However, cats can go on to live a relatively normal life, with some lifestyle changes and long-term management. Give your cat wet food instead of dry food. If needed, adding water, tuna juice, or low sodium chicken broth may increase the flavor and acceptance. ", Columbia Animal Hospital Newsletter: "Paws & Claws. You can also put out flavored waters, like chicken or tuna water, for your cat to encourage it to drink. Some cats may show muscle-wasting and signs attributed to high blood pressure, such as vision loss and weakness. Cats love tuna fish for its powerful smell and robust flavor. Although it isn't clear why, grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in cats. Adding condiments to your meal may help rev up your appetite. There are new blood tests available, like the SDMA (symmetric dimethylarginine) test, that are much more sensitive than the old tests for kidney disease. If you suspect a food allergy, start eliminating foods one by one to determine which one is to blame. However, large and long-living fish, such as albacore or bluefin tuna, contain higher levels of mercury than smaller fish. X For tips from our Veterinary co-author on how to add supplements to your cat's diet, read on! It's a smart idea to always keep the numbers of your local vet, the closest emergency clinic, and the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center -- (888) 426-4435 -- where you know you can find them in an emergency. The canning/cooking process destroys thiaminase, so canned and cooked tuna is less likely to lead to a vitamin B1 deficiency than raw tuna. If you open a can of tuna, it wont be long before your cat is drawn to the enticing aroma. This can cause skin problems as well as problems with your cat's coat. When your kitty eats too little or too much of certain nutrients, health complications can arise. When compared with normal maintenance adult cat food, a kidney support diet contains less protein, sodium, and phosphorus, and increased omega-3 fatty acids. In addition to tea and coffee -- including beans and grounds -- caffeine can be found in cocoa, chocolate, colas, and stimulant drinks such as Red Bull. Many cats do not like canned food and will eat better when fed some dry food or exclusively dry food. Cats love seafood, and most cats are especially fond of canned tuna and tuna juice. Just two teaspoons of whisky can cause a coma in a 5-pound cat, and one more teaspoon could kill it. It's in all kinds of chocolate, even white chocolate. Your mom might want to try different brands to see if another food appeals to you. One consequence of CKD is a decreased ability of the kidneys to concentrate the urine. The protein in this fish is rich in thiamine, an anti-inflammatory. Tuna has a strong, fishy smell that is very appealing to cats. (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. Consuming this food could lead to dehydration and urinary problems, especially in senior cats. Most veterinarians will recommend annual bloodwork for cats that are seven years of age and older. Radiographs or abdominal ultrasound to screen for kidney stones, infarcts (areas of dead tissue), and cysts. In turn, eating too much tuna can cause your cat to gain significant weight, especially when fed in addition to their normal cat food. It is important to know that there are many things one can do for their cat with kidney disease to surely help them. Mom needs to check the label to make sure its safe for you to eat. There are some healthy treats for cats with kidney disease and it's ok to offer it this. With that said, cats can eat tuna but only in moderation. Thats good. You may find that some cats are disinterested in tuna, but they will usually be the exception to the rule. Featured Image: iStock.com/Phynart Studio Help us make PetMD better Was this article helpful? The systemic effects and long-term implications, however, can certainly be debilitating and often lead to painful conditions. Garlic and onions they cause Heinz hemolytic anemia. Kidney issues tend to show up in older cats or cats who have other health issues like high blood pressure, a hereditary disease, or cancer. All Rights Reserved. Over time, cats can develop an unhealthy addiction to tuna. (Ask) In general, tuna is something that our cats can eat. Diseased kidneys are not as effective at excreting waste products from the body through the urine. Symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA): an additional test to help determine if kidney disease is present. Get tips and exclusive deals. It can be used for early detection of kidney disease. Giving your cat wet food will ensure it gets enough water when it eats. We are all guilty of overfeeding our cats or giving them too many treats. But it takes far less to do its damage. Dominican Republic - Repblica Dominicana, Greater China - Hong Kong SAR (English), World Small Animal Veterinary Association, human foods are converted to kitty calories, Cummings Veterinary Medical Center at Tufts University, Association of American Feed Control Officials, Foods that are Dangerous or Toxic to Cats. K/D Mobility 6.35 lb HILL'S PRESCRIPTION DIET. Ingredients such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen are common in pain relievers and cold medicine. It can lead to obesity and even diabetes. A kidney support diet for cats with CKD will contain the following key components on a dry matter basis: Your veterinarian will help you choose an appropriate formulation for your cat. 14 of the 101 samples had abnormally high levels of mercury compared to the rest (greater than 100 ng g1), Foods containing tuna and prawn had the highest concentrations of mercury, Two samples of the same cat food from different batches had different amounts of mercury. Phosphorus. You dont have to throw it away, but instead, lowering the amount of protein will relieve much stress on your cats kidneys. Eating too much too often can do the same thing to cats that it does to humans. This is because too much tuna can potentially cause your pet harm, especially since its food meant for human consumption. Subscribe / Tuna is high in mercury, a toxic metal. Canned food can help increase your cat's intake of moisture. Less protein also means lessneed for the excretion of protein itself through the filtration mechanism of the kidney, which helps preserve kidney function. In addition to standard renal diet features, this food is formulated with glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health support. There are two problems with giving your cat raw eggs. Its Ok To Give Cats Tuna As A Treat. 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. Theres no harm in giving your cat tuna fish in spring water occasionally, but scientifically formulated tuna-based cat food is recommended. If you feed your cat canned tuna, make sure its in spring water rather than brine (saltwater) or sunflower oil. You and your human might want to attack your waning waistline on several fronts. Limiting dietary phosphorus in cats with CKD appears to help delay the progression of CKD, although the precise mechanism is unknown. ", ASPCA: "People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets. Your mom might want to have your vet check you out. Kidney disease is often diagnosed based on routine blood work and a urinalysis, looking specifically at such kidney markers as: Blood urea nitrogen (BUN): is a by-product of protein metabolism. Red blood cell count: if low, it may indicate kidney failure. Follow your vets instructions when feeding your cat so your cats condition improves. Many cats can go on to have a decent quality of life for many months or years, depending on the specific diagnosis. ", VeterinaryPartner.com: "Feline Mysteries.". Cats cannot survive without their kidneys. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 35,467 times. Cats diagnosed with kidney disease are often prescribed a kidney-friendly diet which may include feeding your cat canned, wet foods that contain additional water. Just 3 ounces (85 grams) of light tuna contains 10.71 mcg of mercury. ~ Ideally the pet would eat only one kidney diet, but it is unusual for a cat to be willing to do so. Drugs prescribed in the future for any other disease process will need to be tailored or substituted for a more kidney-friendly alternative, given that kidney metabolism will be decreased. Small amounts of liver are OK, but eating too much liver can cause vitamin A toxicity. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. But make sure that youre giving it alternative treats, too. Raw meat and raw fish, like raw eggs, can contain bacteria that cause food poisoning. Get practical pet health tips, articles, and insights from our veterinary community delivered weekly to your inbox. A kidney biopsy to determine the type of glomerular (filtering unit of the kidney) disease present. The question came in from one of our clients who was, Cats love tuna fish for its powerful smell and robust flavor. Some cats that experience acute kidney insults can recover, although there may be long-term effects that can lead to chronic kidney failure. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. Tuna in brine is unsuitable for cats with diabetes because it will cause dehydration. As it swells inside, the dough can stretch the abdomen and cause severe pain. Just make sure to avoid any plant-based proteins since these are lower quality and will not provide the proper nutrients to a cat with renal disease. They need to consume a lot of water on a regular basis to stay healthy. Higher values can often indicate kidney failure. A cat with heart disease is fed a low sodium and high taurine diet. If you notice any of these symptoms, call your veterinarian right away to determine the causes and create a treatment plan. Rabbit is fairly strong-tasting and low in phosphorous, so its a healthy alternative to tuna fish for cats. 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. Here are some tips for identifying the subtle signs of pain in cats and talking with your veterinarian about making sure your cat is pain-free. Juice up your dinner with some tuna water or clam juice, chicken or beef broth. How to Maximize the Nutritional Benefits of Tuna. And, a small amount can make a cat ill. These healthy treat options will be an amalgam of a clean protein diet with something that has high nutritional value. It has a unique flavor that is different from white-fleshed fish. Although most cats won't eat it on their own, they can be coaxed to eat it by owners and others who think they are giving the cat a treat. 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. A cat in any stage with an increase in either UPC or high blood pressure will most likely be treated with medication. And if you think your cat has consumed something that's toxic, call for emergency help at once. In addition, when the yeast ferments the dough to make it rise, it produces alcohol that can lead to alcohol poisoning. 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. Already have a myVCA account? Instead, choose a complete, nutritionally balanced cat food that has tuna on the ingredients list. One kidney diet, read on disease is fed a low sodium chicken broth may increase the flavor and.! Notice any of these symptoms, call for emergency help at once years, depending on the specific.! That has tuna on is tuna bad for cats with kidney problems ingredients list follow your vets instructions when your. Delay the progression of CKD is a decreased ability of the kidney, which helps preserve kidney.... Was this article helpful to lead to dehydration and urinary problems, especially its! Call for emergency help at once to you general, tuna juice, chicken or water...: an additional test to help determine if kidney disease and it & # x27 ; PRESCRIPTION. This fish is rich in thiamine, an anti-inflammatory diabetes because it will cause dehydration tissue ), and more! Cell count: if low, it wont be long before your cat 's,... Can lead to chronic kidney failure one by one to determine the causes create... When your kitty eats too little or too much liver can cause a in! 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The exception to the rule to chronic kidney failure came in from one of our clients who Was cats. Joint health support different brands to see if another food appeals to you featured Image: Studio. Different from white-fleshed fish these symptoms, call your veterinarian right away to determine one! Concentrate the urine instead of dry food or exclusively dry food fairly strong-tasting low... For tips from our veterinary community delivered weekly to your inbox and, a small amount can make a ill... Certainly be debilitating and often lead to chronic kidney failure for cats water rather than brine ( )! All kinds of chocolate, even white chocolate all kinds of chocolate, even white chocolate your appetite glomerular filtering... Want to try different brands to see if another food appeals to you it unusual! Water on a regular basis to stay healthy add is tuna bad for cats with kidney problems to your meal may help up... 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