Kidney check

1. Is your cat drinking more?

Increased drinking can be the first symptom of kidney disease or an indication of another illness. Excessive water intake should therefore always be taken seriously. It is best to note how much water the bowls hold and how often your cat empties them. This information will help your vet to assess the severity of the condition.

2. Is your cat passing urine more frequently or in larger quantities?

Increased urination can indicate various illnesses and is a possible symptom of kidney disease, among other things. It is therefore advisable to have your pet checked by a vet so that you can provide early support. Especially if you have more than one cat, it may not always be immediately apparent that an animal is passing more urine. Close observation of your four-legged friend's habits will help you to make an assessment.

3. Is your cat eating less?

Reduced appetite or a change in eating behavior in cats can indicate a serious problem. If you notice that your cat is eating less, always consult your vet.

4. Is your cat less active or not interested in playing?

Every cat is different and you know your four-legged friend best. However, if your otherwise very active outdoor cat suddenly turns into a sleepy house cat, you should take note, because such changes in everyday behavior usually indicate an underlying problem.

5. Does your cat have a dull, unkempt coat?

The coat and skin are often referred to as the mirror of the soul. This saying is no coincidence, as diseases of the internal organs can lead to metabolic changes or a lack of nutrients. This can be seen externally in the coat or skin.

6. Does your cat vomit frequently?

There are various reasons why cats can vomit. In the case of kidney disease, cats usually become nauseous as the kidneys can no longer do their job properly and toxins accumulate in the blood. As a result, cats vomit or eat less. If your cat vomits regularly, a veterinary check-up is always advisable.

7. Does your cat suffer from diarrhea?

Even if diarrhea is not directly associated with kidney disease at first, you should definitely pay attention to your four-legged friend's stool. This is because the toxins that accumulate in the blood during kidney disease irritate the intestinal mucous membranes and can also cause diarrhea. Diarrhea is also an additional burden, especially in cats with kidney disease, as additional fluid is lost in the feces.

8. Has your cat lost weight?

If an animal loses weight unintentionally, this is a major symptom and should always be taken seriously. For example, 500 g is already 10% of the body weight of a 5 kg cat. Converted, this would be 8 kg for an 80 kg person, i.e. a considerable amount. Any form of weight loss - whether with reduced, normal or increased food intake - indicates a disorder in the body that results in a lack of energy and nutrients. So if your cat is losing weight, you should definitely visit your vet.