If you're like me, you may view medications as a last resort, due to the possibility of side effects. I would much prefer to take natural substances that support the body's own ability to heal, rather than introduce synthetic chemicals.
So, in addition to medications that your vet may have prescribed, you should know that there are nutritional supplements you may want to consider for your cat with kidney disease. These supplements can help keep important minerals such as calcium and potassium in balance, and may help improve your cat's appetite.
Your vet may tell you about Calcitriol, which is an activated form of vitamin D that helps your cat regulate the absorption and storage of calcium and phosphorus in the bloodstream. In our case, the vet noticed an increase in Michou's calcium levels during one of her blood tests. Calcitriol is a liquid which you can squirt into your cat's mouth using the eyedropper provided. Fortunately, it only requires a very small dose – 0.5 ml. But as you may know, prying open your cat's mouth and squirting something inside is never really a fun time for either party. Especially when kitty starts realizing what's coming. Nevertheless, Calcitriol is thought to be very helpful for cats with kidney failure, especially in the early stages.
Some cats may benefit from a vitamin B complex, particularly one with iron, which may be used to help treat anemia in cats with kidney disease. Some popular vitamin B supplements include Nutrived, Pet-Tinic, Procrit, Epogen, and Aranesp.
Cats that are urinating excessively may suffer from lower levels of potassium. Potassium is involved in many different bodily functions, including fluid balance, protein synthesis, energy, muscle contractions, even control of the heartbeat, to name a few. So your vet may recommend a potassium supplement to bring your cat's potassium levels back into balance. Some common potassium supplements are available in powder, gel, or tablet form. They include Renakare, Tumil-K, Renal K+ powder, Potassium Gluconate powder and an injectible Potassium Chloride supplement that can be mixed with the subcutaneous fluids you may be giving to your cat.
Omega-3 fatty acids may be helpful for cats with compromised kidney function. There is a nutritional supplement called Renafood from Standard Process that contains omega-3s and reportedly helps to maximize kidney function. One important note: Renafood is a supplement for humans with kidney problems.
As I mentioned in the Appetitie Boosters section, you cat may benefit from Probiotic Supplements to help digestion, improve appetite and prevent weight loss. There is a supplement called Renal Advanced from Candioli Pharma, an Italian company, that contains active lactobacillus acidophilus (helpful bacteria), bioflavinoids and other nutrients. One of our vets told us about it. It is a fine powder that can be sprinkled over wet cat food. It was recommended to improve digestion, cut down on nausea, and boost our cat's appetite. So far, it seems to have helped boost Michou's appetite and the amount she eats each day.
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