Why Kidney Disease is a Killer in Cats…But Doesn’t Have to Be
Most people recognize cancer as the silent killer of pets, but did you also know kidney disease can take your cat’s life unexpectedly. In fact, according to the Morris Animal Foundation, chronic kidney disease (CKD) is the number one killer of cats in the U.S. To better prepare and protect your cat from this horrible affliction, read on and learn a bit more about how kidney disease affects cats.
1. Kidneys are Vital
According the Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine, your cat’s kidneys “act as a complex filter that removes from blood wastes that are generated from break down of food, old cells, toxins or poisons and many drugs that are given for treatment of other diseases.” Your cat’s two kidneys also help regulate blood pressure and calcium and vitamin D metabolism as well as produce a substance that helps with the creation of new red blood cells. Due to the various functions of the kidneys, a cat with kidney disease may display a multitude of signs. However, these signs may not become apparent as quickly as you’d imagine.
2. Kidney Disease Signs May Take Time to Become Visible
3. Kidney Disease is Often Treatable
4. Kidney Disease is Often Preventable
There are many different causes of kidney disease — birth defects, cancer, toxins and nutritional factors, to name a few. That is why it is crucial to bring your cat in for regular veterinary exams and discuss with him or her how to best keep your cat healthy.
Original Article: https://www.petmd.com/cat/centers/nutrition/slideshows/facts-about-kidney-disease-in-cats