"Our Roman, a 16 years old neutered male cat, has recently been diagnosed with the start of kidney disease. If needed, adding water, tuna juice, or low sodium chicken broth may increase the flavor and acceptance. This makes it critical for you to provide your cat with an unlimited supply of fresh water. It is unsuitable for cats with kidney disease. Avoid tuna in brine and opt for tuna in water instead. Your mom can always boil a chicken for broth and share a treat of meat with you (if your vet says okie dokey). Dietary omega-3 fatty acids help reduce the production of inflammatory compounds that create oxidative stress to the tissue of the diseased kidneys, thus contributing to slowed progression of CKD. The old tests, BUN and creatinine, don't show any changes until 70 to 80 percent of kidney function is lost. Just Ask Einstein in the comments below and you might be featured in an upcoming column. Creatinine (CREA): measures how well kidneys are filtering waste from blood. However, though not on the list of toxic foods for cats, tuna that's meant for people can cause health issues for cats. These new tests allow for earlier detection and intervention with kidney disease in cats. Just two teaspoons of whisky can cause a coma in a 5-pound cat, and one more teaspoon could kill it. Is Tuna OK for cats with kidney disease? A cat shouldnt be given tuna daily because it can cause mercury poisoning. Progression of chronic kidney disease will continue with no possible cure. If protein intake is too low however, CKD will start to break down muscle mass. Red blood cell count: if low, it may indicate kidney failure. We are all guilty of overfeeding our cats or giving them too many treats. Tuna is high in protein and low in carbohydrates and as tuna is a fish, it provides our cats with omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids (EFA's) which are good for skin and coat health. 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. 2. Just like in humans, obesity in cats contributes to health concerns such as diabetes, urinary disease, arthritis, and inflammation, reports Cummings Veterinary Medical Center at Tufts University. ", VeterinaryPartner.com: "Feline Mysteries.". 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. The professor in the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences at Ohio State University says there are a few veterinary treats that are low in phosphorus and sodium, but theyre not high in calories. So its best to just keep kitties eating until they respond to treatment, and wait until theyre feeling better before changing their diet.". It may be necessary to work with your veterinarian as you start making your homemade food for cats with kidney disease . Because of the severity of signs often seen in cats in stages III and IV and the amount of care and effort required to support these cats, some may be humanely euthanized. The Merck Veterinary Manual lists fish as a top food allergen for cats, noting that common signs of an allergic reaction include itching, hair loss, red or swollen skin and red bumps. Additionally, try to stick to foods with low levels of phosphorous, since too much phosphorous can worsen kidney problems. Radiographs or abdominal ultrasound to screen for kidney stones, infarcts (areas of dead tissue), and cysts. Understand how feeding your cat human snacks can be dangerous to your cat and lead to significant weight gain. Her work also appears in Care.com, What to Expect, and Fit Pregnancy, where she writes about pets, pregnancy, and family life. Ask a Vet: Can You Save a Cat with Kidney Disease? But make sure that youre giving it alternative treats, too. Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. Learn more about Hills commitment to sustainability. Specific management is geared toward the underlying cause (if known) as well as the stage of the disease. Grapes and raisins have often been used as treats for pets. Here are some tips for identifying the subtle signs of pain in cats and talking with your veterinarian about making sure your cat is pain-free. Have You Watched Our Healthy Kidney Videos Yet? Mom needs to check the label to make sure its safe for you to eat. Other brands are not worth considering, and it is not possible to duplicate the benefits of these CKD diets with a home-cooked diet. Cats diagnosed with kidney disease are often prescribed a kidney-friendly diet which may include feeding your cat canned, wet foods that contain additional water. Dry: K/D Chicken 4 lb, 8.5 lb. Omega-3 fatty acids: 0.4 to 2.5 percent. Did you know that the kidneys secrete a hormone that regulates blood pressure? However, if your cat is living with, Tuna is a decent food option for cats with kidney disease if served in moderation. Cats in stages I and II may often be monitored for further progression of signs, and some may be given a prescription diet specifically geared to help the kidneys by limiting the amount of work they have to do. Amyloidosis, seen primarily in Persians and Abyssians, is an inherited condition that causes abnormal protein deposits that lead to kidney damage. Symptoms of caffeine poisoning include restlessness, rapid breathing, heart palpitations, and muscle tremors. Some causes of kidney disease may be preventable (such as toxicologic causes), but unfortunately, most causes are not. SDMA catches changes in how well the kidneys are filtering the blood much earlier than other tests, mainly BUN and creatinine. Among the many edible species of fish, tuna is not good for your dog with kidney disease. Your veterinarian will most likely recommend additional diagnostic testing, including: A urine protein to creatinine (UPC) ratio to quantify how much protein is being lost in the urine. Today were discussing if tuna fish is safe for cats with kidney disease. 14 of the 101 samples had abnormally high levels of mercury compared to the rest (greater than 100 ng g1), Foods containing tuna and prawn had the highest concentrations of mercury, Two samples of the same cat food from different batches had different amounts of mercury. All rights reserved. It isnt easy to say no to a cat when its begging for its favorite fish-based food. For cats with kidney disease, two to three times a week is considered safe. K/D Mobility 6.35 lb You may find that some cats are disinterested in tuna, but they will usually be the exception to the rule. ", Today. Start by selecting food that will help your cats kidneys improve and adjusting your cats diet. they are known to cause acute kidney failure in dogs. In addition, an enzyme in raw fish destroys thiamine, which is an essential B vitamin for your cat. If you feed your cat canned tuna, make sure its in spring water rather than brine (saltwater) or sunflower oil. Phosphorous. However, cats can go on to live a relatively normal life, with some lifestyle changes and long-term management. ", University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine: "Killer Grapes and Other Concerns in Animal Poison Control. When Cats Shouldnt Eat Tuna Fish Due to the risks, there are scenarios in which cats should never be fed tuna. Throughout your cats life, any disease process or illness that could affect hydration should be treated promptly with IV fluids. Cut into small shapes and bake on a baking sheet at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for roughly 15-20 minutes. Do Cats Understand Human Smiles And Facial Expressions? . In turn, eating too much tuna can cause your cat to gain significant weight, especially when fed in addition to their normal cat food. Cats love eating tuna fish. But how do you know if your cat is eating too much tuna? Here's why you may want to reconsider sharing your favorite canned tuna with your feline friend. VCA Hospitals gives an appropriate ratio of protein to phosphorous in a homemade kidney care cat food: Protein: 28 to 35 percent. Most experts will tell you that canned tuna is fine for your pet but it is also safe. Can I give my cat canned tuna? Approved. Let Catster answer all of your most baffling feline questions! According to Taylor and Francis, these symptoms can be caused by a tuna-rich diet: These symptoms can be due to other factors besides overeating canned tuna. Sodium: 0.4 percent. Dominican Republic - Repblica Dominicana, Greater China - Hong Kong SAR (English), World Small Animal Veterinary Association, human foods are converted to kitty calories, Cummings Veterinary Medical Center at Tufts University, Association of American Feed Control Officials, Foods that are Dangerous or Toxic to Cats. Fish like halibut, tuna, cod, and snapper tend to be high in potassium. When you think about kidney disease in cats, pain control is likely not the first thing that comes to mind. Kittens grow a lot in their first year, so it is important to provide them with the proper nutrients early, so they grow up healthy and strong. Im an old cat; I mean really old 24, to be exact. That doesnt mean I have the body of a 20-month-old. Although it isn't clear why, grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in cats. Tuna is often served in brine or sunflower oil, which can be lapped up. Tuna is a decent food option for cats with kidney disease if served in moderation. Ask Einstein: Im a Cat with Kidney Disease; What Can I Eat? With that said, cats can eat tuna but only in moderation. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC. Cats in the earlier stages can, if the underlying disease is treated appropriately, live a normal life. Low sodium is also important for the maintenance of your cats kidneys, especially if it has kidney issues. Add just a pinch of dried shaved bonito (tuna) flakes to give your boring meal a little zest. White blood cell count: if high, it may indicate infection or inflammation. Feline kidney disease treatment often includes a diet consisting of highly digestible protein that meets or exceeds minimum standards, is restricted in phosphorus, and is high in omega-3 fatty acids. Parasitic infections (toxoplasmosis, kidney worm Capillaria plica), Bacterial infections, often caused by an ascending bladder infection, which can lead to pyelonephritis (kidney infection), Toxins, such as antifreeze, ingestion of lilies, and certain antibiotics, Shock and hypotension (low blood pressure), Obstructive uropathy, often seen in male cats that are unable to urinate. The protein in this fish is rich in thiamine, an anti-inflammatory. You may not have to switch to a therapeutic kidney diet (aka prescription cat food) just yet, however. For example, tuna has too much unsaturated fat and is not supplemented with Vitamin E or other antioxidants. Just as you would do for your children, put all medicines where your cat can't get to them. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years. It is because a high amount of protein adds strain to the kidneys, a healthy combination would be a better choice. They need to consume a lot of water on a regular basis to stay healthy. There are a variety of potential causes for CRF, including diseases such as feline leukemia, tumors, infections, and various toxins. Unfortunately theres no cure for CRF, but a diet low in sodium and phosphorus may slow down the loss of kidney function. Although Im long-of-fang, I can still jump up on the furniture and climb my cat tree. There is some debate over whether or not giving your cat canned tuna is a good idea. But a steady diet of tuna prepared for humans can lead to malnutrition because it won't have all the nutrients a cat needs. ~ Ideally the pet would eat only one kidney diet, but it is unusual for a cat to be willing to do so. A cat in any stage with an increase in either UPC or high blood pressure will most likely be treated with medication. Nonetheless, one main issue in tuna is mercury toxicity. Looking for a convenient way to access your pets health records, refill prescriptions, view upcoming appointments and more? And if you think your cat has consumed something that's toxic, call for emergency help at once. Tuna allergy symptoms include intense scratching, flatulence, hyperactivity, and vomiting. Adding condiments to your meal may help rev up your appetite. But dog food is not a substitute for cat food. A blood pressure evaluation to determine if high blood pressure can be a cause or manifestation of kidney disease. Tuna may be bad for some cats. The canning/cooking process destroys thiaminase, so canned and cooked tuna is less likely to lead to a vitamin B1 deficiency than raw tuna. Heritable conditions, for example, are not preventable, but affected cats, or cats with the genetic copies of the disease, should not be bred. Your mom might want to have your vet check you out. A lack of thiamine can cause serious neurological problems and lead to convulsions and coma. Due to water pollution, all fish and shellfish contain some mercury. Chocolate can be lethal for cats. Caffeine in large enough quantities can be fatal for a cat. Phosphorous: elevated phosphorous levels typically indicate kidney damage. That's because alcohol has the same effect on a cat's liver and brain that it has on humans. But a steady diet of tuna prepared for humans can lead to. The earlier you can transition your cat to a specialized diet for kidney support, the more quickly you can support your cats special nutritional needs and maintain quality of life. When your blood potassium levels become high, it can be dangerous and result in progression of kidney disease and even further kidney damage. There are some healthy treats for cats with kidney disease and it's ok to offer it this. Cats love tuna fish for its powerful smell and robust flavor. And there is no antidote. The meat of tuna is also high in potassium and contains several B vitamins. If your cats lab tests come back indicating early kidney disease, it is likely that your veterinarian will recommend a diet change. To limit your cats exposure to toxins, keep lilies out of the home and block off access to the garage, household cleaners, and medications. And a cat can choke on a bone. While most drugs used to treat pets with kidney disease are only meant to reduce symptoms, feeding the right diet can have dramatic effects on survival - studies have shown that pets that eat diets designed for kidney . Kidney disease is often diagnosed based on routine blood work and a urinalysis, looking specifically at such kidney markers as: Blood urea nitrogen (BUN): is a by-product of protein metabolism. It consists of cysts developing within a kidney and leads to progressive kidney failure. Already have a myVCA account? Raw tuna contains thiaminase, which is an enzyme that destroys thiamine (vitamin B1.). 5. Kidney Shield For Cats & Dogs is another best-seller loaded for Optimal Kidney Health for your cat with kidney disease. Early diagnosis and intervention are keys to maintaining quality of life. Calcium: elevated levels, though not as common, are often seen with kidney damage. However, we now know that cats with kidney disease are in pain, not only from their kidney disease, but also from arthritis. Nonetheless, one main, Adding other kidney-friendly foods into their diet can bring the additional flavor. There are different types of kidney disease in cats and various underlying causes. However it is important to make sure you are only giving them canned tuna that's been in water. Limiting exposure to other catswhile keeping your cat up to date on vaccines and monthly heartworm and flea controlis recommended. A steady diet of hard, low-quality, processed cat food can also cause kidney and urinary problems. Because they're such picky eaters, we sometimes think cats know whats best for them when it's time to eat. Some cats that experience acute kidney insults can recover, although there may be long-term effects that can lead to chronic kidney failure. Unfortunately, foods that taste good are not always the healthiest for cats. Allergies are hard to diagnose if a cat eats a mix of foods. These statements have not been evaluated by the US Food and Drug Administration. The Feline Quality of Life Scale Helps You Determine If Its Time to Say Goodbye to Your Cat, 9 Things You Should Know About Feline Chronic Kidney Disease. Nutrition plays an important role in managing CKD in cats. Even with the best testing, in some cases, the underlying cause remains unknown. Most savvy cat owners know that their feline needs to eat a high-quality diet rich in protein, but what about cats with kidney disease? Many human foods are dangerous to cats. Kidney disease can be caused by a variety of factors: For some cats, the disease could have occurred after a serious kidney injury, from a severe infection (including feline infectious peritonitis, feline immunodeficiency virus, and pyelonephritis), ingestion of a toxic substance (like antifreeze or lilies), and from certain medications. Here are the top five things from her talk that owners of senior cats and cats with kidney disease need to know. Your use of this site is subject to the terms of our Legal Statement. Nonetheless, one main issue in tuna is mercury toxicity. ", PetWare web site: "Lactose Intolerance in Cats. veterinarian has been very informative. ", professionals. Dietary supplements may be prescribed to help with low potassium. Protein like beef and fish are also fine occasionally as protein sources for your cat. 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. Higher values can often indicate kidney failure. What could be wrong with offering your cat a saucer of milk or a piece of cheese? You and your human might want to attack your waning waistline on several fronts. One supplement we have that can drastically improve your cats kidney function and revitalize their kidneys is Kidney Restore For Cats & Dogs. Thiaminase. Many other items commonly found on kitchen shelves can harm your cat. You've probably seen or heard countless stories of cats loving fish, but as far as cats eating tuna goes, is it really a good idea? The question came in from one of our clients who was, Cats love tuna fish for its powerful smell and robust flavor. Ingesting a drug prescribed for humans is one of the most common causes of poisoning in cats. Dietary sodium levels are mildly restricted to reduce the workload on the kidneys. "Most of these cats are forced to eat renal diets, which are low in protein (of course). Your cat will see an open can of tuna next to the sink as a dinner invitation. Remember the saying, "Honest as a cat when the meat's out of reach." Delicious roasted chicken and rice in a mouthwatering sauce. Talking with your vet about the cat food you provide and following the directions on the label will help ensure your cat's diet is balanced and your cat stays healthy. Polycystic kidney disease is another inherited condition seen in Persians. Cats love seafood, and most cats are especially fond of canned tuna and tuna juice. Most of the time, cats with kidney disease benefit more from centrally acting anti-nausea medications, so talk with your veterinarian about these types of medications. Terms of Use / While a single bite may not do any harm, it's best to take tuna out of their bowl entirely. Its OK to treat your cat with tasty foods, like tuna. The safest thing to do is always feed your cat canned food, especially when she has developed kidney problems. Cats cannot survive without their kidneys. "If theyre not eating, the best thing to feed them is anything theyll eat," Dr. Weigner tells me. Tuna is a type of fish that is high in mercury and other toxins that can be harmful to a cat's health. Some forms of tuna contain the enzyme thiaminase, which destroys thiamine (vitamin B1). A few ounces of canned tuna in water contains almost 100 calories, which is more than a third of the recommended daily caloric intake for many cats. Some cats will seem to reject all attempts to be converted to kidney diet. It also serves to reduce the effects of renal (kidney) secondary hyperparathyroidism. Nutrition For Cats With Chronic Kidney Disease, Control the clinical signs associated with accumulating waste products in the blood, Minimize problems with fluid and mineral balance. Prescription cat food that focuses on . It can be used for early detection of kidney disease. So its important that you eat something, anything, until Mom can slowly switch you to a kidney-friendly food. For example, when its looking around for something to nibble on, provide some attention (petting or play.) When compared with normal maintenance adult cat food, a kidney support diet contains less protein, sodium, and phosphorus, and increased omega-3 fatty acids. Tuna has a strong, fishy smell that is very appealing to cats. Just make sure that these are low in sodium. Giving your cat wet food will ensure it gets enough water when it eats. For example, try petting or playing with your cat when it uses its manipulative skills to beg for extra food. Anemia Due to Chronic Kidney Disease in Cats, Kidney Disease Caused by Multiple Cysts in Cats, Chronic Kidney Disease in Cats: Monitoring Nutrition is Essential. In fact, you may be surprised to learn some of the common foods your cats should never eat. 3. Get practical pet health tips, articles, and insights from our veterinary community delivered weekly to your inbox. These are as follows: Although cats with kidney disease benefit from quality, digestible protein, canned tuna is unsuitable because it is high in phosphorous. Got a question for he who knows everything feline? These are as follows: Kidney Problems Although cats with kidney disease benefit from quality, digestible protein, canned tuna is unsuitable because it is high in phosphorous. Some cats may become extremely fussy about food and refuse to eat anything besides tuna. Tuna on its own is not nutritionally balanced. Theres no harm in giving your cat tuna fish in spring water occasionally, but scientifically formulated tuna-based cat food is recommended. 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