she always will be.

I agree with others, you should find a good website which has a forum dedicated to feline kidney failure. They all tend to be American sites, but many members are from the UK. Hopefully, you will find good advice there.

Also, not convinced that Hills prescription diet (especially dry) is the way to go. Your cat does need to be encouraged to drink more to flush the kidneys out. So, I think sticking to wet food is the better way to go. Maybe initially check out your local Pets at Home, they sell a fairly wide range of cat foods. I buy Natures Menu, it's high in protein & low in carbs. It also contains no dodgy chemicals or animal derivatives. Obviously, I'm not advising this for your cat, however, I rekon it's better than feeding a dry Hills diet.

the_devil_made_me_do_it

Further to my last post:

From what I have read on the internet, Natures Menu (wet food) would be fine for your cat. However, it is entirely up to you. I'd check out the internet and make your own mind up. All I will say is cats are carniverous and rely on proteins from meat, they have very little need for carbohydrates as they are unable to digest these.

chez22

My cat had crf, from what I remember the veterinary advice was to feed a low protein diet as this reduces the strain on the kidneys. A high protein food is not a good idea. I gave the wet hills kd food to my cat, he wasn't that keen on it but I mixed a small amount of his usual food with it and that seemed to work.

Torry_Quine

Several years ago my cat had kidney disease and we were advised to put her on a low protein diet. We checked the ingredients of regular tinned food and bought the one with the lowest level of protein which was mixed with cooked rice. She lived for another year and died at the age of 18. There was no medication

Dinah93

Does anyone know if she can have milk?

lowis

not sure about a cat with kidney disease but healthy cats should only have special cat milk available in most pet sections of supermarkets - but definitely not regular milk!

have a look here for some great guidance
http://www.felinecrf.org/nutritional_requirements.htm

the_devil_made_me_do_it

There seems to be an ongoing debate between low protein diets & high protein diets for cats with kidney failure. However, from what I've read, the negatives of feeding a high protein diet far outweighs feeding a low protein diet. Obviously tis up to Dinah93 what she decides upon, but it's a good idea to read all aspects of nutrition so an informed choice can be made.

As for milk, I would just encourage the cat to drink water. I wouldn't offer even cat milk.

Treacletart

Sorry to hear about your cat.Have a lovable moggie myself who suffers from a bowel disorder...she is still with us at 10 years of age! not bad considering she was supposed to have a short life expectancy.Anyway to the food....Hills is usually a prescriptive brand and your vet should be able to get it for you.However I am sure I have seen the Hills brand in one of the big pet supermarkets,whether they would have the one your vet recomends is another matter.When you do get it try comparing the ingredients to other brands eg Iams sometimes there is little difference and a lot cheaper.We feed ours Iams Light.
Good luck

Treacletart

Cats should always have fresh water available to drink. Milk as a rare treat only.