As a Tucson cat euthanasia service expert with over 25 years of experience, I have worked with a multitude of pet owners whose cats have kidney disease. I know that the decision to euthanize your cat with kidney disease is an emotionally difficult decision.
Kidney disease in cats, often known as Chronic Kidney Disease, or CKD, can sometimes be managed for months or years with the right medical care. To help you understand how to assess your cat’s quality of life, it is important that you understand the nature and symptoms of feline kidney disease.
In this blog I want to walk you through what CKD is, common ways it affects your cat, and what happens when your cat starts to deteriorate further from this disease. That way you can have a better overall grasp of CKD, and then you will feel more confident about any decisions you need to make.
What is chronic kidney disease (CKD)
The kidney is one of the major organs whose function is to be a waste filtration center. There are two kidneys in the body that exist on the left and right sides in the abdominal area. Through an intricate system, the kidney filters all of the waste byproducts in your cat’s blood. The kidney also returns necessary fluids back to the cat’s body after it filters out unnecessary waste products that are excreted mainly through the cat’s urine. As the kidneys are damaged, waste products build up in the body This produces an excess of toxins in the body and can lead to things like dehydration.
Common signs of kidney disease
- increased thirst
- increased urination
- lethargy
- vomiting
- reclusiveness
- loss of appetite
- muscle weakness, including difficulty walking or standing
- seizures
- strong ammonia odor to their breath
Managing CKD at home
Veterinarians have a toolbox of techniques they are able to use to help you manage CKD in cats at home. Here is a list of best practices that you can consider using in consultation with your veterinarian.
First, a low-protein diet helps your cat’s kidneys to decrease their biochemical workload. There are several commercially available low-protein diets. I suggest you ask your veterinarian about the different options and what they recommend. Sometimes it is difficult to get your cat to eat a special diet. Cats can be very finicky. So your vet might recommend you try a home-cooked version of this special type of diet.
Second, supplements may be given to help regulate their potassium and phosphorus levels. When the kidneys deteriorate the filtration system breaks down, and an excessive amount of potassium is excreted. This causes a physical instability in your cat making them weak and unsteady. While their potassium level becomes depleted, the opposite happens with their phosphorus levels. Phosphorus levels rise as kidney failure progresses and this accelerates the deterioration of the kidneys.
Third, subcutaneous fluids can increase the amount of fluids going to your feline’s kidney. Remember, CKD essentially means that your cat is in a chronic state of dehydration. Subcutaneous fluids can be given either at your veterinarian’s office or your veterinarian can teach you how to do this at home. Whether you can do this at-home treatment somewhat depends on your cat’s temperament. Some cats are easier to work with than other cats that are much more difficult to manage.
When to consider euthanizing your cat with CKD
When you become used to your cat having an impairing condition like CKD, it can be difficult to identify when your cat is doing so poorly they should be euthanized. It is important that you consistently communicate with your regular veterinarian so you two together keep an eye out for any signs of dramatic deterioration. Remember, humane euthanasia can spare them from unnecessary suffering at the end of their life. Here are signs you should look for which can help you identify whether your cat is struggling so much you should consider humane euthanasia:
- increased loss of appetite where they are barely eating or not eating at all
- worsened generalized weakness to the point where the cat is tumbling, falling over or not moving to the point they cannot even get into the litter box
- worsening weight loss to the point where your cat’s skeletal structure is much more visible through their skin
- poor hair coat and decreased self grooming by your cat
- decreased urination due to no longer drinking water
When is it time to euthanize your cat with CKD?
As a mobile vet in Tucson, I know there comes a point in the life of a pet parent when you begin to feel like your cat is suffering too much. Having sat in living rooms with over a thousand pet owners over two decades, I can tell you that I have watched many owners emotionally break down. Having overwhelming emotions is completely normal. Let yourself feel what you are going to feel. There is no one way to feel when you are considering euthanizing your feline. For many people their cat is their best friend.
Your best friend deserves your best love, and sometimes loving your cat in the best way means making sure they do not experience unnecessary pain. Many pet owners struggle to maintain an appropriate boundary between their needs, and the needs of their cat. That is why I created a pet quality of life checklist to help you be a objective as possible, because your cat deserves that. This is understandable because for some people they have been their closest companion. Many people, whether consciously or not, know they are going to feel very lonely without their furry friend at their side. But you must always focus on what is in the best interest of your cat.
Remember, sometimes it’s not just about your cat’s condition, because what also matters is your capabilities with managing all of the symptoms your cat is struggling with. Furthermore, you have to keep your financial status in mind. You obviously want to do everything you can for your cat, but sometimes there are financial limits you must pay attention to so that you do not experience an overwhelming sense of financial insecurity or economic dread.
Remember, your well-being is a primary factor you must keep in mind throughout this whole process. Reach out to those you trust to talk about your thoughts and feelings. And sometimes it’s necessary to talk to a mental health professional as they are professional listeners who have skills with helping you think through this difficult decision process in a clear and objective manner. Here is a list of resources you may find helpful.
If the time comes to humanely euthanize your pet, and you do not know how to find the best in home in home pet euthanasia veterinarian, here is a list of 7 questions to ask. Also, here is a link to a page I created so you can see how to make the euthanasia process as special as possible.
If the time comes to humanely euthanize your pet, and you do not know how to find the best in home in home pet euthanasia veterinarian.