Renal Kidney Failure in Cats – Three words that strike fear in the hearts of older cats everywhere.
As I write this, I’m lying here, twiddling my fingers (?), staring out through vertical bars.
Yup. I’m in the slammer.
Had a rough night on Wednesday so my Humans thought it best to drag my furry behind in to see good ol’ Doc. I like Her; my Doc. She lives with 5 Cats. That speaks quite highly of Her, don’t you think?
Anyway, now I’m nibbling on some pretty darn good slop and trying to ignore the thing on my arm.
If you don’t know what Renal Kidney Failure in Cats is, also known as CRF (Chronic Renal Failure), here’s a quick lesson courtesy of my friends over at FelineCRF.com:
And I quote…
“Approximately 200,000 tiny structures (nephrons) in the kidneys eliminate waste products and regulate electrolytes in the body. CRF results when these nephrons begin to die off and waste products and electrolytes can no longer be processed effectively. The waste then accumulates in the cat’s body. In effect, a cat in CRF is being poisoned by the waste that the kidneys are unable to filter. Electrolyte imbalances, anemia and blood pressure problems may also occur as the kidneys continue to deteriorate.”
Okay, here is a list of the symptoms to watch for; again courtesy of my friends at FelineCRF.com (I left off a few symptoms, frankly, because it just got too much for me to handle in my weakened condition):
“Even with diet control, drugs and fluid therapy, you will eventually see at least some of the symptoms on the following list. Not all cats will exhibit all symptoms.”
- Excessive urination
- Increased thirst
- Nausea and gagging
- Licking lips
- Grinding or cracking sound in jaw
- Vomiting (both clear/foamy liquid and food)
- Drooling
- Dehydration
- Hunching over the water bowl
- Stomach irritation
- Constipation
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Muscle wasting
- Emaciation
- Poor hair coat
- Halitosis (ammonia smell)
- Lethargy
- Sensitivity to sound
- Eating litter
- Weakness
- Depression
- Oral ulcers
So, when should our Humans consider us sick enough to go to the vet? That’s a good question. I, for one, feel a lot of stress when I go to see the vet. Don’t get me wrong; I like Doc. But, it’s the whole “white coat syndrome” with me, you know? I behave pretty well, just growl and snarl enough so they know I’m feeling like myself, but I’m still not a fan.
Anyway, here I am, staring through the bars, enjoying my semi-solitude, but not enjoying this thing they’ve got wrapped around my arm. hmmmm…
But, even though I say I’m laying here in abject misery, I feel a whole lot better than I felt yesterday.
My Humans came to see me today and, by the look on their faces, I’m guessing I am on the road to recovery. I’m happy for them, because dang they love me! Well, of course.
This is only my second go-around with this kidney stuff and I’m recovering pretty well.
On a positive note, I got to try some new food this time which I’m liking (note to my Humans… buy some of this stuff.)
I’ll keep you posted when I get home (they’re about ready to take away my laptop) sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
