Fred, stage 1-2 chronic kidney disease - advice on food etc

gettingready

Fred's kidney problems were confirmed by reapeated blood/urine tests. His USG shown his kidneys are also quite small.

Fred is just under 4 yo, has never shown any symptoms , has never really been to the vets apart from vaccinations.

The kidney issue turned up when he had blood tests prior to anaestetic for dental - vets did nto go through with dental because of the blood results.

Now, I was advised to put him on Royal Canin Renal.

I am not that convinced about this particular brand - I can google others but wondered if anyone has any experience of what would be the BEST renal food?

Fred never eats dry, never ever.

I am looking for moist food that comes in pouches or small tins (not normal size tins).

Any recomendations?

Also - how can I n=increase his water intake? I read about boling prawns or chicken and letting cat drink the liquid but Fred is so incredibly fussy with food that I doubt he would have it.

What to completely avoid? Fred likes cheddar, papadoms (yes, I know..) and lots of human food - what is an absolute no no for him with his condition?

I am seeing the vet on the 27th so will of course ask but thought someone here may have experience of this condition?

Fred does not look/behave to be unwell at all. The only reason we found out was as he needed those bllod tests before dental....

My previous cat, Tiger, had to be PTS around 4 years ago because of exactly kidney problems so Fred's diagnosis hit me really hard to be honest.

Thanks a lot xx

gettingready

Fred's tests' results

lisajane8482

I don't have any advice but didn't want to read and run. I'm really sorry about Fred's diagnosis, I had my fingers crossed it was just a rouge reading

Ms_Bertha

I am so sorry to read about Fred. I am by no means an expert but I am sure the fact it has been picked up early is hopeful.

One of my cats battled kidney problems for a couple of years, so I do know how you feel.

We were advised by the vet to feed him Hills Prescription KD; it came in a couple of flavours (meaty and fishy) and as a pate in a little tin, little chunks in gravy in a sachet and as little kibble bits. We 'mixed and matched' which I hope made our little darling feel like he was getting some variety in his diet. We were told no other food at all, not even little titbits and we did try to stick to this, but as I am sure you appreciate they are craftly little things!

Little darling seemed to choose to drink more anyway, but we put bowls of water in each of the main rooms of the house to encourage his intake.

We got the food from MedicAnimal.com; it was much cheaper than buying via the vet.

With love to Fred x

paddypaws101

Hi GR,
I am very sorry that Fred seems to have some health issues....and I know how hard this will be hitting you after what you went through with Tigger.
Firstly, I can suggest that you read as much as you can on tanya's site
http://www.felinecrf.org/index.htm
I believe there is a uk forum attached too so that may be a good one to join.
Secondly....Fred's numbers are really only just above normal. I did not check the USG.....is that out of range too?
A couple of my cats have been diagnosed with kidney issues over the years, but TBH, I am not convinced that the renal foods are necessarily the way to go.
My understanding is that current thinking is that quality of protein is important, rather than actually limiting the overall protein. Even when Phos levels are raised, many cats will prefer their usual food with a binder added (Ipakitine, or Renalzin) to the Renal diets.
You might find these articles interesting
http://feline-nutrition.org/health/diet-kidney-disease-and-the-urinary-tract
http://feline-nutrition.org/answers/answers-kidney-disease-phosphorus-and-raw-diets

Mayflower10cat

Just to say - I'm sorry, too. have had 2 'kidney cats' and it's a balancing act with food/renal values.
Tanya's UK site is truly excellent - the lady who owns it updates it regularly and she was a great help to me, personally.
From personal experience, looking only at the numbers tells you very little about how well your cat actually is feeling. BUN can be elevated due to dehydration or a high protein diet. Or even an infection. Creatinine is a more reliable indicator of kidney function. But even with high numbers your pet's condition can be stable for quite some time. Sending love to you. (BTW, we chose to do Sub-q fluids at home for ginger boy Rocky.)

gettingready

Thanks so much everyone, really appreciated xxx

I am just looking at:

http://www.felinecrf.org/canned_food_uk.htm

Interesting that Animonda is mentioned there and this is what my boys are on at the moment but vet said to go for renal food....

Good we have a long weekend, may get a chance to have a good look around.

Thanks again xx

paddypaws101

The Animonda on the list is the Integra though GR, not the large cans of Carny that you use.
In fact, although Bozita nd Carny are both pretty decent foods for the money, their one downside is that they are both relatively high in Phosphorous due to the fact that they contain quite a lot of offal and red meat.
remind me....does Fred eat raw?
http://www.zooplus.co.uk/shop/cats/canned_cat_food_pouches/integra/integra_protect_cat_food/321863?gclid=CjgKEAjwnfGbBRDlxoHrl6uikyESJAD-nzCFYv0lyah_tp8hLdQZuJf-OJobPj16ACECE0NKgMOE3fD_BwE

gettingready

Ah, I see..... thanks for that.

Yes, Fred likes raw, Fred will eat ANYTHING apart from dry cat food.

Do I need a prescription for other Renal brands???? they say prescription only....

Too tired to think straight

krlyr

I would perhaps look into whether the food he's on could have affected the results.

I know with raw fed dogs, certain blood level results (e.g. BUN) are often elevated - I found this myself when Kiki had a full blood panel, the vet noticed several elevated levels but when I mentioned she was raw fed they were happy the results were related to that. If Fred gets some raw, on top of a high protein wet food, and none of it is "diluted" by dry food, it could explain the higher results without necessarily indicating kidney disease.

Relates to dogs but perhaps worth a read -
Bit short but raises a good point - http://www.catnutrition.org/digestible-bites/category/blood%20urea%20nitrogen

paddypaws101

I agree with krylr....but most vets are not familiar with the bloods of a raw (or higher protein) fed kitty.
Hopefully Shoshannah will be on in a while and give a bit of feedback on those blood tests.