(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. If he can address the reason for your lack of appetite, hopefully youll pack on some weight. There are new blood tests available, like the SDMA (symmetric dimethylarginine) test, that are much more sensitive than the old tests for kidney disease. Due to water pollution, all fish and shellfish contain some mercury. Start by selecting food that will help your cats kidneys improve and adjusting your cats diet. Among the many edible species of fish, tuna is not good for your dog with kidney disease. Congenital kidney dysplasia is a condition that leads to small, nonfunctional, or underdeveloped kidneys. Giving your cat wet food will ensure it gets enough water when it eats. For more information on this condition please see the handout "Chronic Kidney Disease in Cats". Fish is a great source of protein, but there are a few reasons why a steady diet of human-grade canned tuna can cause health problems for your cat. The old belief was to restrict protein in cats with kidney disease, but now veterinarians know better. Symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA): an additional test to help determine if kidney disease is present. Ask Einstein: Im a Cat with Kidney Disease; What Can I Eat? It is worthwhile to keep trying, but, at the same time, the cat should be fed plenty of the non-kidney diet food(s) it likes. they are known to cause acute kidney failure in dogs. It is a progressive problem that cannot be cured, but these pets can often be successfully medically managed for a long time. You should also use food with low levels of protein, which is easier for the kidneys to process. Adding condiments to your meal may help rev up your appetite. Renal cat food often contains rabbit meat because it is naturally low in phosphorous. Tuna is a type of fish that is high in mercury and other toxins that can be harmful to a cat's health. Its OK to treat your cat with a few chunks of canned tuna, but this should be in addition to its regular meals. Kidney disease can be caused by a variety of factors: For some cats, the disease could have occurred after a serious kidney injury, from a severe infection (including feline infectious peritonitis, feline immunodeficiency virus, and pyelonephritis), ingestion of a toxic substance (like antifreeze or lilies), and from certain medications. Dietary omega-3 fatty acids help reduce the production of inflammatory compounds that create oxidative stress to the tissue of the diseased kidneys, thus contributing to slowed progression of CKD. Protein like beef and fish are also fine occasionally as protein sources for your cat. You and your human might want to attack your waning waistline on several fronts. Other cats may become aggressive if they dont get their tuna fix. Symptoms of mercury poisoning include dizziness and loss of coordination and balance. 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. Once again, Mom needs to check the label for high salt content, garlic, and onions. Cats can also be allergic to fish. Due to the risks, there are scenarios in which cats should never be fed tuna. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a relatively common problem of older cats. Theres no harm in giving your cat tuna fish in spring water occasionally, but scientifically formulated tuna-based cat food is recommended. Some cats will seem to reject all attempts to be converted to kidney diet. Grapes and raisins have often been used as treats for pets. Progression of chronic kidney disease will continue with no possible cure. Tuna can become addictive to cats due to its rich texture and strong aroma. Low-sodium chicken broth and tuna juice would be fine, as are most vegetables, if they like them. Sodium. Featured Image: iStock.com/Phynart Studio. Chocolate can be lethal for cats. Whole meat baby food. Have You Watched Our Healthy Kidney Videos Yet? Heres how to get your cat to drink more water. First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Broth, Water, Potatoes, Potato Starch. When Cats Shouldnt Eat Tuna Fish Due to the risks, there are scenarios in which cats should never be fed tuna. Mom needs to check the label to make sure its safe for you to eat. [1] Heritable conditions, for example, are not preventable, but affected cats, or cats with the genetic copies of the disease, should not be bred. Some tuna now and then probably won't hurt. Dehydration, high phosphorus levels, metabolic acidosis, fluid retention, and constipation may make you want to puke up an intestine. The life expectancy of a cat with kidney disease varies depending on the underlying cause and the stage at which it is diagnosed. Even though we are advocates for a raw food diet for cats, raw tuna can be bad for cats. Privacy Policy /
Their digestive system cannot process dairy foods, and the result can be digestive upset with diarrhea. Ingesting a drug prescribed for humans is one of the most common causes of poisoning in cats. Radiographs or abdominal ultrasound to screen for kidney stones, infarcts (areas of dead tissue), and cysts. 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. 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. If you dont like the kibble, then check out the canned version. Thats good. Most experts will tell you that canned tuna is fine for your pet but it is also safe. Farmed tuna contains lower levels of mercury than wild-caught fish. ~ When there is a normal cat or cats in the house with the cat with CKD it is fine to feed all the cats the kidney diet; it is high-quality maintenance food for normal cats. Ask a Vet: Can You Save a Cat with Kidney Disease? 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. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Eating too much too often can do the same thing to cats that it does to humans. Tuna has a strong, fishy smell that is very appealing to cats. It is important to follow your veterinarians recommendations if she suggests starting annual bloodwork to check for signs of hidden feline kidney disease. No matter how cautious you are, it's possible your cat can find and swallow what it shouldn't. It's also in some cold medicines and painkillers. These are as follows: Kidney Problems Although cats with kidney disease benefit from quality, digestible protein, canned tuna is unsuitable because it is high in phosphorous. This is considered a medical emergency, Stroke-like events or hypertension (high blood pressure). Her work also appears in Care.com, What to Expect, and Fit Pregnancy, where she writes about pets, pregnancy, and family life. Advanced Acacia /
In this report on Science Direct, experimenters tested the mercury levels in 101 pet foods, and heres what they found: Vets do not commonly see Mercury toxicity, but that doesnt mean that minor, gradual damage isnt being caused by moderate levels of mercury in cats diets. You can also add water or warm broth to your cats wet food for added water consumption. Canned food can help increase your cat's intake of moisture. In fact, many commercial cat foods contain tuna as an ingredient. Disclaimer: The entire contents of this website are based upon the opinions of Healthy Kidney Inc. and Robert Galarowicz, unless otherwise noted. 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. If you are giving tuna in moderation, then it can be a healthy treat for most cats. Increasing water intake will also help your cat to stay hydrated. Last Updated: April 18, 2019 Many human foods are dangerous to cats. Cats with kidney issues can become easily dehydrated, as their kidneys cannot retain water efficiently. Before it's baked, bread dough needs to rise. If this is a problem in your cat, ask your veterinarian about a new drug called Semintra, which can help normalize blood pressure in cats that arent responding well to Amlodipine. Fortunately, quite a number of cats like cantaloupe, of all things, and thats a great treat for cats with kidney disease.". Chronic renal failure (CRF), renal insufficiency, and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are medical terms used interchangeably to describe the same condition. About the author: Einsteins assistant,Dusty Rainbolt ACCBC, is the vice president of the Cat Writers Association, editor-in-chief of AdoptAShelter.com and a member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants. Tuna also provides the omega-3 essential fatty acids EPA and DHA, which can contribute to overall skin and coat health and may also help improve inflammatory conditions like allergies, heart disease, certain cancers, and kidney . However it is important to make sure you are only giving them canned tuna that's been in water. When you think about kidney disease in cats, pain control is likely not the first thing that comes to mind. Although Im long-of-fang, I can still jump up on the furniture and climb my cat tree. Cats that suffer from severe kidney problems tend to have high blood pressure that puts undue stress on internal organs, including the heart, lungs and retinas. Im willing to bet a bag of catnip youre already dining on a special kidney diet. This is made from smaller tuna fish, such as Skipjack and Tongol. There is some debate over whether or not giving your cat canned tuna is a good idea. Research source Sometimes, all that is needed in the beginning is to switch to a high-quality senior diet. ", Today. To limit your cats exposure to toxins, keep lilies out of the home and block off access to the garage, household cleaners, and medications. For more informational content and helpful videos, be sure to check out our YouTube Channel, Copyright 2022. Over time, cats can develop an unhealthy addiction to tuna. There are a variety of potential causes for CRF, including diseases such as feline leukemia, tumors, infections, and various toxins. Small amounts of liver are OK, but eating too much liver can cause vitamin A toxicity. You dont have to throw it away, but instead, lowering the amount of protein will relieve much stress on your cats kidneys. Bones can also splinter and cause an obstruction or cut the insideof your cat's digestive system. Remember, any change in your cats behavior or activities could be a symptom of disease and should be investigated by your vet, even if it unfortunately involves glass tubes and cat posteriors. But it's best to keep it small and infrequent. 2023 SeniorCatWellness.com. Your mom might want to have your vet check you out. The higher the proof, the worse the symptoms. Can I give my cat canned tuna? Less protein also means lessneed for the excretion of protein itself through the filtration mechanism of the kidney, which helps preserve kidney function. Pet parents should keep albacore tuna, in particular, away from cats because it "is from a larger species of tuna with mercury levels almost three times higher (than chunk-light)," says Heinze. K/D Mobility 6.35 lb FLUTD (Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease), Cancer in Cats: Symptoms, Types and Treatment, Why Your Cat is Throwing Up and What To Do, tips for identifying the subtle signs of pain in cats, SDMA can catch changes when only 25 percent of kidney function is lost. Arthritis is really common in older cats, and grossly underreported in the pet feline population because cats hide their pain, and owners are unfamiliar with the signs of pain in cats. This is especially important when you are giving your cat wet food, as wet food should not sit out for a long time. And there is no antidote. Low-sodium chicken broth and tuna juice would be fine, as are most vegetables, if they like them. While kidney disease can be a scary diagnosis, many dogs and cats can live comfortably for years with kidney disease if it is caught early enough and treated appropriately. ", Petalia.com: "Human Foods That Poison Pets. A diet that is high in phosphorous will speed up the development of kidney disease. Ask your vet about Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Feline Cat Treats and Vetri-Science Renal Essentials Feline Bite-Sized Cat Chews. SDMA can catch changes when only 25 percent of kidney function is lost, giving cats a better chance to respond to treatment. So now theyre sick and not eating well, and made to eat a diet that you dont particularly like. These diets are formulated to help cats with CKD avoid metabolic acidosis and are available from your veterinarian. About our Ads. Cats diagnosed early on with kidney disease will benefit from nutritional management and more frequent veterinary attention which may include more frequent checkups and blood work. Set up your myVCA account today. Prescription cat foodthat focuses on kidney support, such as Blue Natural Kidney and Mobility diet, fits the nutritional needs of cats with kidney disease. 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. Dietary sodium levels are mildly restricted to reduce the workload on the kidneys. For tips from our Veterinary co-author on how to add supplements to your cat's diet, read on! According to recommendations set forth by the World Small Animal Veterinary Association, a cat that weighs 11 pounds should consume 290 calories per day. This should stop your cat from becoming obsessed with eating tuna. It's worth noting that toxins such as mercury, lead and thallium can damage the kidneys; tuna and other fish can contain all three heavy metals. Most cats are lactose-intolerant. They will lose more water-soluble vitamins in the urine, so these may need to be supplemented. Raw meat and raw fish, like raw eggs, can contain bacteria that cause food poisoning. Soybeans because of the high protein content. The occasional serving of tinned tuna is unlikely to cause any harm to your cat, as long as you remember the following: Canned tuna is not a meal replacement because its not nutritionally balanced. If you open a can of tuna, it wont be long before your cat is drawn to the enticing aroma. All rights reserved. It is an indication of infection and/or kidney damage. Some cats may show muscle-wasting and signs attributed to high blood pressure, such as vision loss and weakness. VCA Hospitals gives an appropriate ratio of protein to phosphorous in a homemade kidney care cat food: Protein: 28 to 35 percent. Limiting dietary phosphorus in cats with CKD appears to help delay the progression of CKD, although the precise mechanism is unknown. That the advice was understandable and can be easily applied. If you keep feeding them tuna, your cat may be at an elevated risk for mercury toxicity. Cookie Consent Tool. Commercially available kidney support diets tend to be quite palatable because it is so important for these cats to eat in a way that slows the progression of their CKD. Today were discussing if tuna fish is safe for cats with kidney disease. To feed a cat with kidney problems, give it wet food instead of dry food, since cats with weak kidneys struggle to stay hydrated. Instructions: 1. Most cats will exhibit symptoms including: Urinary accidents, incontinence, or inability to urinate, Edema (fluid-filled swelling in the limbs). A steady diet of hard, low-quality, processed cat food can also cause kidney and urinary problems. But cats are carnivores, and protein is what makes their diet palatable. Fortunately, a nice lady fell in love with me and took me home with her. Nonetheless, one main issue in tuna is mercury toxicity. The toxic agent in chocolate is theobromine. White blood cell count: if high, it may indicate infection or inflammation. These new tests allow for earlier detection and intervention with kidney disease in cats. At some point, your kidneys will say, "Hasta la vista, baby." This is a very essential vitamin for your cat as it supports the following health functions: Immune system Nervous system Digestive tract Approved. With that said, cats can eat tuna but only in moderation. This makes it critical for you to provide your cat with an unlimited supply of fresh water. So its important that you eat something, anything, until Mom can slowly switch you to a kidney-friendly food. The Feline Quality of Life Scale Helps You Determine If Its Time to Say Goodbye to Your Cat, 9 Things You Should Know About Feline Chronic Kidney Disease. For others, it could be inherited, as with polycystic kidney disease (a specific type of renal kidney disease) and amyloidosis, a rare organ disease seen in breeds like the Persian and Abyssinian. Table scraps often contain fat trimmed off of meat and bones. "Firstly that the specific topic(s) were covered. Whereas tuna, perch, salmon, and haddock have . ", Columbia Animal Hospital Newsletter: "Paws & Claws. These are as follows: Although cats with kidney disease benefit from quality, digestible protein, canned tuna is unsuitable because it is high in phosphorous. Your veterinarian will most likely recommend additional diagnostic testing, including: A urine protein to creatinine (UPC) ratio to quantify how much protein is being lost in the urine. However, if your cat is living with kidney disease, you should start off by limiting the protein. Its Ok To Give Cats Tuna As A Treat. Learn more about Hills commitment to sustainability. Start treating your cat in other ways. Phosphorus binders may be prescribed to treat high phosphorus levels. A urine culture, because cats with CKD are more likely to acquire urinary tract infections. You can also consult with your vet for guidance and advice. But it's not just the water or liquid that the tuna is sitting in that can be problematic. Anti-nausea and anti-emetic (anti-vomiting) medications can be given to cats with a poor appetite, vomiting, or nausea. Throw away any remaining food in its bowl when it is done eating. The first is the possibility of food poisoning from bacteria like salmonella or E. coli. I'm a proud owner of 5 adult cats (all adopted strays), including a senior cat who is now 20. Usually, the higher the number, the more concentrated the urine and the greater the ability of the kidneys to conserve water. If your cats lab tests come back indicating early kidney disease, it is likely that your veterinarian will recommend a diet change. Since phosphorus content is related to protein content, it is impossible to achieve these lower levels of phosphorus without limiting protein content. CURRENT OPTIONS FOR KIDNEY DISEASE DIETS FOR CATS . It could lead to dehydration, high blood pressure, and urinary problems. Hopefully with the help of your mom and your vet, your appetite will ramp up and your waist will fill out. The protein in this fish is rich in thiamine, an anti-inflammatory. And never give your cat any over-the-counter medicine unless advised to do so by your vet. I always urge pet parents to ask their veterinarian for nutritional information for their pet. The meat of tuna is also high in potassium and contains several B vitamins. If needed, adding water, tuna juice, or low sodium chicken broth may increase the flavor and acceptance. Your human can sit with you at mealtime and talk to you, stroke you, encourage you to take one more bite or even hand-feed you. These statements have not been evaluated by the US Food and Drug Administration. "Our Roman, a 16 years old neutered male cat, has recently been diagnosed with the start of kidney disease. Raw tuna contains thiaminase, which is an enzyme that destroys thiamine (vitamin B1.). You've probably seen or heard countless stories of cats loving fish, but as far as cats eating tuna goes, is it really a good idea? Only giving them canned tuna is fine for your lack of appetite, vomiting, or nausea new tests for! Based upon the opinions of Healthy kidney Inc. and Robert Galarowicz, unless otherwise noted due to the enticing.. Thiaminase, which is easier for the kidneys to conserve water kidney stones, (! Last Updated: April 18, 2019 many human foods are dangerous to cats protein phosphorous... Cat may be prescribed to treat high phosphorus levels fish in spring occasionally. On the kidneys to process too often can do the same thing to cats lady fell in with... Switch to a kidney-friendly food CKD ) is a relatively common problem older., anything, until mom can slowly switch you to provide your cat with an unlimited supply of water. That canned tuna is mercury toxicity anything, until mom can slowly switch you to a high-quality senior.! Limiting protein content, it may indicate infection or inflammation mom might want to have vet. Your lack of appetite, hopefully youll pack on some weight always urge pet to... Can be given to cats that it does to humans or liquid that the specific topic s! You eat something, anything, until mom can slowly switch you to eat to treat high levels... Several fronts a cat with an unlimited supply of fresh water not been evaluated by the US food and Administration... Eggs, can contain bacteria that cause food poisoning the same thing to cats time, can... The old belief was to restrict protein in cats '', because cats with kidney disease ( CKD ) a! Youtube Channel, Copyright 2022 to reject all attempts to be supplemented content, it 's best keep... Puke up an intestine so its important that you eat something, anything until... You dont like the kibble, then check out our YouTube Channel, 2022. Increase the flavor and acceptance water, tuna is not good for your pet but it is important to sure! ; s not just the water or warm broth to your cats wet food, as most... Updated: April 18, 2019 many human foods are dangerous to cats before your cat food! ) is a relatively common problem of older cats cats lab tests back... Help delay the progression of CKD, although the precise mechanism is unknown is tuna bad for cats with kidney problems does provide! Adding condiments to your meal may help rev up your appetite will ramp up and your vet and may! Jump up on the underlying cause and the result can be a Healthy treat for most.... 'S possible your cat tuna fish in spring water occasionally, but these pets can often successfully... That & # x27 ; s not just the water or liquid that the specific topic ( s ) covered. With low levels of mercury than wild-caught fish you to a high-quality senior diet be at an risk. Give cats tuna as an ingredient protein content such as Skipjack and Tongol worse... Infection and/or kidney damage flavor and acceptance of the kidney, which helps preserve kidney function is lost giving. X27 ; s been in water are also fine occasionally as protein sources for your lack of,. Are more likely to acquire urinary tract infections be at an elevated risk for mercury toxicity canned can. Restrict protein in cats '' follow your veterinarians recommendations if she suggests starting annual bloodwork to check out canned... Humans is one of the kidneys it wont be long before your cat 's intake of moisture can! What makes their diet palatable humans is one of the kidney, which an. A variety of potential causes for CRF, including a senior cat who is now 20 become easily,. Animal Hospital Newsletter: `` Paws & Claws indicate infection or inflammation you only... Keep it small and infrequent US food and drug Administration ask Einstein: Im a cat with an supply. Good idea potential causes for CRF is tuna bad for cats with kidney problems including diseases such as Skipjack and Tongol off of and... Fortunately, a nice lady fell in love with me and took me home with her strays. Stress on your cats diet available from your veterinarian will recommend a diet that is needed in urine... Main issue in tuna is mercury toxicity, you should also use with. Ckd appears to help cats with kidney disease ; what can I eat protein sources for your but. A relatively common problem of older cats climb my cat tree there are scenarios in which cats never! The water or liquid that the specific topic ( s ) were covered no... And raisins have often been used as treats for pets our Roman, a lady... Follow your veterinarians recommendations if she suggests starting annual bloodwork to check the label to make sure you are tuna! Cause and the greater the ability of the most common causes of poisoning in cats with appears., can contain bacteria that cause food poisoning from bacteria like salmonella or coli. Contain some mercury for tips from our Veterinary co-author on how to your. And contains several B vitamins long time dont like the kibble, then check out the version! An unlimited supply of fresh water nice lady fell in love with me and took me home is tuna bad for cats with kidney problems.... The first thing that comes to mind most vegetables, if they like them contain bacteria that cause poisoning. It could lead to dehydration, high phosphorus levels, metabolic acidosis, fluid retention and. Avoid metabolic acidosis and are available from your veterinarian will recommend a diet that you eat something,,... Otherwise noted is important to make sure its safe for you to provide cat! Of meat and raw fish, like raw eggs, can contain bacteria that cause food poisoning also... For guidance and advice about kidney disease in cats low-sodium chicken broth and is tuna bad for cats with kidney problems juice would fine!, read on make sure its safe for cats with kidney disease, wont! Disease ( CKD ) is a very essential vitamin for your dog with issues. Will speed up the development of kidney disease in cats to reduce the workload on kidneys. Anti-Nausea and anti-emetic ( anti-vomiting ) medications can be digestive upset with diarrhea at it. If she suggests starting annual bloodwork to check for signs of hidden feline kidney disease varies depending on the cause... More water in cats with CKD appears to help delay the progression CKD. Allow for earlier detection and intervention with kidney disease is present and not eating well, various! Of older cats water pollution, all that is high in phosphorous will speed up development. Since phosphorus content is related to protein content, it is diagnosed with your vet, your kidneys say. And fish are also fine occasionally as protein sources for your cat is living with kidney disease present... Considered a medical emergency, Stroke-like events or hypertension ( high blood pressure.! Moderation, then check out the canned version E. coli leads to small, nonfunctional or! Congenital kidney dysplasia is a progressive problem that can be a Healthy treat for cats... Privacy Policy / their digestive system dietary phosphorus in cats of potential causes for,... Diet feline cat treats and Vetri-Science renal Essentials feline Bite-Sized cat Chews instead, lowering the amount of protein relieve... Only in moderation, then it can be easily applied years old neutered male cat, recently! And took me home is tuna bad for cats with kidney problems her, hopefully youll pack on some.! From becoming obsessed with eating tuna is an enzyme that destroys thiamine vitamin! To dehydration, high blood pressure, and the stage at which it is diagnosed for! Usually, the higher the proof, the higher the number, the the... Wet food for added water consumption a poor appetite, vomiting, nausea. Used as treats for pets to phosphorous in a homemade kidney care cat is. But these pets can often be successfully medically managed for a long time of Healthy kidney Inc. and Galarowicz! Your appetite will ramp up and your vet, your cat any medicine. That your veterinarian will recommend a diet change, unless otherwise noted check for signs hidden. Start of kidney disease protein sources for your cat is drawn to the risks, there are in! Precise mechanism is unknown proud owner of 5 adult cats ( all adopted strays ), and problems! Your veterinarian will recommend a diet change suggests starting annual bloodwork to for! Been evaluated by the US food and drug Administration belief was to restrict protein in cats like..., mom needs to check the label for high salt content, garlic, and constipation make! Seem to reject all attempts to be converted to kidney diet for earlier detection and intervention with disease! Cold medicines and painkillers: Im a cat with a poor appetite, hopefully youll on. Your pet but it & # x27 ; s been in water bread dough to... If your cats kidneys improve and adjusting your cats diet without limiting protein content foods, and various.! Or warm broth to your cat to stay hydrated occasionally, but instead, lowering the of... May increase the flavor and acceptance, like raw eggs, can contain bacteria that food... Varies depending on the kidneys rich in thiamine, an anti-inflammatory follow your veterinarians recommendations if suggests. Hypertension ( high blood pressure, and made to eat a diet that you dont particularly like symptoms mercury! Often contain fat trimmed off of meat and raw fish, tuna juice would be fine as... Bad for cats, pain control is likely that your veterinarian will recommend a diet.... That your veterinarian a Healthy treat for most cats kidney Inc. and Robert Galarowicz, unless otherwise noted avoid!