What is uremia in cats?
Every cat owner is primarily concerned about their cat’s health. As is known, this is a priority issue that should always be kept in mind when taking care of a cat. However, there are situations when a cat becomes ill. One of the commonly occurring feline diseases is so-called uremia. Uremia, or renal failure, is a chronic disease that affects the cat’s kidneys. Cats are much more susceptible to this condition than, for example, dogs. This fact results from the physiology of cats. Additionally, this disease most often affects adult cats over the age of 7. This article will present the symptoms of this disease, causes, and treatment options.
Uremia in Cats – Causes
First of all, it is worth considering what the causes of uremia are. It may happen that there are simply congenital defects that cannot be avoided. Recurrent bladder infections in cats or less common cases of poisoning by chemical substances can also lead to its development. The diet of our pet may also influence the onset of this disease. This diet is high in meat because cats are carnivorous animals. At the same time, meat contains high amounts of phosphorus, and an increased amount of this element negatively affects kidney function, which does not properly eliminate urea. Urea plays a significant role here. It is a toxin formed in the cat’s liver, which is then eliminated by the kidneys. In cases where the cat’s kidneys are not functioning properly – urea is not eliminated from the body and thus accumulates in it, leading to poisoning and the onset of uremia.
Uremia in Cats – Symptoms
Regarding the symptoms of this disease, it is primarily a significantly increased frequency of urination by the cat. Additionally, the cat is lethargic and has a decreased appetite. There may also be vomiting. Unfortunately, the first serious symptoms of this disease appear only when three-quarters of the kidney tissue has already been attacked and damaged.
Uremia in Cats – Final Stage
In the final stage of the disease, cats lose a lot of weight because they have no appetite at all. It is also common to see ulcerations in the oral cavity. In the case of black-furred cats, the fur may become brownish. Additionally, a very characteristic feature is the unpleasant breath of the cat. Unfortunately, the devastation in the cat’s body caused by this disease is irreversible. Cats with chronic renal failure are terminally ill due to permanent changes.
As can be seen, uremia is a very severe, chronic disease that unfortunately may not manifest for a long time. Thus, a cat guardian who makes every effort and takes proper care of their pet may simply not notice that something is wrong. Unfortunately, when the symptoms of the disease are already visible, it may often be too late for any rescue for the animal. Therefore, it is worth taking the cat for a check-up with the veterinarian if we notice changes in our pet’s behavior. Such a visit will certainly not harm, and it can often help.