Kidney Failure

[cava14una]

A friend has just had her 17 year old Birman diagnosed with kidney failure. he was in the vet last weekend on a drip and has come home with prescription renal diet which he won't eat

Any suggestions for food that will encourage him to eat but not upset his kidneys?

He is eating chicken and fish both fresh and tinned but not much at a time. He also has a tendency to constipation.

Any advice welcome

[Elaine]

Hi there. Sorry about the CRF. If the cat wont eat the renal food, she could ask her vet for a phos binder called ipakitine, that sprinkled on ordinary cat food with stop the absorption of phos into the kidneys.
It is much more important that the cat eats something than nothing at all and it's recomended that wet is best. Cats with CRF lose so much fluids that it is important to keep them as hydrated as possible. Add a little water to food. B vitamins are also especially important to CRF cats.
http://www.catsey.com/showthread.php?t=25488
http://www.felinecrf.org/

[Elaine]

http://www.catsey.com/showthread.php?t=35475

For the constipation, she could try using slippery elm bark, it also helps with excess tummy acid.

http://www.felinecrf.org/holistic_treatments.htm#SEB1

[cava14una]

Elaine
Many thanks from my friend for all your advice it's just what she wanted. She's been in touch with her vet and is picking up the phos binder.

Chumleigh has eaten better today and has been washing so she's taking that as a good sign:)

Again thanks from us both

[Elaine]

You are all very welcome and I am pleased he is eating better. Always a good sign to see them taking better care of themselves, i.e. washing;)
Anything else just shout. xxx

[yola]

Great news - I hope Chumleigh (fantastic name) can be stabilised and takes to his new diet.

Good luck.