by KYW’s Nan Talleno

Feline Chronic Renal Failure or CRF is very common in older cats of all breeds and may unfortunately be the most common cause of death in senior cats. It is an extremely serious chronic condition resulting in irreversible deterioration of kidney functions.

Symptoms to watch for may include loss of appetite, weight loss, excessive thirst and urination, difficulty urinating, vomiting, dullness of coat and overall lack of interest in grooming. If you notice any of these symptoms, take your cat to the vet immediately as many times these symptoms may not be noticeable until the later stages of the illness. Have your cat tested as soon as possible as this disease is progressive. You may notice lethargic behavior, weakness and disorientation when walking too.

When the kidneys fail, they are they are impaired and incapable to filter and remove waste products and toxins built up in the blood. This can be fatal. Most cases prove no particular reason why this occurs. Most often, the treatment is in managing the disease.

It is crucial for the cat diagnosed with CRF to be hydrated with a good amount of water daily and consume a low protein, low phosphate diet. Your veterinarian can offer the proper diet for this special need.