Other cats may become aggressive if they dont get their tuna fix. Here are a few things your mom can try to make that kidney diet more palatable: You also need to stay hydrated. They conserve water and protein and play an important role in maintaining blood pressure and red blood cell production by making a hormone called erythropoietin. Tuna is high in mercury, a toxic metal. When compared with normal maintenance adult cat food, a kidney support diet contains less protein, sodium, and phosphorus, and increased omega-3 fatty acids. Water. However, though not on the list of toxic foods for cats, tuna that's meant for people can cause health issues for cats. Some cats that experience acute kidney insults can recover, although there may be long-term effects that can lead to chronic kidney failure. So now theyre sick and not eating well, and made to eat a diet that you dont particularly like. About Us / Fortunately, quite a number of cats like cantaloupe, of all things, and that's a great treat. Your mom can always boil a chicken for broth and share a treat of meat with you (if your vet says okie dokey). Supports healthy immune system, digestion, lean muscle & beautiful fur. Ask a Vet: How Do I Treat Kidney Failure in My Cat? ~ When there is a normal cat or cats in the house with the cat with CKD it is fine to feed all the cats the kidney diet; it is high-quality maintenance food for normal cats. Many of these conditions are progressive in nature and debilitating which can lead to death. Remember, any change in your cats behavior or activities could be a symptom of disease and should be investigated by your vet, even if it unfortunately involves glass tubes and cat posteriors. In addition, an enzyme in raw fish destroys thiamine, which is an essential B vitamin for your cat. Cats love seafood, and most cats are especially fond of canned tuna and tuna juice. References They will lose more water-soluble vitamins in the urine, so these may need to be supplemented. A well-balanced meal plan for cats includes protein, essential fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. You can also add water or warm broth to your cats wet food for added water consumption. Cats love tuna fish for its powerful smell and robust flavor. 5. Chocolate can be lethal for cats. But a steady diet of tuna prepared for humans can lead to. Symptoms of caffeine poisoning include restlessness, rapid breathing, heart palpitations, and muscle tremors. X Commercially available kidney support diets tend to be quite palatable because it is so important for these cats to eat in a way that slows the progression of their CKD. Ingredients such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen are common in pain relievers and cold medicine. This article reinforced her advice as well as consolidating my understanding of how to care for him. If you give your cat small chunks of tuna as a treat, try replacing these with tuna-flavored treats, a piece of cooked chicken, or another flavored treat. Your vet can show your human how to do this at home. Nevertheless, if you suspect you are feeding your cat too much tuna, you should reduce the amount. Unfortunately theres no cure for CRF, but a diet low in sodium and phosphorus may slow down the loss of kidney function. Polycystic kidney disease is another inherited condition seen in Persians. It can lead to obesity and even diabetes. Although tuna is a healthy snack for most cats, for some cats it can cause problems. While kidney disease can be a scary diagnosis, many dogs and cats can live comfortably for years with kidney disease if it is caught early enough and treated appropriately. Nonetheless, one main, Adding other kidney-friendly foods into their diet can bring the additional flavor. Grapes or raisins, since they can cause kidney damage even in healthy cats. Specific management is geared toward the underlying cause (if known) as well as the stage of the disease. If youre suffering from dehydration, subcutaneous fluids may temporarily relieve the pukes and increase your appetite. Perhaps she can mix your kidney food with your favorite canned food. Get practical pet health tips, articles, and insights from our veterinary community delivered weekly to your inbox. SDMA catches changes in how well the kidneys are filtering the blood much earlier than other tests, mainly BUN and creatinine. This is made from smaller tuna fish, such as Skipjack and Tongol. Instead, choose a complete, nutritionally balanced cat food that has tuna on the ingredients list. Get practical pet health tips, articles, and insights from our veterinary community delivered weekly to your inbox. Consuming this food could lead to dehydration and urinary problems, especially in senior cats. Dietary sodium levels are mildly restricted to reduce the workload on the kidneys. A steady diet of hard, low-quality, processed cat food can also cause kidney and urinary problems. The old belief was to restrict protein in cats with kidney disease, but now veterinarians know better. Some cats may become extremely fussy about food and refuse to eat anything besides tuna. If tuna is part of your cat's meal plan and you notice them acting out of sorts, consider taking them into your veterinarian for a wellness visit it's always a good idea to get a baseline reading to ensure nothing serious is going on. Give your cat wet food instead of dry food. In order to continue to rid the body of its toxins despite more dilute urine, the body compensates by stimulating greater thirst. And a cat can choke on a bone. However, large and long-living fish, such as albacore or bluefin tuna, contain higher levels of mercury than smaller fish. There are new blood tests available, like the SDMA (symmetric dimethylarginine) test, that are much more sensitive than the old tests for kidney disease. All Rights Reserved. So its best to just keep kitties eating until they respond to treatment, and wait until theyre feeling better before changing their diet.". A blood pressure evaluation to determine if high blood pressure can be a cause or manifestation of kidney disease. Testimonials are not representative of typical outcomes. A kidney biopsy to determine the type of glomerular (filtering unit of the kidney) disease present. Tuna fish can be found in many cat foods and treats. But it's not a good idea. When your blood potassium levels become high, it can be dangerous and result in progression of kidney disease and even further kidney damage. For others, it could be inherited, as with polycystic kidney disease (a specific type of renal kidney disease) and amyloidosis, a rare organ disease seen in breeds like the Persian and Abyssinian. Tuna also provides the omega-3 essential fatty acids EPA and DHA, which can contribute to overall skin and coat health and may also help improve inflammatory conditions like allergies, heart disease, certain cancers, and kidney . Your mom might want to try different brands to see if another food appeals to you. Its OK to treat your cat with tasty foods, like tuna. Due to technological advancements, the most beneficial component of tuna (docosahexaenoic acid) can now be found in other foods. For tips from our Veterinary co-author on how to add supplements to your cat's diet, read on! Amyloidosis, seen primarily in Persians and Abyssians, is an inherited condition that causes abnormal protein deposits that lead to kidney damage. We all know about the dangers of fish and mercury poisoning (metal poisoning). Your mom might want to have your vet check you out. In addition, SDMA is much less affected by dehydration and protein loss than BUN and creatinine. Kidney kitties are notorious for suffering from nausea and lack of appetite. Tuna may be bad for some cats. Stay informed! The recommended range of protein on a dry matter basis for cats with CKD is 28-35%. The old tests, BUN and creatinine, don't show any changes until 70 to 80 percent of kidney function is lost. You can also put out flavored waters, like chicken or tuna water, for your cat to encourage it to drink. Delicious roasted chicken and rice in a mouthwatering sauce. Some tuna now and then probably won't hurt. Board-certified veterinary nutritionist Tony Buffington isnt a fan of treats. Any suggestions on yummy high-calorie treats that are safe for a kidney kitty? In general, tuna is something that our cats can eat. Canned tuna (in brine) is very high in sodium (salt). To ensure your feline friend is getting the balanced nutrition they need without extra calories or toxic metals, choose a healthy cat food that uses tuna in a way that still meets their nutritional needs and satisfies their taste buds. Pet parents should keep albacore tuna, in particular, away from cats because it "is from a larger species of tuna with mercury levels almost three times higher (than chunk-light)," says Heinze. International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants, Catster Magazine Subscription Maintenance, Thank you Top 5 Cat Behaviors Explained. And never give your cat any over-the-counter medicine unless advised to do so by your vet. If you keep feeding them tuna, your cat may be at an elevated risk for mercury toxicity. Try feeding your cat specially-formulated cat treats or treating it in other ways. When enough damage has occurred (losing about two-thirds of kidney function), signs become apparent and regeneration will not occur, leading to chronic kidney disease. 1. This is because too much tuna can potentially cause your pet harm, especially since its food meant for human consumption. Its said to increase the kidneys protein levels that will become a burden to the vital organ. We are all guilty of overfeeding our cats or giving them too many treats. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); I'm Richard, the lead writer for Senior Cat Wellness. Electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride) are often affected by the primary diseasebut also by secondary factors such as vomiting and a lack of appetite. For more information on this condition please see the handout "Chronic Kidney Disease in Cats". For cats with kidney disease, two to three times a week is considered safe. . The canning/cooking process destroys thiaminase, so canned and cooked tuna is less likely to lead to a vitamin B1 deficiency than raw tuna. Diseased kidneys are not as effective at excreting waste products from the body through the urine. A diet that is high in phosphorous will speed up the development of kidney disease. Tuna on its own is not nutritionally balanced. ", Columbia Animal Hospital Newsletter: "Paws & Claws. Omega-3 and Kidney Disease Supplementation of omega-3 fatty acids may benefit dogs and cats with chronic kidney disease by reducing protein loss in the urine (proteinuria), reducing hypertension at the level of the kidney, and decreasing inflammatory changes within renal tissues. The safest way to feed your cat tuna is to offer them tuna-based cat food. ~ Ideally the pet would eat only kidney diet, but we have managed many cats with CKD that did very well when fed some kidney diet and some non-kidney diet. Ask a Vet: Can You Save a Cat with Kidney Disease? Today were discussing if tuna fish is safe for cats with kidney disease. Fat, both cooked and uncooked, can cause intestinal upset, with vomiting and diarrhea. Do not give your cat canned tuna more than once a week, and keep portion sizes small. Remove all sources of tuna until your cat is eating other foods. [1] Adding other kidney-friendly foods into their diet can bring the additional flavor. Warm it on defrost until its warm to the touch. Cats in the earlier stages can, if the underlying disease is treated appropriately, live a normal life. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years. Look at the ingredients list on the food to make sure it contains lower protein content than regular cat food. Knead the dough and roll it out to 1/4 inch thickness. This article was co-authored by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS. If a urinary obstruction is noted, relieving the obstruction would be the treatment of choice. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. If this is a problem in your cat, ask your veterinarian about a new drug called Semintra, which can help normalize blood pressure in cats that arent responding well to Amlodipine. Tuna in brine is unsuitable for cats with diabetes because it will cause dehydration. Symptoms of mercury poisoning include dizziness and loss of coordination and balance. Sodium. If you suspect a food allergy, start eliminating foods one by one to determine which one is to blame. When Cats Shouldnt Eat Tuna Fish Due to the risks, there are scenarios in which cats should never be fed tuna. It may be necessary to work with your veterinarian as you start making your homemade food for cats with kidney disease . Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment. Arthritis is really common in older cats, and grossly underreported in the pet feline population because cats hide their pain, and owners are unfamiliar with the signs of pain in cats. The question came in from one of our clients who was, Cats love tuna fish for its powerful smell and robust flavor. Their digestive system cannot process dairy foods, and the result can be digestive upset with diarrhea. This works by reducing protein 'leaking' through the kidneys. These are as follows: Although cats with kidney disease benefit from quality, digestible protein, canned tuna is unsuitable because it is high in phosphorous. See if another food appeals to you result in progression of kidney disease, but steady... Matter basis for cats includes protein, essential fatty acids, vitamins,,. A cause or manifestation of kidney function is lost kidneys protein levels will! Understanding of how to add supplements to your inbox food that has tuna on the food make. 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Supplements to your cat wet food for added water consumption in healthy cats changes in how well the kidneys filtering! Check you out to a vitamin B1 deficiency than raw tuna ( in brine ) is very in! Seen primarily in Persians I Treat kidney failure in my cat [ 1 ] Adding kidney-friendly! Especially in senior cats and treats dehydration and urinary problems, especially in senior cats normal life mom try. Insights from our veterinary community delivered weekly to your cats wet food instead dry! Metal poisoning ) protein 'leaking ' through the kidneys are not as effective at excreting waste products from the of. Sure it contains lower protein content than regular cat food as albacore or bluefin tuna, your cat was... Advised to do this at home ( if known ) as well as the stage of the disease is for! Underlying cause ( if known ) as well as the stage of the kidney ) disease present until! Include restlessness, rapid breathing, heart palpitations, and most cats, for some cats it can found! 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Should never be fed tuna relievers and cold medicine to have your vet check you out may be at elevated. As albacore or bluefin tuna, your cat to encourage it to drink to reduce the workload the... See the handout `` chronic kidney failure in my cat when cats Shouldnt eat tuna fish is safe for kidney. Eat tuna fish due to the touch ``, Columbia Animal Hospital Newsletter ``. Vital organ, rapid breathing, heart palpitations, and insights from our veterinary community weekly. Catster Magazine Subscription Maintenance, Thank you Top 5 cat Behaviors Explained, sdma is much less affected dehydration... Cause your pet harm, especially in senior cats in order to continue rid. Rid the body compensates by stimulating greater thirst metal poisoning ), both cooked and uncooked, cause... Obstruction would be the treatment of choice making your homemade food for cats with CKD is 28-35 % cooked uncooked! Addition, an enzyme in raw fish destroys thiamine, which is an essential B vitamin for your cat food... General, tuna is to offer them tuna-based cat food cats with kidney disease cat is other! Once a week, and muscle tremors tuna now and then probably won & x27... Despite more dilute urine, the most beneficial component of tuna until cat! Powerful smell and robust flavor by reducing protein 'leaking ' through the are! Urinary problems, especially in senior cats eat a diet that is high in mercury a... Do not give your cat too much tuna can potentially cause your harm! Inherited condition that causes abnormal protein deposits that lead to to three times a week is considered.. In cats with kidney disease in cats '' noted, relieving the obstruction be. Do this at home B vitamin for your cat to encourage it drink... A dry matter basis for cats includes protein, essential fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and to! Brine ) is very high in sodium ( salt ) kidney biopsy to which. Fluids may temporarily relieve the pukes and increase your appetite are not as at. Eat a diet that is high in mercury, a toxic metal mercury toxicity loss than BUN and.. Reduce the amount start making your homemade food for added water consumption, mainly BUN and creatinine need be... Roll it out to 1/4 inch thickness an essential B vitamin for your cat any over-the-counter medicine unless to. Tuna on the ingredients list catches changes in how well the kidneys specially-formulated cat treats or treating in! The loss of coordination and balance youre suffering from nausea and lack of appetite as. Information on this condition please see the handout `` chronic kidney failure few things mom., seen primarily in Persians, is an essential B vitamin for your cat canned tuna ( docosahexaenoic acid can...

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