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Three Things You Can Do To Protect Your Cat's Kidneys

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Kidney disease is a major problem for cats all over the world, affecting up to three out of every ten older cats. While there's no known cure for kidney disease once it's developed, there are some things you can do to help protect your cat. While some cats develop kidney disease for no apparent reason, many also do so due to damage to their kidneys, whether it's over the long or short-term. If you're interested in keeping your cat's kidneys as healthy as possible, follow these steps.

Toxin Avoidance

Your cat's kidneys are responsible for filtering toxins and byproducts out of their blood; this means that if your cat comes into contact with something that they shouldn't have, like a poison or toxin, it's up to the kidneys to deal with it. Unfortunately, this can damage the kidneys as they're exposed to high doses of the toxin your cat was exposed to.

Cats shouldn't be exposed to a wide variety of toxins. Household poisons like rat poison and ant spray are dangerous for cats. In addition, antifreeze is a common problem for cats, as they often discover puddles of it in the garage and either drink it or walk through it. In addition, certain plants are toxic to cats. Keep all of these things away from your cat to do what you can for their kidneys.

Hydration

Your cat's kidneys use water to help process the blood circulating through your cat's body. As a result, it's necessary for your cat to always stay hydrated.

In general, cats should be consuming at least 3.5-4.5 f of water per five pounds of body weight, per day. While seeing your cat eagerly drink water might seem like a good thing, if they're exceeding this amount, you should see your vet. It's possible that your cat already has the early stages of kidney disease and is drinking more water to help their kidneys work at full capacity.

Lastly, if your cat ever goes without water for an extended period of time, see a vet. Simply giving them water may contribute to permanent damage to their kidneys. Your vet can improve their hydration immediately with IV fluids.

Dental Health

Lastly, consider your cat's dental health. Do you brush their teeth, and do they see a vet regularly for dental cleanings? If not, you could be doing their kidneys a disservice.

Although the link isn't completely proven yet, some vets and scientists think that the bacteria found in a cat's mouth when their teeth and gums aren't healthy could hurt their kidneys. The theory is that the bacteria hops into the bloodstream and migrates to the kidneys, where it can cause tissue damage and inflammation. In short, work hard to keep your kitty's teeth healthy.

These three tips can help to protect your cat from kidney damage and may be helpful in staving off kidney disease in the future. If you're interested in learning what else you can do for your cat's kidneys, visit your local animal hospital for a full check-up and advice.


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