CNI Cat Stage 4 - Is Euthanasia Necessary?

The decision whether to euthanize a cat in the end stages of chronic kidney failure (CKD) is not an easy one for anyone.
When the bad phases predominate and the cat is visibly suffering, the question arises whether it is time to relieve it of its suffering.

It is recommended to have the cat put down when the bad phases predominate and there is no hope of improvement.
In this blog post, we will discuss the different stages of renal failure and their impact on the cat's quality of life, as well as present treatment options and diagnostic procedures.

Stages of renal insufficiency and their significance for quality of life

In cats, chronic renal failure is divided into four stages, each of which has a different impact on the animals' quality of life. In stage 1, the cat does not yet show any symptoms and kidney function is only minimally impaired. In stage 2, initial signs such as increased drinking and urination may appear, and kidney values ​​are slightly elevated. These early stages offer the best chance of slowing the progression of the disease and maintaining the cat's quality of life through early intervention.

In stage 3 of renal failure, the symptoms are more obvious, including weight loss, loss of appetite and lethargy. Kidney values ​​are significantly elevated and much of the kidney tissue is already damaged. In the final stage , stage 4, kidney function is severely impaired, leading to severe symptoms such as vomiting, dehydration and extreme weakness. At this stage, the cat's life expectancy is greatly reduced and the decision for palliative measures or euthanasia must often be considered.

Recognizable Symptoms of Renal Failure in Cats

Symptoms of kidney failure in cats can start subtly and are often not recognized until the disease is already advanced. Early signs include increased drinking and urination . These symptoms are important to note as they may be the first signs of possible kidney disease.

As renal failure progresses, other symptoms appear that affect the cat's quality of life. These include:

• weight loss and reduced appetite
• Dull, shaggy coat and dandruff
• bad breath and nausea

These symptoms should prompt an immediate visit to the veterinarian for appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

Causes of Kidney Failure in Cats

The causes of kidney failure in cats are varied and can include both acute and chronic conditions. The most common causes include:

• Poisoning by harmful substances such as plants or chemicals
• Kidney or urinary tract infections
• Chronic diseases such as diabetes or high blood pressure

These factors can lead to damage to the kidney tissue, which often progresses gradually and is only noticed when a significant amount of kidney function has been lost.

In addition to the causes mentioned above , genetic factors or congenital malformations of the kidneys can also play a role. Since the damage to the kidneys often only becomes visible after years, it is crucial to have older cats examined by a veterinarian on a regular basis in order to be able to recognize and treat signs of kidney failure at an early stage.

Treatment Options for Cats with Kidney Failure

Treatment for cats with renal failure aims to relieve symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. Early and appropriate treatment can significantly improve the cat's quality of life and even prolong its lifespan. There are several treatment options that can be used depending on the stage of the disease and the individual condition of the cat.

Drug therapies play a crucial role in the treatment of renal failure, especially to control associated symptoms such as high blood pressure and anemia. Additionally, a special renal diet can help reduce the strain on the kidneys and reduce the accumulation of toxins in the body. This combination of medications and dietary adjustments often forms the basis for treatment of cats with renal disease.

In addition to medication and diet, regular veterinary check-ups can help monitor the cat's health. The veterinarian can adjust treatment if the cat's condition changes. It is important that cat owners work closely with their veterinarian to achieve the best possible results.

Drug Therapies for Cats with Renal Insufficiency

Drug treatment for cats with renal insufficiency includes a variety of medications specifically aimed at controlling symptoms and associated diseases. These include antihypertensives, phosphate binders, and drugs that promote red blood cell production. These drugs help stabilize blood pressure, reduce blood phosphate levels, and treat anemia.

It is important that all medications are administered under veterinary supervision to minimize side effects and maximize effectiveness. The veterinarian will decide which medications are most appropriate and for how long they should be administered based on regular blood tests and the cat's health status.

Dietary Adjustments for Cats with Renal Insufficiency

An appropriate diet is crucial for treating cats with renal insufficiency. The food should be low in phosphorus and contain a moderate amount of high-quality protein to relieve the strain on the kidneys. In addition, it is important that the food is high in calories to meet the energy needs of cats who often have no appetite.

Wet food is generally more suitable than dry food as it helps to increase fluid intake and supports kidney function. Cat owners should also ensure that fresh water is always available. A change in diet should always be made gradually and under veterinary supervision to ensure acceptance of the new food and to avoid digestive problems.

Diagnostic Procedures for Renal Insufficiency in Cats

To determine the stage of renal failure in cats, various diagnostic procedures are necessary. First, the veterinarian will perform a blood test to measure kidney values, such as creatinine and urea. These values ​​are an indicator of how well the kidneys are filtering harmful substances from the blood. Another important test is measuring the SDMA value, which indicates changes in kidney function before other values ​​become noticeable. In addition, a urine test is often performed to check the concentration of the urine and look for proteins or blood, which can provide further evidence of kidney damage.

In addition to blood and urine tests, the veterinarian may also use imaging tests such as ultrasound to assess the size and structure of the kidneys. These tests help to identify physical changes such as shrinkage or tissue changes. In some cases, a kidney biopsy may also be necessary to analyze tissue samples and identify the exact cause of the kidney damage. These diagnostic methods are crucial to determine the correct stage of kidney failure and to initiate appropriate treatment.

How Flappie can help you monitor your cat's health

Flappie offers you an innovative way to keep an eye on your cat's health at all times. The smart cat flap, equipped with a camera and artificial intelligence, not only detects whether your cat is trying to come home with prey, but also whether it is displaying unusual behavior that could indicate health problems. This technology allows you to act proactively before serious problems arise. With the Flappie app you get:

• Notifications when something unusual happens.
• Videos and photos of your cat to help you monitor their behavior.
• Statistics and analytics about your cat's activities that give you deeper insight into their well-being.

Using the Flappie app can help you identify early when your cat is showing signs of illness. This is especially important for conditions such as chronic kidney failure, where early intervention can be crucial. The app allows you to control your cat's in and outs and ensure they don't expose themselves to unnecessary risks. Visit https://flappie.ch now to learn more about how you can use Flappie to effectively monitor your cat's health and help them live a long, healthy life. Remember, good monitoring of your cat's health can not only improve their life, but also prevent or delay difficult decisions such as euthanasia.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should a cat with kidney failure be put down?

A cat should be put down when the bad phases predominate and there is no hope of improvement. This is often the case in the end stages of kidney failure, when the cat suffers greatly from symptoms such as vomiting, dehydration and extreme weakness.

How do I know when it is time to put my cat to sleep?

It's time to think about euthanasia if your cat has more bad days than good ones and is visibly suffering from their illness. Symptoms such as severe vomiting, dehydration, loss of appetite and a general feeling of weakness are indicators that their quality of life is severely reduced.

When should you euthanize a cat with kidney disease?

A cat with kidney disease should be euthanized if it is in the final stages of the disease and the bad phases predominate with no prospect of improvement. This includes persistent symptoms such as vomiting, dehydration and extreme weakness.

How long should a cat with kidney failure live?

The decision of how long a cat with kidney failure should live depends largely on its quality of life and the progression of the disease. As long as the cat has a good quality of life with appropriate treatment and diet, it can live for a while. However, if the suffering becomes excessive, consideration should be given to terminating the cat's suffering.