Cleo’s Story - Diet
Say hello to Cleo, she is my 14 year old Cream Pointed Birman. I adopted her 7 years ago and she has been a loyal companion ever since. I have decided to add “her” diary to my blog as there aren’t too many sites that give you an insight to living with a chronically ill kitty cat. Although Tanya’s site is a great place to start (http://www.felinecrf.org/)
Cleo on the day I adopted her.
6 months ago Cleo was diagnosed with Chronic Kidney Failure and I had no idea what that meant for us. A nurse assured me that many cats can live for years with lessened kidney function on a special veterinary diet, and so it began my OCD need to know everything to ensure Cleo has the best quality of life possible.
The two main things I have learned to focus on are her food and water intake as this is what affects their health most. I have 8 ramekins of fresh water dotted around the house near to her beds, on window sills and other places she chills out. I would recommend doing this for anyone regardless of age or illness as I learned Cleo doesn’t like having her water in the kitchen (she prefers it in the bathroom, go figure)
I also find adding water or a clear chicken broth to her food helps get extra fluids into her which helps keep the nasties diluted. I know on days after she hasnt eaten / drunk enough she is off colour and not as active. The vet likens it to having a hangover when their kidneys can’t filter the blood well enough.
Food was a big change, only licenced vets can sell specialist diets and wow they are expensive. I would recommend to signing up to Pets @ Home VIP we were sent vouchers over Christmas for £10 off a £50 spend and when Renal Cat Food only come in 48 pouch packs at £33+ these really help and if you are a softie like me I try to keep as many flavours in stock as possible as I wouldn’t want the same meal for the rest of my life so why should Cleo? The mailing list often sends out 10% off voucher codes, let me know if it is of interest and I will share any I come across.
We have another round of blood test the end of this months so will give you an update then. Please feel free to comment below if you have any questions or experience with CKD.
xoxo Lindsay
The most common causes of CKD are diabetes and high blood pressure. If one is suffering from diabetes or high blood pressure levels, then keeping in touch with your doctor to administer blood sugar levels and blood pressure is the most practical way to prevent kidney problems and ultimately chronic Kidney disease.
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