However, its unlikely that the occasional portion would cause any health problems. 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. So now theyre sick and not eating well, and made to eat a diet that you dont particularly like. 17 Foods to Avoid or Limit If You Have Bad Kidneys. So its important that you eat something, anything, until Mom can slowly switch you to a kidney-friendly food. Tuna allergy symptoms include intense scratching, flatulence, hyperactivity, and vomiting. Be patient and do not try to rush your cat into eating the new food right away. However, canned tuna is high in sodium. Although tuna is a healthy snack for most cats, for some cats it can cause problems. The simple answer is that cats are attracted to tuna. A few things that do not appear in the veterinary textbooks or on the food label, that we have learned over years of managing cats with CKD: ~ Ideally the pet would be fed only canned food because of the benefit of higher moisture content. Start treating your cat in other ways. Phosphorus binders may be prescribed to treat high phosphorus levels. Diseased kidneys are not as effective at excreting waste products from the body through the urine. For tips from our Veterinary co-author on how to add supplements to your cat's diet, read on! Limiting exposure to other catswhile keeping your cat up to date on vaccines and monthly heartworm and flea controlis recommended. While the other kitties in the house may think your kidney cuisine is positively delectable, you turn your nose up at it. Early diagnosis and intervention are keys to maintaining quality of life. But a steady diet of tuna prepared for humans can lead to. Most savvy cat owners know that their feline needs to eat a high-quality diet rich in protein, but what about cats with kidney disease? Remember Im not a vet, but I watch Animal Planet. If a urinary obstruction is noted, relieving the obstruction would be the treatment of choice. Supports healthy immune system, digestion, lean muscle & beautiful fur. All rights reserved. Tuna is high in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and B vitamins, but it lacks many nutrients that cats need to stay healthy. Ask Einstein: Im a Cat with Kidney Disease; What Can I Eat? Studies show that cats with kidney disease who start receiving therapy early tend to do better, have a better quality of life and live longer. Garlic and onions they cause Heinz hemolytic anemia. They conserve water and protein and play an important role in maintaining blood pressure and red blood cell production by making a hormone called erythropoietin. Kittens grow a lot in their first year, so it is important to provide them with the proper nutrients early, so they grow up healthy and strong. The systemic effects and long-term implications, however, can certainly be debilitating and often lead to painful conditions. Electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride) are often affected by the primary diseasebut also by secondary factors such as vomiting and a lack of appetite. Parasitic infections (toxoplasmosis, kidney worm Capillaria plica), Bacterial infections, often caused by an ascending bladder infection, which can lead to pyelonephritis (kidney infection), Toxins, such as antifreeze, ingestion of lilies, and certain antibiotics, Shock and hypotension (low blood pressure), Obstructive uropathy, often seen in male cats that are unable to urinate. Stay informed! Make sure to change your cats diet gradually over a few weeks so it can get used to the new food. The sodium in brine can cause dehydration, and excessive sunflower or olive oil consumption can cause diarrhea. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment. The problem is that tuna is naturally very high in mercury. Tuna can become addictive to cats due to its rich texture and strong aroma. Its OK to treat your cat with tasty foods, like tuna. Calcium: elevated levels, though not as common, are often seen with kidney damage. It is important to know that there are many things one can do for their cat with kidney disease to surely help them. Unfortunately theres no cure for CRF, but a diet low in sodium and phosphorus may slow down the loss of kidney function. veterinarian has been very informative. Today were discussing if tuna fish is safe for cats with kidney disease. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 35,467 times. Just like in humans, obesity in cats contributes to health concerns such as diabetes, urinary disease, arthritis, and inflammation, reports Cummings Veterinary Medical Center at Tufts University. There are some healthy treats for cats with kidney disease and it's ok to offer it this. Cats love tuna fish for its powerful smell and robust flavor. Consomm contains too much sodium. Her work also appears in Care.com, What to Expect, and Fit Pregnancy, where she writes about pets, pregnancy, and family life. ", Today. The Merck Veterinary Manual lists fish as a top food allergen for cats, noting that common signs of an allergic reaction include itching, hair loss, red or swollen skin and red bumps. It's important to be aware of your potassium because your kidneys can't filter it. ", VeterinaryPartner.com: "Feline Mysteries.". But make sure that youre giving it alternative treats, too. Your cat will see an open can of tuna next to the sink as a dinner invitation. Moreover, tuna-flavored cat food still smells and tastes like tuna, so its ideal for cats that crave tuna or cats with a poor appetite. Bones can also splinter and cause an obstruction or cut the insideof your cat's digestive system. Tuna is high in protein and low in carbohydrates and as tuna is a fish, it provides our cats with omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids (EFA's) which are good for skin and coat health. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d7\/Feed-a-Cat-with-Kidney-Problems-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Feed-a-Cat-with-Kidney-Problems-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d7\/Feed-a-Cat-with-Kidney-Problems-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/aid8731269-v4-728px-Feed-a-Cat-with-Kidney-Problems-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"