Healthy kidneys are like your Siamese cat’s personal cleanup crew — they flush out toxins and keep everything running smoothly with urine flow. But when kidney problems strike, this vital job gets tougher, and your furry friend starts to feel the effects.
Did you know Siamese cats can develop kidney issues as early as six years old? It’s true! Kidney problems in Siamese cats happen when their kidneys aren’t working as well as they should. These issues can have various causes and may develop into acute problems, chronic conditions, or even full-blown kidney failure.
Kidney failure means the kidneys can no longer do their essential jobs, and that can be scary for both cats and their owners.
In this article, I’ll walk you through the common kidney problems in Siamese cats from symptoms to causes and the treatment options available.
Let’s dive in so you can better understand what’s going on with your feline friend and how to help them live their best life!
What Do Our Cats’ Kidneys Actually Do?
Our Siamese cats’ kidneys are true superheroes, quietly working behind the scenes to keep them healthy. Here’s a quick rundown of the amazing jobs their kidneys handle every day:
- Filtering Waste: Kidneys filter out harmful substances and toxins from your cat’s bloodstream — kind of like a built-in detox system.
- Urine Production: They produce urine and control how it flows, keeping everything balanced.
- Red Blood Cell Production: Kidneys produce erythropoietin, a hormone that tells the bone marrow to make red blood cells — super important for keeping your cat energized.
- Blood Pressure Control: They release hormones that help keep your cat’s blood pressure just right.
- Balancing Act: Kidneys regulate acid and electrolyte levels in the body, maintaining that perfect internal balance.
- Hydration Hero: They help control your cat’s fluid levels, preventing dehydration and keeping them feeling their best.
- One Kidney Wonder: Some cats are born with just one kidney due to a condition called renal dysplasia. Even with one kidney, many cats manage just fine because that kidney grows larger to do extra work!
- Renal Dysplasia Impact: While the single kidney compensates, renal dysplasia can reduce overall kidney efficiency over time.
What Causes Kidney Disease in Siamese Cats?
Kidney disease can sneak up on our Siamese friends for many reasons, including:
- Blockages in the urethra
- Polycystic kidney disease (when cysts form in the kidneys)
- Severe kidney injury from infections like feline infectious peritonitis
- Bacterial infections such as pyelonephritis
- Autoimmune diseases
- The natural wear and tear of aging
- Kidney infections from feline immunodeficiency virus
- Sudden low blood pressure causing shock and kidney damage
- Stroke-like events
- Toxic substances like antifreeze
- Eating only dry food for long periods
- Malignant kidney tumors
- Urinary tract blockages caused by stones or mucus buildup
- Poisoning from pesticides or rodenticides
- Toxic houseplants like lilies, elephant ears, or monstera deliciosa
- Human medications such as aspirin or antidepressants
- Poisoning from essential oils
- Amyloidosis (a disease affecting protein buildup)
- Physical trauma
- Blood clotting disorders
- Imbalances like low potassium (hypokalaemia) or high calcium (hypercalcemia)
- Inflammation of kidney structures (glomerulonephritis)
Kidney disease is complex, and understanding what affects your Siamese cat’s kidneys is the first step to helping them stay healthy longer.
For more on keeping your Siamese cat in tip-top shape, check out our post on Siamese Cat Health, Care, Exercise, and Grooming.
How Does Feline Kidney Disease Progress?
Siamese cats go through the following stages of kidney disease:
Stage 1: Early phase
Symptoms do not manifest themselves during this early stage in most cases.
Stage 2: Moderate phase
The Siamese cat drinks and urinates more than usual during this intermediate phase.
Stage 3: Advanced phase
The cat displays a wide variety of symptoms at this advanced stage. These symptoms include loss of weight, nausea, lethargy, and dehydration.
Other symptoms include vomiting and difficulty breathing. The cat also urinates too often or does not urinate for many days.
Stage 4: End-stage
This is the terminal phase, sadly. The cat may have seizures and fall into a coma at this point.
What Are The Symptoms Of Kidney Disease in Siamese Cats?
Some cats experience no outward signs of kidney disease until it has progressed. The symptoms appear as the disease worsens over a few weeks or months.
These are the signs that a Siamese cat has a problem with his kidneys:
- Vomiting (due to toxin buildup)
- Dehydration
- Dull fur
- Increased thirst
- Urinary accidents
- Mouth sores
- Halitosis or foul breath (due to gastric ulceration)
- Loss of appetite
- Decreased activity or lethargy
- Pain in the lower back
- Gradual weight loss
- Weakness (due to anemia and muscle wastage)
- High blood pressure
- Swelling in the limbs and paws
What Are The Signs Of Kidney Failure In Siamese Cats?
The kidneys can’t remove toxins as effectively as before at the point of kidney disease. This dysfunction has the potential to result in total kidney failure.
The most troubling aspect is that there are no clear signs of kidney failure in its early stages. The disease has already progressed significantly by the time symptoms present themselves.
Siamese cats exhibit various symptoms when kidney failure has already set in. We may also see these symptoms as warning signs for other illnesses. This is because kidney failure can cause other serious medical complications.
Early detection is essential to extend the life of the cat with kidney failure.
These are the symptoms that Siamese cats exhibit when their kidneys are failing:
- The tongue’s color is brown
- Vomiting with blood
- Ulcers on the tongue and gums
- Headache
- Weakness
- Foul breath (smells like ammonia)
- Constipation
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Diarrhea
- Frequent urination or cannot urinate at all.
- Cloudy or reddish urine
- Seizures
- Sudden anorexia
- Vision loss
What Are the Signs That Cats Are at the End Stage of Kidney Failure?
When kidney failure hits its final stage, it’s usually pretty noticeable, but unfortunately, the signs can be subtle at first. By the time your Siamese cat shows end-stage symptoms, the disease may have progressed significantly. So, what should you look out for?
As kidney failure worsens, you may notice that your Siamese cat has sunken eyes and a foul body odor. They may be extremely lethargic, lying down most of the time, and unable to move around like they used to. One of the saddest signs is when they refuse to eat, even their favorite meals.
Other symptoms of kidney failure include seizures, twitching, and bladder incontinence. It’s heartbreaking to see your cat go through this, but early detection is key to managing kidney disease.
So, don’t wait until your cat starts showing these severe signs. If you notice any changes in behavior or appetite, take your Siamese cat to the vet immediately. The sooner you act, the better chance your cat has for treatment.
How Do We Confirm If Our Cats Have Kidney Problems?
The best way to confirm if your cat is dealing with kidney issues is to visit your vet. They’ll be able to make a proper diagnosis after performing an examination and running several tests.
Here’s what the vet will check for during routine tests like urinalysis and blood work:
- Urine Concentration: Light-colored urine may indicate kidney disease, as healthy urine should have a deep yellow hue.
- Urine Specific Gravity: A higher than normal specific gravity could be a red flag for kidney issues.
- Red Blood Cell Count: A low RBC count might point to kidney failure.
- White Blood Cell Count: An elevated count can suggest an infection or inflammation in the kidneys.
- Blood Abnormalities: Any abnormal kidney values in the blood tests may signal damage.
- Creatinine Levels: This test shows how well your cat’s kidneys are filtering waste. High levels can indicate kidney disease.
- Calcium Levels: High calcium levels are a sign of kidney damage.
- Blood Work Changes: Various changes in blood work may point to kidney failure.
- Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) Levels: Elevated BUN levels could be a sign of kidney disease or failure.
- Potassium Levels: Low potassium levels often indicate kidney problems.
- Phosphorus Levels: Too much phosphorus is another indicator of kidney failure.
- Urine Sediment and Bacteria: The presence of bacteria or abnormal sediment in the urine can also signal kidney issues.
What Diagnostic Tests Can Help Find Out If A Cat Has Kidney Disease?
Are there tests that can identify if a cat has kidney disease? Several tests can help vets determine if a cat has kidney problems.
1. Urine Culture
This test helps the vet determine whether the cat has urinary tract infections.
2. Urine Protein
The vet will examine the cat’s urine to see if there are any abnormally high protein levels. This analysis can also reveal whether your cat is experiencing significant protein losses.
3. Abdominal Ultrasound
The vet will look for kidney stones or obstructions. The vet will also look for signs of dead tissue and cysts.
4. Kidney Biopsy
The vet will examine the kidneys’ filtration unit and glomeruli.
5. Symmetric Dimethylarginine (SD)
SD is a precise diagnostic test that assists the vet in determining if or not kidney disease exists.
Available Treatments for Siamese Cats with Kidney Disease
Siamese cats with kidney disease can benefit greatly from current treatment options. These treatments not only reduce their suffering but also extend their lifespan. It’s important for cat owners to be well-informed and prepared for the various therapies available.
Some of the treatment options include:
- Medications
- Hydration and dietary restrictions
- Antithrombotics (for preventing blood clotting)
- Surgical intervention or chemotherapy (if tumors are involved)
- Intravenous antibiotics (if a urinary tract infection is the leading cause)
- Immunosuppressive drugs (for autoimmune disease causes)
- Medications to treat parasitic worm infections
Make sure to thoroughly understand the recommended treatments from your vet. This helps you ensure they are appropriate for the root cause of your cat’s kidney problems, allowing you to make more informed decisions for their treatment.
How to Feed Siamese Cats with Kidney Disease
When it comes to feeding Siamese cats with kidney disease, diet plays a critical role in managing their condition.
For stage 1 and 2 kidney disease:
- Follow the special diet your vet recommends for your cat.
- Opt for wet food rather than dry food.
- Avoid high-salt treats.
- Do not offer carb-heavy finger foods.
- Refrain from giving bread, yogurt, cheese, or deli meats.
For chronic kidney disease:
- Stick strictly to the prescribed diet. Regular meals on a schedule will help your cat adjust to the new food.
- Ensure only approved foods are consumed — keep non-approved foods out of your cat’s reach.
- Always consult with your vet before adding any new foods that are healthy but not on the approved list.
Preventing Kidney Issues in Your Siamese Cat
Paying attention to any symptoms that could indicate kidney issues is vital for early diagnosis and treatment. Timely screening and intervention can make a huge difference in how well your Siamese cat recovers.
Taking precautions while your cat is still young, such as maintaining a healthy diet and regular vet visits, can help reduce the risk of kidney problems later in life. Kidney issues can have a wide range of negative effects on their overall health, so being proactive is key!For more tips on kidney-related issues, check out our articles on Siamese Cat Urinary Problems: Causes, Signs, and Treatments, The 5 Best Foods for Siamese Cats with Sensitive Stomachs, and Siamese Cat Diet: Wet Food vs Dry Food.