We believe my once-“baby” stray cat is now about 17 years old. He’s had digestive problems for several years but no cause found. Treatment with usual hair ball remedies.
Then in 2008, we see he’s lost weight. Sept 2008 blood tests showed he might be going into kidney failure and he had lost 2 pounds. Regarding the vomiting, Vet stated older cats often poorly digest dry food. Recommended wet food, which we have done; 1 can a day.
Cat is eating much better and rarely throws up now; he drinks a normal amount of water. But he has almost no fat now on his haunches; I can feel and see every bone down his spine. Also, he is itching severely x1 week; even just to touch his neck triggers his rear leg to start scratching. No fleas; a strictly indoor cat. It is winter and we have dry heat, but I also know itching could be a sign of kidney issues. How can I help him itch less?
I don’t want him miserable or expending energy and fat reserves unnecessarily. And I’m not ready yet for “my baby” to die (from old age or illness). How can I support his health and promote weight gain in my elderly cat, while also supporting his aged & ailing kidneys?
Can you also discuss care and medical needs of senior/elderly cats, please?
Thank you.
There are many things that can be done for your cat. Please email or better yet call me
Blessings,
Dyanna McCain, DIHom DVetHom
Holistic Animal Healing
Los Angeles, CA
Sounds like your baby is having some life changes, as we all do. Poor dear! It’s important to work closely with your vet now . Your vet has identified renal problams with blood work which were probably confirmed with a urinalysis. Also assume at your cat’s age, that your vet has tested the thyroid gland as well? If not, this should be done since the symptoms for hyperthyroidism and renal failure are pretty similar : vomitting, weight loss, excessive thirst and urination, elevated BUN in blood.
Dietary changes are important for cats entering into renal insufficiency. Your vet can recommend the proper diet. You can also supplement with Azodyl to lower the amount of nitrogenous waste products in the blood and Omega-3 fatty acid supplements for anti-inflamatory effects, and to soothe the skin.
Just remember, both diseases require careful monitoring and clear communication between the vet and pet owner since the pet cannot speak for herself.
Good luck!
Dr. Deborah Harris, DVM Kitty Corner Cat Clinic Newport, RI
excellent advise from both the above comments. in addition, adding digestive enzymes and probiotics help “balance” the gut and aid digestion of the food. the intestine “ages” as well, so it doesn’t function as well. feline enteric support by standard process is a good one. animal essentials probiotics and enzymes is another
increase the fat content and protein content of the food. yes, I know traditional vets want low protein for kidney, but using azodyl and enalapril will help prevent kidney problems. in addition, several homeopathics and glandulars for the cat are available. you get between a rock and a hard place here, need protein for the muscles, but overdue it and damage kidney. you need a holistic vet to balance this out preferably