The Ins and Outs of Managing Feline Chronic Kidney Disease

Managing chronic kidney disease in cats can be a daunting task and is often frustrating for owners as well as practitioners and technicians. The goal in managing chronic renal disease is not to reverse the disease but to help maintain and/or improve the pet’s quality of life, offer support for the owners, and slow progression of the disease through various treatment options.

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in January 2016. Please use this content for reference or educational purposes, but note that it is not being actively vetted after publication. For the most recent peer-reviewed content, see our issue archive.

What Do the Kidneys Do?

The kidneys play a major role in maintaining homeostasis within the body. Their primary responsibilities are to excrete water-soluble waste through the urine, help with endocrine function (by producing erythropoietin, angiotensin II, and calcitriol), maintain electrolyte balance, and filter toxins out of the blood. Nephrons (the functional units of the kidney) are made up of many parts, each playing a vital role in maintaining homeostasis (TABLE 1). Compared with other species, cats have a high proportion of nephrons with longer loops of Henle, allowing their urine specific gravity to exceed 1.080 in some cases.¹ Thus, dilute urine in a cat can be of concern, and further diagnostic testing may be needed to determine the cause.

Some patients with early kidney disease may present for a regular examination with no clinical signs, and an elevated creatinine level may be an incidental finding. Others may present with intermittent or acute vomiting, polyuria and/or polydipsia, lethargy, dehydration, weight loss, decreased appetite, or anorexia. Patients may need further workup to determine the cause of these clinical signs; if serum creatinine levels are elevated, further diagnostic and laboratory tests are indicated to rule out other causes and/or stage kidney disease.

TABLE 1 Components of Nephrons

Staging Kidney Disease

Before kidney disease is treated, patients should be staged with the International Renal Interest Society (IRIS) staging system (TABLE 2). This system is based on laboratory tests and clinical signs. It is important to know the serum creatinine concentration in all diagnosed cats to develop a treatment plan, even before substaging can begin. However, creatinine levels can be influenced by many factors, including dehydration and cachexia. These values must be rechecked in dehydrated patients after they have become adequately hydrated to determine whether dehydration is a contributing factor. Factors for substaging include urine protein:creatinine ratios and arterial blood pressure measurements. A comprehensive guide on IRIS staging can be found at iris-kidney.com. New testing/staging for renal disease includes symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) testing (available through IDEXX Laboratories). This test is an endogenous marker of glomerular filtration rate, and its results may aid in the treatment of chronic kidney disease in cats, helping healthcare providers recognize which patients are at risk before creatinine levels become elevated.

TABLE 2 International Renal Interest Society Staging System for Chronic Kidney Disease in Cats

Nutritional Management of Feline Kidney Disease

The goals of nutritional management in feline kidney disease are to slow progression and control signs of uremia to achieve and/or maintain a better quality of life for patients. However, patients that are azotemic (have measurable amounts of urea in blood) and uremic (showing clinical signs associated with urea in blood) are often nauseous and at risk for becoming anorectic; thus, to prevent anorexia and hepatic lipidosis, it is preferable for these cats to eat some of the “wrong” diet than none of the “right” diet. To avoid the development of food aversion, prescription renal diets should not be introduced to hospitalized patients. These diets should only be fed to patients that feel well enough to eat them in a stress-free environment. Many factors go into making a feline prescription renal diet, and some nutrients are more important than others in terms of managing this disease. TABLE 3 outlines key nutritional recommendations for cats with chronic kidney disease.

TABLE 3 Key Nutritional Factors/Recommendations for Cats with Chronic Kidney Disease³

Water

Water intake is of utmost importance in all kidney patients. Polyuria can quickly lead to dehydration. Frequent vomiting and bouts of anorexia also contribute to dehydration in these patients much more quickly than in healthier cats. Feeding canned diets that are high in moisture (>75% as-fed basis), adding water to the existing canned or dry diet, and making sure all water bowls are cleaned daily may encourage water consumption. Circulating water fountains can be provided for cats that like to drink running or dripping water, and multiple water bowls should be offered throughout the home. Also, the size and depth of water bowls may need to be considered, and different types of water (e.g., distilled, warm, cold) may need to be tried. Canned diets are preferred because of their water content. When further diluting diets to increase water consumption, it must be taken into consideration that the calorie:volume ratio is also being diluted, and pets may need to consume a greater volume of food to maintain body weight.

Energy Requirements and Calories

Renal patients should be offered a variety of foods to see which they prefer, although preferences may differ from day to day and even meal to meal. Many flavors and consistencies of food are available, and getting patients to consume enough calories to prevent fat and muscle loss is imperative. Cats should consume sufficient calories to maintain their body weight and meet their daily energy requirement (BOX 1). Because fat contains more than 2.5 times more calories than protein and carbohydrates, higher-fat diets are often used in kidney patients; kidney diets are therefore more palatable and energy dense. Feeding several small meals daily helps patients reach their energy requirements and minimizes nausea associated with gastric distention and bilious vomiting syndrome.

Protein

Protein restriction is much discussed and extremely controversial in managing kidney disease in animals. Depending on the stage of renal disease, protein restriction may be warranted. It is not clear whether dietary protein levels are detrimental to managing kidney disease, but supplying enough high-quality protein to maintain muscle mass while moderately restricting protein intake helps decrease urine protein:creatinine ratios and improve signs of azotemia.^2,3

Uremia and azotemia stem from degradation of endogenous protein, such as catabolism of muscle for energy, and excessive dietary protein. A high-quality, moderately protein-restricted diet is recommended in IRIS stages III and IV and whenever clinical signs of kidney disease are present. Feeding such a diet decreases nitrogenous waste while supplying adequate protein to help prevent muscle loss, hypoalbuminemia, anemia, and amino acid deficiency. Although providing a moderately protein-restricted diet will not slow the rate of disease progression, it has been shown to help with signs of uremia and to improve blood urea nitrogen levels,² which can help the pet feel better, thus, hopefully, leading to a better quality of life. Protein restriction should not be implemented unless renal patients have clinical signs of disease, such as nausea, vomiting, and lethargy. No studies have been published indicating that a high-protein diet is a primary cause of kidney disease, but moderate protein restriction has been shown to be beneficial in patients with existing renal disease and clinical signs.^2,3

Phosphorus

Phosphate retention, caused by reduced glomerular filtration of phosphorus, is extremely common in kidney disease. Phosphate retention can lead to secondary hyperparathyroidism and hypocalcemia, as well as renal mineralization, further contributing to renal damage.³ The increase in phosphate causes parathyroid hormone to be secreted, which in turn triggers the release of phosphate from bone. Release of parathyroid hormone in these patients is counterproductive and can lead to hypocalcemia. The first step in minimizing phosphorus retention is to decrease dietary phosphorus intake, to help slow the progression of kidney disease. Within 2 to 4 weeks of initiating a phosphorus-restricted diet, plasma phosphorus levels should be rechecked to make sure they are decreasing. If they remain unchanged or if the patient will not eat a reduced-phosphorus diet, intestinal phosphate binders may need to be prescribed by the veterinarian. Intestinal phosphate binders help patients excrete phosphorus through the gastrointestinal tract instead of through the kidneys, thus decreasing the workload on the nephrons.

Sodium

Sodium restriction is another controversial topic in the management of feline kidney disease. Previously, it was thought that excessive sodium intake could be detrimental to the kidneys and cause hypertension. Managing hypertension in feline patients is important because of the potential secondary effects of chronic hypertension, such as further kidney, eye, heart, and brain damage. There have been no studies showing that sodium restriction controls hypertension or slows disease progression in cats.² Currently, antihypertensive medications are considered the standard of care for cats with hypertension, rather than dietary sodium restriction. However, dietary sodium restriction may still be warranted to help reduce oxidative stress and sodium retention in feline kidney patients. Most prescription diets that are considered “renal friendly” contain low amounts of sodium and phosphorus and a moderate amount of high-quality protein.

Potassium

Hypokalemia can develop because of increased loss of potassium through the kidneys, inadequate dietary potassium intake, or acidifying diets.² Signs of hypokalemia include generalized muscle weakness and a stiff gait. Hypokalemia has been shown to decrease the effects of antidiuretic hormone, leading to polyuria. Impaired protein synthesis and weight loss are also significant side effects of hypokalemia. Supplementation should be considered in patients that have renal disease and a low serum potassium concentration. Potassium supplementation in the form of potassium gluconate or potassium citrate is often recommended, while potassium chloride should be avoided because of its acidifying properties.²

Hyperkalemia can result in anuria or oliguria in kidney patients and is considered a medical emergency. Hyperkalemia can cause cardiac arrhythmias, and patients must be placed on continuous electrocardiographic monitoring and treated with medications to facilitate excretion of potassium. In patients that are nonsymptomatic and nonoliguric, long-term treatment may be necessary.

Other Factors to Consider

B Vitamins

Because of anorexia, dehydration, and polyuria associated with chronic kidney disease, vitamin B supplementation may be warranted. B vitamins are water soluble, and kidney patients are likely to become deficient through water losses. Blood tests can be used to assess cobalamin (B₁₂) and folate (B₆) levels, but patients eating a complete and balanced commercial kidney diet may not need extra supplementation unless they have underlying gastrointestinal disease; some of these vitamins can be synthesized by the intestinal bacteria and are absorbed by parts of the small intestine. The easiest supplementation in patients that are dehydrated and/or anorectic is subcutaneous or intravenous administration of a vitamin B complex or subcutaneous administration of vitamin B₁₂ on a strict schedule.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

The use of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) along with antioxidants (vitamins E and C) has been shown to reduce renal oxidative damage in dogs, but no studies have been done in cats.³ Adding fish oil with the correct EPA and DHA doses may be beneficial to feline kidney patients; however, administration must be initiated with caution, because diarrhea and decreased platelet adhesion leading to anemia are potential side effects. Because of the potential complications, this therapy is recommended only in patients that are euhydrated and stable.

Acid–Base Balance

The kidneys play a significant role in the regulation of acid–base homeostasis. Cats that present with kidney disease are often acidotic because of their inability to excrete hydrogen ions and reabsorb bicarbonate. Metabolic acidosis can increase the catabolism of muscle and decrease the formation of bone mineral. Metabolic acidosis is also responsible for renal azotemia and can worsen hypokalemia as a result of potassium moving out of the cells and into the urine. Alkalinization therapy (e.g., sodium bicarbonate, potassium citrate, calcium carbonate) is often recommended in patients with chronic acidosis to prevent the effects of catabolism, nausea, and vomiting. Acidifying diets (such as diets formulated for struvite crystalluria) should be avoided. If multiple disease conditions exist concurrently, consultation with a veterinary nutritionist may be warranted to determine the best dietary option.

Constipation

Dehydration, decreased gastrointestinal motility, and side effects of medications often lead to constipation in cats with kidney disease. Ensuring hydration by providing enteral or parenteral fluids may help with chronic constipation issues; stool softeners, laxatives, and increasing moderately fermentable fiber intake may also be beneficial.

What If They Won’t Eat?

Transition to a new food should be gradual over 14 to 28 days, and diets should be started in a nonstressful environment. Coaxing techniques can be used to encourage pets to eat. As mentioned, the risk for food aversion can be reduced by not introducing renal diets while patients are hospitalized. Warming food and offering different textures (canned, dry, morsels, etc.) can help encourage pets to eat. Hand feeding and providing different feeding areas in the home can be beneficial. Wide, shallow bowls should be used to prevent the whiskers from touching the sides of the bowl. Also, elevated feeding bowls can provide relief in older cats with arthritis or hypokalemic patients with muscle weakness. Veterinarians may prescribe appetite stimulants (e.g., mirtazapine, cyproheptadine, catnip); side effects associated with these medications can differ among patients, so owners and doctors must weigh the benefits and risks. Antinausea medications can also be beneficial in azotemic patients that may have a decreased appetite due to gastric uremia, nausea, and/or vomiting.

Tuna juice, gravy, or low-sodium chicken broth (without onions or garlic) can be mixed with or placed on top of food to coax eating and increase water consumption. These items are sometimes high in sodium and are not complete and balanced, so they should be used only through the transition period, not long term.

For cats that are not eating enough to maintain body weight, feeding tubes may needed. Nasogastric tubes work well for hospitalized patients that are not stable enough to undergo anesthesia; however, the small diameter of the tube limits feeding choices to liquid-only diets. Esophagostomy tubes require anesthesia, but placement is a quick procedure and the tubes are easily maintained by owners at home. Recovery is minimal, and kidney-appropriate diets can be made into a slurry and fed through the esophagostomy tube; water can be administered to help provide hydration. Some enteral medications may also be given through the tube to decrease stress to patients as well as owners.

Home-cooked meals, although neither convenient nor economical, may be used short term (or long term with added vitamin and mineral supplements). Any long-term homemade diet should be formulated under the direction of a boarded veterinary nutritionist. Cats that are stressed may prefer to eat in a quiet environment with less traffic or no other animals present. Food bowls should be kept away from litterboxes to avoid contamination. Food and water should be fresh and changed frequently. Feline pheromone collars and diffusers may also be helpful for anxious cats that are not feeling well, although these have not been researched extensively.

Discussing low-protein and low-phosphorus treats and table food options can increase owner compliance in keeping pets on a strict, kidney-friendly diet. Owners often show their love to their pets by offering treats. Encouraging owners to use dry renal-appropriate kibble or kidney-friendly “people food” as treats helps ensure compliance while giving owners options. Table foods that are lower in phosphorus and protein include white pasta, melon, white bread, honey, and rice cakes. It is important to check the nutritional label of human foods to determine if the food is appropriate for pets because ingredients and levels vary among brands. The nutritional content of many people foods can also be researched on the USDA National Nutrient Database (ndb.nal.usda.gov). Before recommending table foods that are kidney appropriate, it is best to ensure that no concurrent medical conditions exist. Treats and table food should consist of no more than 10% of total caloric intake to ensure patients receive all their vitamins and minerals from their complete and balanced food. Educating owners about why phosphorus and moderate protein restriction is so important in kidney patients makes them more likely to comply.

Support for Owners

Telling owners that a pet has kidney disease can be met with much concern and confusion. Some people feel that such a diagnosis is an immediate death sentence, while others are overwhelmed and unsure of what to expect. Owners should be given a few days to think about the diagnosis and treatment options, but it is important to follow up. A phone call after diagnosis to offer advice and emotional support and to answer any questions helps ensure that pet owners are compliant with recommendations given by the veterinary staff. Written educational materials provide owners with correct information, rather than potential misinformation from biased or uneducated sources on the Internet. Assuring owners that they are doing the best that they can and that the entire healthcare team is working together also increases compliance. Establishing a consistent routine for treatments and follow-up visits helps reduce stress for owners and patients alike.

Chronic feline renal disease requires lifelong treatment and can be challenging for the veterinary staff as well as the patients and their families. It is important to remember that nobody is prepared for this diagnosis, but communication between veterinary staff and owners about treatment options helps ensure that affected pets have a good quality of life.