CNI in cats: symptoms, causes and more

Have you noticed that your cat is drinking unusually much and needs to go to the toilet more often?
These signs could indicate chronic kidney failure (CKD), a serious condition that requires immediate attention.

Early detection and treatment can slow the progression of the disease and significantly improve your cat's quality of life.
In this article, you will learn all about the symptoms, causes, diagnosis and treatment options for CKD in cats, as well as how to optimize your cat's diet and well-being.

Recognizing Symptoms of CNI in Cats

Chronic kidney failure (CKD) in cats is a serious condition that is often not diagnosed until late. The early signs may be subtle, but there are specific symptoms to look out for. Early warning signs include frequent vomiting and nausea . These symptoms occur because the kidneys are no longer able to effectively remove toxins from the body.

In addition to vomiting and nausea, there are other symptoms that may indicate CNI:

• Loss of appetite : Your cat shows less interest in eating.
• Increased drinking and urination : Due to the reduced ability of the kidneys to reabsorb water.
• Shaggy coat and weight loss : These signs may indicate that your cat's health is at risk for long-term problems.

It is important that you act quickly at the first signs of CKD and contact your veterinarian. Early diagnosis and treatment can help slow the progression of the disease and improve your cat's quality of life. Pay attention to the symptoms mentioned and do not hesitate to consult a specialist if you suspect anything.

Causes of Chronic Renal Failure in Cats

The causes of chronic kidney failure (CKD) in cats are varied and not always easy to determine. Some cats develop CKD due to genetic conditions or as a result of aging processes. Other possible causes are long-term exposure to toxins or infections. These include, for example, contact with heavy metals, pesticides or poisonous plants such as lilies. Certain medications can also damage kidney tissue and lead to CKD.

In addition to chemical and environmental factors, physical conditions such as high blood pressure or diseases that affect blood flow to the kidneys can also play a role. These include:

• Ischemia due to severe blood loss or shock
• Kidney infections or infections such as pyelonephritis
• Long-term disorders caused by immune system disorders or systemic diseases such as diabetes. It is important that cat owners pay attention to the health of their cats and minimize risk factors in order to prevent or at least delay the development of chronic renal failure.

Understanding Stages of CKD in Cats

Chronic kidney failure (CKD) in cats is divided into four different stages that reflect the severity of the disease. Each stage has specific clinical signs that need to be recognized. In the first stage, symptoms are often barely noticeable because the kidneys are still able to maintain their function despite minor damage. In the second stage, however, noticeable changes begin to occur, such as increased thirst and more frequent urination, as the kidneys' ability to concentrate decreases.

In the third stage of CKD, the symptoms are much more pronounced. At this point, the urinary substances in the blood are increased, which can lead to further health problems such as high blood pressure and anemia. The cat may show signs of weakness and loss of appetite. In the fourth and final stage , the end stage, kidney function is severely impaired. The accumulation of toxins in the body leads to severe symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and extreme weakness. This advanced stage requires intensive medical care to maintain the cat's quality of life as much as possible.

Diagnosis of CKD in cats

Diagnosing chronic kidney failure (CKD) in cats usually begins with a thorough veterinary examination. If your vet suspects your cat may have CKD, they will likely order a combination of blood and urine tests. These tests are crucial to evaluating your cat's kidney function and ruling out other possible causes of symptoms. The main tests include:

• Blood chemistry : Checking kidney values ​​such as creatinine and urea.
• Complete blood count : To check for anemia or infections.
• Urinalysis : To assess the kidneys’ ability to concentrate and to detect proteins or blood in the urine.

In addition to standard tests, additional diagnostic procedures may be needed to determine the cause of kidney disease or to rule out other conditions. Such procedures may include:

• Blood pressure measurement : Because high blood pressure is often associated with kidney disease.
• Ultrasound scans : These can help assess the structure of the kidneys and identify abnormalities such as cysts or tumors.
• Kidney biopsy : In some cases, it may be necessary to take a small tissue sample from the kidneys to make a more accurate diagnosis. These tests give the veterinarian important information about how badly the kidneys are damaged and help plan the best course of treatment for your cat.

Proper Nutrition for Cats with CNI

Proper nutrition is crucial to supporting the quality of life and health of cats with chronic kidney failure (CKD). Since the kidneys are no longer able to filter waste effectively, the diet must be formulated to place as little strain on the kidneys as possible. This usually means reducing phosphorus and protein, while ensuring that the cat receives enough calories to counteract weight loss. A balanced intake of water-soluble vitamins and potassium is also important to prevent deficiencies and promote the cat's general health.

Wet food is often recommended as it helps to increase the cat's fluid intake and facilitates kidney work. Feeding should be regular and in small portions so as not to place additional strain on the kidneys. It is important that the food is tasty as cats with kidney disease often have a reduced appetite. Here are some points to consider:

• Choose a food with low phosphorus and protein content
• Pay attention to high quality and digestibility of the protein
• Prefer wet food to promote fluid intake

Kidney diet for cats: what should you consider?

There are several important aspects to consider when choosing a kidney diet for your cat. First, the food should have a reduced protein and phosphorus content to relieve the strain on the kidneys. It is also important that the proteins are of high quality so that your cat receives the necessary amino acids without putting excessive strain on its kidneys. The content of water-soluble vitamins and potassium is also crucial to prevent deficiencies and support general health.

Transitioning to a renal diet can be challenging for cats, especially if they have already developed an aversion to the new food. It may be helpful to introduce the new food gradually by mixing it with the usual food first. This should be done slowly over several weeks to give the cat time to get used to the taste and texture. It is important that the cat accepts the food, as good nutrition is crucial to slowing the progression of CKD and improving your cat's quality of life.

Treatment Options for Cats with CKD

Treatment for chronic kidney failure (CKD) in cats aims to relieve symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. Since there is no cure, treatment options mainly focus on supporting kidney function and improving the quality of life of affected cats. These include various medications and therapies specifically aimed at minimizing the strain on the kidneys and relieving the discomfort caused by the disease.

Commonly used medications include:

• Antiproteinurics , such as ACE inhibitors or telmisartan, which help reduce protein loss through the kidneys.
• Medicines for high blood pressure (anti-hypertensives), such as amlodipine, which lower blood pressure and thus prevent further damage to the kidneys.
• Iron supplements and hormones such as erythropoietin, which are used to promote red blood cell production and treat anemia.

In addition to medication, therapy is an essential part of treating CKD in cats. This may include adjusting the diet to relieve the strain on the kidneys by reducing phosphorus and protein. Good water intake is also crucial to support kidney function. In advanced cases, affected cats may need to be given regular fluid injections under the skin to ensure adequate hydration.

Life expectancy and quality of life in CNI

The life expectancy of cats with chronic kidney failure (CKD) can vary greatly and depends on several factors, such as the stage of the disease at diagnosis and the effectiveness of treatment. If detected early, cats with CKD can live for many years, especially if they are treated and cared for properly. Treatment aims to maintain kidney function for as long as possible and improve quality of life. Here are some measures that can help:

• Regular veterinary check-ups
• adjustment of diet
• Drug support

Improving the quality of life of cats with CKD is a key aspect of treatment. It involves minimizing symptoms such as nausea and loss of appetite and ensuring the cat remains well hydrated. Water-rich wet food is often recommended to increase fluid intake. In addition, special nutritional supplements can help provide important nutrients that relieve the strain on the kidneys. It is important that cat owners work closely with their veterinarian to develop the best possible treatment plan for their cat and adjust it regularly.

How Flappie can help cat owners with CNI

Flappie 's smart cat flap offers an innovative way to monitor your cat's health, which is especially important if they suffer from chronic kidney failure (CKD). The flap is equipped with a camera and artificial intelligence that can detect when your cat is doing something unusual, such as frequent entry and exit, which can be an indication of increased urination - a common symptom of CKD. In addition, the Flappie app allows you to be notified immediately if unusual activity occurs, so you can react quickly.

In addition to monitoring, the Flappie smart cat flap also offers the ability to keep your cat's environment safe and controlled. This is especially important as stress and environmental factors can affect the health of cats with CKD. Selective access control prevents your cat from bringing home prey, which could pose additional risks for infections. So with Flappie , you can not only better understand your cat's behavior, but also actively contribute to improving their quality of life.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can a cat with CKD live?

The life expectancy of cats with chronic kidney failure (CKD) can vary greatly and depends on several factors, such as the stage of the disease at diagnosis and the effectiveness of treatment. If detected early, cats with CKD can live for many years, especially if they are treated and cared for properly.

What values ​​for CNI cats?

Diagnosing CKD in cats involves checking certain values ​​in the blood and urine. The main tests include blood chemistry to check kidney values ​​such as creatinine and urea, a complete blood count to check for anemia or infections, and a urinalysis to assess the kidneys' ability to concentrate and to detect protein or blood in the urine.