24/7 sleepy kitty? Kidney problems can be to blame, especially in older cats. — dpa
The longer a cat lives, the more likely it is to have kidney problems. Chronic kidney disease is the most common cause of death among older cats. And while it’s not curable, there are things you can do to make life a little easier for your pet.
The disease is characterised by a gradual progression of symptoms that most pet owners don’t notice, according to experts from Germany’s federal association for animal health.
These symptoms include your cat drinking or urinating more than usual and vomiting. Other indications could be lack of energy, weight loss and a dull coat.
Unfortunately, if these symptoms occur, the damage to the kidneys is already well advanced. Regular check-ups are important to prevent kidney damage, especially for older cats.
Once your cat already displays the symptoms, you can help your sick animal by providing drinking water in as many places as possible around the home.
This makes it easier for your cat to meet its increased water needs and reduces the risk of dehydration. Cat food can also be mixed with extra water.
Changing to a special diet helps compensate for the reduced kidney function and the resulting deficiency symptoms. This can significantly slow down the course of the disease but, ultimately, there’s no cure. – dpa
