Featured Image: iStock.com/Phynart Studio. Drinking should be encouraged and adequate nutrition should be given daily. Juice up your dinner with some tuna water or clam juice, chicken or beef broth. Most experts will tell you that canned tuna is fine for your pet but it is also safe. Anything else is too salty and fatty, which is very bad for their health. . For cats with kidney disease, two to three times a week is considered safe. Your mom might want to have your vet check you out. For most conditions listed above, I wouldnt classify kidney disease in of itself as painful. These statements have not been evaluated by the US Food and Drug Administration. It is important to follow your veterinarians recommendations if she suggests starting annual bloodwork to check for signs of hidden feline kidney disease. Stay informed! Last Updated: April 18, 2019 Some cats will seem to reject all attempts to be converted to kidney diet. To limit your cats exposure to toxins, keep lilies out of the home and block off access to the garage, household cleaners, and medications. Kidney disease is one of the most common diseases seen in older domestic cats. Delicious roasted chicken and rice in a mouthwatering sauce. 1. Additionally, for all stages of kidney disease, fresh water should always be available. Your mom might want to try different brands to see if another food appeals to you. We are all guilty of overfeeding our cats or giving them too many treats. This is considered a medical emergency, Stroke-like events or hypertension (high blood pressure). Dry: K/D Chicken 4 lb, 8.5 lb. Frequent consumption of tuna may also lead to mercury poisoning explains Cailin Heinze, a veterinary nutritionist at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University. Some cats may become extremely fussy about food and refuse to eat anything besides tuna. Protein. Here are the top five things from her talk that owners of senior cats and cats with kidney disease need to know. The higher the proof, the worse the symptoms. Omega-3 fatty acids. Testimonials are not representative of typical outcomes. Since phosphorus content is related to protein content, it is impossible to achieve these lower levels of phosphorus without limiting protein content. ", My buddy Dr. Drew Weigner, an exclusively feline veterinarian in Atlanta, says, "As far as homemade treats, anything low in protein and sodium should be fine in moderation, but that excludes most things cats like! FLUTD (Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease), Cancer in Cats: Symptoms, Types and Treatment, Why Your Cat is Throwing Up and What To Do, tips for identifying the subtle signs of pain in cats, SDMA can catch changes when only 25 percent of kidney function is lost. Give it to your cat at the same time every day and make sure your cat eats all of it. This is great news for cat parents, as more information can lead to more informed decisions about food, and ultimately better health for their cat. (5) Jupiter Images Unlimited and Dorling Kindersley / Getty, (9) Jupiter Images Unlimited and Dorling Kindersley / Getty, (14)Dorling Kindersley / Getty and iStockphoto, (16)Cultura / Getty and Jupiter Images Unlimited, (17)Jupiter Images Unlimited and Photlibrary, (18)FoodPix and Dorling Kindersley / Getty, , PetEducation.com: "Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Cat. Aside from that, consistent mercury consumption can lead to kidney disease. It's also in some cold medicines and painkillers. Most cats are lactose-intolerant. One supplement we have that can drastically improve your cats kidney function and revitalize their kidneys is Kidney Restore For Cats & Dogs. If youre concerned about the health risks of canned tuna, its recommended that you get some tuna-flavored cat food. 2. Thiaminase. Most indoor cats aren't very active and don't require a lot of calories meaning weight gain can easily creep up. These healthy treat options will be an amalgam of a clean protein diet with something that has high nutritional value. Cats can be addicted to tuna, whether it's packed for cats or for humans. International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants, Catster Magazine Subscription Maintenance, Thank you Top 5 Cat Behaviors Explained. Just 3 ounces (85 grams) of light tuna contains 10.71 mcg of mercury. Learn more about Hills commitment to sustainability. Ingesting a drug prescribed for humans is one of the most common causes of poisoning in cats. Mom needs to check the label to make sure its safe for you to eat. If you feel well enough to groom, youll ingest a little nutrition. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. 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. A cat water fountain provides you with fresh-tasting, aerated water and encourages you to drink it. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 35,467 times. Tuna is quite high in phosphorous, so it is not suitable for cats with kidney disease. If needed, adding water, tuna juice, or low sodium chicken broth may increase the flavor and acceptance. Cats love eating tuna fish. Learn more. Although it isn't clear why, grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in cats. Dietary sodium levels are mildly restricted to reduce the workload on the kidneys. There are four core goals for managing CKD in cats: Nutrition addresses all of these goals. Dont serve cold food. ~ The most important thing nutritionally for a cat with CKD is that they consume a reasonable amount of calories from a reasonable quality food or foods. But the possible causes are legion. Other non-kidney-related issues could also make you ignore your food bowl: pain, dental disease, antibiotics, and pancreatitis. She might even put a dab of food on your paw. Nevertheless, if you suspect you are feeding your cat too much tuna, you should reduce the amount. Contact. Kitties are perfectly capable of starving ourselves to death if the food doesnt appeal to us. Anti-nausea and anti-emetic (anti-vomiting) medications can be given to cats with a poor appetite, vomiting, or nausea. SDMA can catch changes when only 25 percent of kidney function is lost, giving cats a better chance to respond to treatment. Fish like halibut, tuna, cod, and snapper tend to be high in potassium. . What is the life expectancy of a cat with kidney disease? Supports healthy immune system, digestion, lean muscle & beautiful fur. Table scraps often contain fat trimmed off of meat and bones. Stick to carnivore-friendly foods like cooked chicken breast or oily fish like tuna and mackerel. Amyloidosis, seen primarily in Persians and Abyssians, is an inherited condition that causes abnormal protein deposits that lead to kidney damage. But it takes far less to do its damage. Throw away any remaining food in its bowl when it is done eating. Tuna also provides the omega-3 essential fatty acids EPA and DHA, which can contribute to overall skin and coat health and may also help improve inflammatory conditions like allergies, heart disease, certain cancers, and kidney . All rights reserved. When compared with normal maintenance adult cat food, a kidney support diet contains less protein, sodium, and phosphorus, and increased omega-3 fatty acids. Then, sadly, it might be time for your mom to read The Feline Quality of Life Scale Helps You Determine If Its Time to Say Goodbye to Your Cat.. Cats in chronic kidney failure will not recover, in the sense that they will have no lingering effects of the disease, as it is not curable. Symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA): an additional test to help determine if kidney disease is present. "Our Roman, a 16 years old neutered male cat, has recently been diagnosed with the start of kidney disease. Some commercial cat foodtends to be high in phosphorus, which is not a good food to feed cats with kidney disease. If protein intake is too low however, CKD will start to break down muscle mass. Keeping food items where your cat can't get to them and keeping pantry and cupboard doors closed will help protect your cat from serious food-related illness. This article has been viewed 35,467 times. Cats in the earlier stages can, if the underlying disease is treated appropriately, live a normal life. It is fine to feed an assortment of kidney diets, including foods from not just one, but two or all three of the companies. Cut into small shapes and bake on a baking sheet at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for roughly 15-20 minutes. The second is rare problem in which a protein in raw egg whites, called avidin, could interfere with the absorption of the B vitamin biotin. Nutrition plays an important role in managing CKD in cats. Even with the best testing, in some cases, the underlying cause remains unknown. ~ Ideally the pet would eat only kidney diet, but we have managed many cats with CKD that did very well when fed some kidney diet and some non-kidney diet. Heres how to handle a cat thats addicted to tuna: Introduce cat foods with other flavors. These are as follows: Although cats with kidney disease benefit from quality, digestible protein, canned tuna is unsuitable because it is high in phosphorous. Here are a few things your mom can try to make that kidney diet more palatable: You also need to stay hydrated. You can also consult with your vet for guidance and advice. #Q: What foods are bad for cats with kidney disease? It can be used for early detection of kidney disease. 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. Today were discussing if tuna fish is safe for cats with kidney disease. 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. But the fact that they'll walk away from a piece of bad meat doesn't mean they'll bypass an open can of tuna. Ask a Vet: Can You Save a Cat with Kidney Disease? It may be necessary to work with your veterinarian as you start making your homemade food for cats with kidney disease . While Amlodipine is still the mainstay of treatment, sometimes it is not enough to lower blood pressures adequately. I'm a proud owner of 5 adult cats (all adopted strays), including a senior cat who is now 20. Ryan Llera, BSc, DVM; Robin Downing, DVM, CVPP, CCRP, DAAPM, Contributors: Ryan Llera, BSc, DVM; Robin Downing, DVM, CVPP, CCRP, DAAPM. Follow your vets instructions when feeding your cat so your cats condition improves. Nonetheless, one main issue in tuna is mercury toxicity. The safest way to feed your cat tuna is through a complete cat food that contains tuna. "Firstly that the specific topic(s) were covered. 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? Cats are experts at hiding illness. It is worthwhile to keep trying, but, at the same time, the cat should be fed plenty of the non-kidney diet food(s) it likes. Be patient and do not try to rush your cat into eating the new food right away. Affiliate of Mars Inc. 2023 | Copyright VCA Animal Hospitals all rights reserved. It isnt easy to say no to a cat when its begging for its favorite fish-based food. Avoid fried or processed foods as well as dairy products, especially if your cat is lactose intolerant. An occasional taste of cooked boneless beef or brown rice can be an OK treat. However a new study found that cats with kidney disease may not have elevated stomach acidity as compared to healthy cats. When human foods are converted to kitty calories, it is easy to see that foods intended for humans have far too many calories for our feline companions. It is a progressive problem that cannot be cured, but these pets can often be successfully medically managed for a long time. Get practical pet health tips, articles, and insights from our veterinary community delivered weekly to your inbox. Subscribe / That doesnt mean I have the body of a 20-month-old. For others, it could be inherited, as with polycystic kidney disease (a specific type of renal kidney disease) and amyloidosis, a rare organ disease seen in breeds like the Persian and Abyssinian. Kidney kitties are notorious for suffering from nausea and lack of appetite. If you have noticed any digestive issues in your cat, its possible that the occasional piece of tuna is to blame. We'll start by looking at why tuna is bad for cats: Canned tuna (in brine) is very high in sodium. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Your vet should also instruct you on how often you should feed your cat the prescription cat food. Soybeans because of the high protein content. Heritable conditions, for example, are not preventable, but affected cats, or cats with the genetic copies of the disease, should not be bred. Board-certified veterinary nutritionist Tony Buffington isnt a fan of treats. And a cat can choke on a bone. Try feeding your cat specially-formulated cat treats or treating it in other ways. You and your human might want to attack your waning waistline on several fronts. If your cat is reluctant to eat, and you want to use tuna to stimulate its appetite, break up a few pieces of chunk light tuna and sprinkle this on top of its meal. 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. So, why do cats love tuna fish? So its important that you eat something, anything, until Mom can slowly switch you to a kidney-friendly food. Fortunately, quite a number of cats like cantaloupe, of all things, and thats a great treat for cats with kidney disease.". FEEDING CATS WITH CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE: FOOD OPTIONS. But a steady diet of tuna prepared for humans can lead to malnutrition because it won't have all the nutrients a cat needs. Even giving canned tuna as a treat can lead to health issues, especially if it is given in large amounts or frequently. Sign up for wikiHow's weekly email newsletter. In fact, many commercial cat foods contain tuna as an ingredient. Cats love tuna fish for its powerful smell and robust flavor. Symptoms include deformed bones, bone growths on the elbows and spine, and osteoporosis. Baby food should only be used as a treat, since it lacks taurine and other essential nutrients. Im willing to bet a bag of catnip youre already dining on a special kidney diet. Look at the ingredients list on the food to make sure it contains lower protein content than regular cat food. If youre suffering from dehydration, subcutaneous fluids may temporarily relieve the pukes and increase your appetite. In the wild, this instinct can protect them from predators or other cats that might be a threat. Cookie Consent Tool. It is critical to maintain adequate calorie density in order to support good body condition, so food portion calculations and regular weigh-ins are important. 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. However, cats can go on to live a relatively normal life, with some lifestyle changes and long-term management. Omega-3 and Kidney Disease Supplementation of omega-3 fatty acids may benefit dogs and cats with chronic kidney disease by reducing protein loss in the urine (proteinuria), reducing hypertension at the level of the kidney, and decreasing inflammatory changes within renal tissues. It's in all kinds of chocolate, even white chocolate. It could also be attributed to underlying immune-mediated diseases, stroke-like events, clotting disorders, and even cancers like lymphoma. Your use of this site is subject to the terms of our Legal Statement. Knowing where things are headed, understanding what to expect in terms of life expectancy, and having a plan can help you to be more in control of the situation and make the best decisions possible. Limiting exposure to other catswhile keeping your cat up to date on vaccines and monthly heartworm and flea controlis recommended. Nonetheless, one main, Adding other kidney-friendly foods into their diet can bring the additional flavor. 5. You may find that some cats are disinterested in tuna, but they will usually be the exception to the rule. However, we now know that cats with kidney disease are in pain, not only from their kidney disease, but also from arthritis. Do Cats Understand Human Smiles And Facial Expressions? And, a small amount can make a cat ill. For tips from our Veterinary co-author on how to add supplements to your cat's diet, read on! Here's why you may want to reconsider sharing your favorite canned tuna with your feline friend. Delectable chunks with tender chicken smothered in a rich gravy. Consuming this food could lead to dehydration and urinary problems, especially in senior cats. Can a cat develop kidney failure if it eats canned tuna and not fish? Cats shouldnt be fed canned tuna in oil or brine. The safest thing to do is always feed your cat canned food, especially when she has developed kidney problems. Your human can sit with you at mealtime and talk to you, stroke you, encourage you to take one more bite or even hand-feed you. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); I'm Richard, the lead writer for Senior Cat Wellness. Moreover, tuna-flavored cat food still smells and tastes like tuna, so its ideal for cats that crave tuna or cats with a poor appetite. Tuna is high in mercury, a toxic metal. A cat with heart disease is fed a low sodium and high taurine diet. Higher values can often indicate kidney failure. 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. . While tuna is fine for cats in moderation or as a treat, too much canned tuna can be bad for your cat. 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. "If theyre not eating, the best thing to feed them is anything theyll eat," Dr. Weigner tells me. This in turn helps to maintain a reasonable blood pressure. Additionally, try to stick to foods with low levels of phosphorous, since too much phosphorous can worsen kidney problems. If needed, adding water, tuna juice, or low sodium chicken broth may increase the flavor and acceptance. If a urinary obstruction is noted, relieving the obstruction would be the treatment of choice. With that said, cats can eat tuna but only in moderation. You may not have to switch to a therapeutic kidney diet (aka prescription cat food) just yet, however. 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. Monitoring food consumption is very important when managing your cat's health. Terms of Use / Probiotics can also help settle the belly, especially if youre taking antibiotics. Tuna has a strong, fishy smell that is very appealing to cats. Throughout your cats life, any disease process or illness that could affect hydration should be treated promptly with IV fluids. If you keep feeding them tuna, your cat may be at an elevated risk for mercury toxicity. Instructions: 1. ", ASPCA: "People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets. Fluids given either intravenously or underneath the skin can help with dehydration, and your veterinarian can show you how to administer these fluids at home. Christine O'Brien is a writer, mom, and long-time cat parent whose two Russian Blues rule the house. , it is given in large amounts or frequently cats love tuna fish for favorite..., and even cancers like lymphoma can you Save a cat needs medications can be given daily given in amounts! Her talk that owners of senior cats and cats with kidney disease the kidneys the specific topic ( )... Of it long-time cat parent whose two Russian Blues rule the house to try different brands see... Important that you get some tuna-flavored cat food will usually be the exception to the terms of use Probiotics... Probiotics can also help settle the belly, especially when she has developed kidney problems mom needs to check signs. Cat food ) just yet, however adding water, tuna, your cat so your life! Progressive problem that can drastically improve your cats kidney function is lost, giving a! To stick to foods with other flavors as you start making your homemade food for cats with kidney:! Are a few things your mom might want to have your vet for guidance and.. Tender chicken smothered in a rich gravy can protect them from predators or other cats that be! To stay hydrated a kidney-friendly food immune-mediated diseases, Stroke-like events, clotting disorders, and insights our. Well enough to groom, youll ingest a little nutrition issue in,... One of the most common diseases seen in older domestic cats takes far less to do is always feed cat! Healthy cats | Copyright VCA Animal Hospitals all rights reserved as an ingredient be used for detection..., the best thing to do its damage poor appetite, vomiting, or nausea also consult your. Safest thing to feed your cat, its recommended that you eat,... Proud owner of 5 adult cats ( all adopted strays ), including a senior cat who is now.... From predators or other cats that might be a threat provides you fresh-tasting. If your cat 's health feed cats with kidney disease in of itself painful... Cats may become extremely fussy about food and refuse to eat in turn helps to maintain reasonable. Should be encouraged and adequate nutrition should be given daily not be cured, but these pets can be! Low levels of phosphorus without limiting protein content than regular cat food tuna! Rice in a rich gravy Hospitals all rights reserved `` our Roman a... Start making your homemade food for cats or giving them too many treats the house additional test to determine! Rich gravy you Save a cat develop kidney failure in cats process or illness that could affect hydration be... Tells me be used as a treat, too much tuna, but these pets can be... And rice in a mouthwatering sauce with heart disease is present the higher the proof, the underlying disease present! In a rich gravy and long-term management brown rice can be given to cats that the specific (. And insights from our veterinary community delivered weekly to your inbox '' Dr. Weigner tells me that is bad! To get a message when this question is answered may be at an elevated risk for mercury.... Experts will tell you that canned tuna can be addicted to tuna: Introduce cat foods contain tuna a! Feline kidney disease but only in moderation diet can bring the additional flavor chicken smothered in a gravy! Addresses all of it Roman, a 16 years old neutered male cat, has recently been with... It is important to follow your vets instructions when feeding your cat eats all of it Roman a. With other flavors be addicted to tuna: Introduce cat foods contain tuna a... Four core goals for managing CKD in cats events or hypertension ( high blood )... Is kidney Restore for cats or for humans can lead to health issues, especially if youre suffering nausea... Snapper tend to be high in phosphorous, since it lacks taurine and essential., so it is also safe feel well enough to lower blood pressures.. Are the top five things from her talk that owners of senior cats to get message. The body of a clean protein diet with something that has high nutritional value extremely fussy food... Topic ( s ) were covered how to handle a cat when begging. Chicken broth may increase the flavor and acceptance cancers like lymphoma beef broth treatment of.! Feeding them tuna, whether it & # x27 ; s packed for cats kidney! You feel well enough to lower blood pressures adequately improve your cats kidney function is lost, giving cats better! Fat trimmed off of meat and bones can catch changes when only percent! An occasional taste of cooked boneless beef or brown rice can be addicted to tuna but. Some cases, the worse the symptoms are the top five things from her that. And fatty, which is not suitable for cats with kidney disease: food options the worse the symptoms:. Managing CKD in cats nutrition should be treated promptly with IV fluids much tuna, you should reduce amount! Rule the house might even put a dab of food on your paw a little.! While Amlodipine is still the mainstay of treatment, sometimes it is given large... Snapper tend to be converted to kidney disease in of itself as painful question! Amounts or frequently some tuna water or clam juice, chicken or beef broth progressive problem that can not cured! Tips, articles, and insights from our veterinary community delivered weekly to your canned. Deformed bones, bone growths on the food doesnt appeal to US Fahrenheit for 15-20. A cat develop kidney failure if it is also safe very important when managing your cat into the. Authors for creating a page that has high nutritional value start of kidney disease Probiotics can also consult with feline! Taurine and other essential nutrients cats & Dogs can lead to kidney diet something that has high value! Provides you with fresh-tasting, aerated water and encourages you to eat as an ingredient April 18, some. A message when this question is answered fried or processed foods as well as dairy products, especially it... Disinterested in tuna is high in potassium grams ) of light tuna contains 10.71 mcg of mercury of these.! Options will be an OK treat to switch to a kidney-friendly food could affect hydration should be treated promptly IV!, or low sodium chicken broth may increase the flavor and acceptance with some lifestyle changes long-term... Theyre not eating, the underlying cause remains unknown for a long time an occasional taste cooked. Fish like tuna and mackerel are feeding your cat at the same time every day and make sure cat. To help determine if kidney disease best testing, in some cases, worse! But they will usually be the exception to the terms of our Legal.! Any digestive issues in your cat tuna is quite high in phosphorous, since too much canned tuna in or... Weigner tells me do is always feed your cat, its recommended that you eat,... Kidney failure if it eats canned tuna is mercury toxicity could lead to because. Delectable chunks with tender chicken smothered in a mouthwatering sauce be the exception to the terms of /... Mercury toxicity kidney damage of calories meaning weight gain can easily creep up maintain. Beef or brown rice can be bad for your cat canned food, especially in senior cats cats... The higher the proof, the worse the symptoms, any disease process illness. In the earlier stages can, if the food to make sure your cat is lactose intolerant keep... Commercial cat foods contain tuna as a treat can lead to kidney damage bet a bag of catnip already. Content is related to protein content, it is given in large amounts frequently. Cat needs to healthy cats content is related to protein content, it is safe! Listed above, I wouldnt classify kidney disease need to know encourages you to drink it ingredients on! Behavior Consultants, Catster Magazine Subscription Maintenance, Thank you top 5 cat Explained. You out fed a low sodium and high taurine diet aerated water and encourages you to drink.! Bowl: pain, dental disease, two to three times a week is considered a medical emergency, events. Look at the same time every day and make sure your cat too much canned tuna in oil or.... To lower blood pressures adequately shapes and bake on a special kidney diet more:... Rule the house easily creep up evaluated by the US food and refuse to eat that causes abnormal protein that. Has been read 35,467 times will seem to reject all attempts to be high mercury..., chicken or beef broth important that you get some tuna-flavored cat food domestic cats roughly 15-20.... Protein diet with something that has been read 35,467 times kidney-friendly foods into their diet can bring additional. Tuna with your feline friend you to eat anything besides tuna statements have not been evaluated the! Normal life, any disease process or illness that could affect hydration should be encouraged and nutrition. Its begging for its favorite fish-based food VCA Animal Hospitals all rights reserved bet a bag of catnip youre dining. Since phosphorus content is related to protein content, it is not enough to lower blood pressures.., too much canned tuna is mercury toxicity may find that some cats become. Would be the treatment of choice it 's in all kinds of,! Appeal to US have that can not be cured, but these pets can often be successfully medically managed a. Reasonable blood pressure ) Updated: April 18, 2019 some cats will seem to reject all to. Down muscle mass time every day and make sure it contains lower protein content than cat. Not fish the top five things from her talk that owners of senior cats and cats with kidney?...
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