Are Feline Greenies Safe For Cats With Kidney Disease?

Cats are always comforting partners of humans; we love a cute and cunning partner like a cat in our lives. It is believed that cat pets don't require as much care as dogs, but that's only true some of the time. Our feline friends do need a lot of care as they have many health problems as they get older. And one of the significant issues that kitties usually suffer from is kidney disease. Yes, that's right, a vast number of cats face kidney diseases all over the world. 

The number of cats getting kidney diseases is alarming, as 30% to 50% of cats get kidney diseases as they turn 15 years old. And, due to this major issue of kidney diseases, many companies have come out with treats that help in keeping cats' kidneys healthy. Like greenies cat treats are one of the popular cat treats for keeping cats healthy. So, first, let’s see what leads to cat kidney disease, understand kidney disease in cats, and figure out whether, under this health condition, are greenies bad for cats or are greenies good for cats. 

What Leads To Cat Kidney Disease?

Although cats' kidneys frequently start to fail as they age, renal illness can also be present during the birth of kittens. While the precise causes of CKD are not always known, they may include cancer, high blood pressure, thyroid issues, and extensive dental disease. However, Greenies pet treats are pretty helpful in alleviating the infections that cause kidney malfunction.

Remember, even if your cat or kitten has CKD, they can still have relatively healthy lives. Therefore, it's vital to take them to the vet for regular exams.

Understanding Kidney Disease in Cats

Cat kidney diseases can be a real bummer, especially for our older furballs. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is the biggie here, often creeping up without obvious signs until it's pretty advanced. You might notice your kitty drinking more water and peeing like a champ, but that's just the start. Other symptoms include lack of appetite, weight loss, and some serious lethargy. Most often, this condition strikes cats older than seven. However, that is no excuse for younger cats – and most breeds can be affected, like Maine Coon or Abyssinian cats. Early diagnosis can better control the condition. Your vet might suggest feeding your cat a special diet that is low in protein and phosphorus to keep them feeling good for longer. Regular check-ups are key to catching any changes early on. So keep an eye out for your kitty's changes, and do not hesitate to run this past the vet!

Causes and Risk Factors for Cat Kidney Disease

Kidney diseases in cats can be a real bummer, especially for our older furballs. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is the biggie here, often creeping up without obvious signs until it's terribly advanced. You might notice your kitty drinking more water and peeing like a champ, but that's just the start. Other symptoms include lack of appetite, weight loss, and some serious lethargy. 

Most often, this condition strikes cats older than seven. However, that is no excuse for younger cats – and most breeds can be affected, like Maine Coon or Abyssinian cats. With no permanent treatment for this, early diagnosis can better control the condition. Your vet might suggest feeding your cat a special diet that is low in protein and phosphorus to keep it feeling suitable for longer. Regular check-ups are key to catching any changes early on. So keep an eye out for your kitty's changes, and do not hesitate to run this past the vet!

Signs and Symptoms of Cats with Kidney Disease

Your cat may show certain signs when it is diagnosed with kidney disease. Thirst is potentially one of the most obvious signs, such as your kitty drinking water as if trying to quench a marathon thirst. Increased urination or incontinence (urinating outside the litter box) are other possible signs of cat kidney disease. So, let’s first decipher the early signs.

Early Symptoms of Kidney Disease in Cats

The symptoms mentioned above can help you diagnose at home. Moreover, also be aware of your kitty’s appetite. If your cat were to become suddenly picky about food, or if he or she loses weight, it is cause for concern. Apart from vomiting and lethargy, where they are lazing around without doing much, again, it is a sign you should keep an eye out for. You can also tell if you want to visit the vet: if your cat has foul-smelling breath or takes on a rotten sort of smell, particularly an ammonia smell, put on your shoes and that coat and take the animal to the vet's. If the early signs are caught, it is, of course, for the best!

Some early signs are

• Frequent Urination 
• Drinking more Water 
• Decreased Appetite
• Ammonia-like odor or bad Breath
• Discoloration of tongue
• Mouth Ulcers

It is essential to take your cats frequently to a veterinarian to keep them healthy. There are a few keys to keep an eye on to measure the cat's kidney health and work properly. Here are some of the advanced symptoms that you need to take care of.

Advanced Symptoms of Kidney Disease

• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Blood or Cloudy Urine
• Weakness and indifference
• Constipation 

How to Manage and Treat a Cat With Kidney Disease?

Managing what seems like a full-time job of having a cat with chronic kidney disease may be difficult, but you can do this! In order to manage and treat your kitty with this health condition, start with:

Proper Diet and Hydration

Again, diet is critical. It is better that you switch to a proper kidney-friendly diet with low amounts of protein and phosphorus. Adequate hydration is critical to avoiding kidney disease, so leave fresh water available at all times. Your vet may also show you techniques for administering fluids subcutaneously.

Veterinary Treatments and Medications

Apart from a healthy diet, it is crucial to follow veterinary treatments and medications. There are medications available too! Your veterinarian may give pills for nausea and appetite stimulants if your little buddy is feeling anything but comfortable. Regularly scheduled check-ups are key to assessing their progress.

Long-term Care Tips

Along with the above two, providing consistent treatment, nutritional supplements, and taking good care of feline friend is also essential. 

Nutritional Management is very important for cats. It helps a cat's health by sufficing the missing elements in a cat's diet and taking out all the imbalances in their food. The greenies for cats are one of the most renowned treats for good nutritional management and keeping the cat's kidneys healthy. 

And just remember, calmer is better! Give your fur baby a lot of love and chill. Keep an eye on their behaviors, and always call the vet if anything seems off. 

Can Cats with Kidney Disease Have Treats?

The greenies treat for cats is a helpful treat in the nutritional diet of cats with kidney diseases. The treats made with the proper level of ingredients required for the cat's health are always good for your feline friend. Greenies Cat Soft & Chewy Treats reduce uremic toxins, control high blood pressure, maintain adequate phosphorus/ calcium, and reduce inflammation.

Read More: Is GREENIES A Good Treat To Feed Your Cat?

Additionally, keep in mind that on the other hand, commercial cat snacks may include a lot of salt, so consult your veterinarian before giving your pet any goodies!

Feline Greenies: Are They Safe for Cats With Kidney Disease?

Are greenies bad for cats ?

That is what pet owners usually need clarification on. As it turns out, Feline Greenies may be an excellent treat option for cats with kidney disease. The crunchy morsels are created to help reduce uremic toxins and manage phosphorus levels. In addition, they have ingredients that support total well-being, so your kitty will feel spunky and happy. Moreover, cat treats control high blood pressure, maintain adequate phosphorus/calcium, and reduce inflammation. All pet owners rave that their cats love these, so you can use them to slip in some meds or just to show some love. 

Phosphorus Levels in Feline Greenies

One could argue that the most crucial component of a renal diet is phosphorus. Although the kidneys excrete phosphorus and enter the body through food in cats, consuming excessive amounts of it has been associated with the development of CKD.

Even if there are low-phosphorus cat foods for kidney disease, it's still vital to seek a veterinarian's advice because no two cats are the same. Reducing the quantity of phosphorus in your cat's diet can assist.

Sodium and Cats With Kidney Disease

Remember, for cats affected with kidney disease, sodium intake should be deficient. A diet that limits sodium intake to about 0.4% helps reduce the workload of the kidneys. Moreover, renal diets frequently make an effort to lower your cat's salt intake because salt-rich meals can worsen kidney impairment and raise blood pressure. 

Protein Content and Cats with Kidney Disease

Secondly, protein intake should be moderate, and the recommended range is 28-35%. The protein balance will prevent strain on the kidneys but keep those essential nutrients en route. If your furry friend is on too little protein, muscle loss may eventually occur. It's all about that sweet spot! 

So, discuss with your vet to be sure they fit into the diet plan of your kitty, especially if your furball has any underlying kidney issues. 

What to Look for in Treats for Cats With Kidney Disease

If you are looking for any other cat treats apart from Greenies, then always remember to look for the points mentioned below.

• Low Phosphorus and Low Sodium

As we have gone through in the points as mentioned earlier that too much phosphorus and high quantities of sodium in treats or snacks are always harmful to your kitty. Therefore, it is crucial that you check for cat nutritional treats that contain low levels of phosphorus and low levels of sodium. 

• High Moisture Content

It is crucial that these treats are not just limited to vital nutrients and other minerals but also have a high moisture content, as felines normally do not drink water. Usually, cats go without water for many hours, and when ignored, this leads to dehydration. And, in such scenarios, high moisture-content cat treats can do wonders. 

Read more: When Should I Change My Cat's Diet?

Alternatives to Feline Greenies for Cats With Kidney Disease

If your kitty suffers from kidney disease, here are some tasty alternatives that can take the place of Feline Greenies:

Homemade Treat Recipes for CKD Cats

Chicken and Rice Bites:

Cook up the chicken, mix it with cooked rice, then portion it into small balls and bake for a crunchy snack.

Pumpkin Puree:

A spoonful of plain pumpkin can be a real winner and goes by just fine with digestion.

Other Commercial Treats for CKD Cats

Prescription Diet Treats by Hill's aim to notably support kidney health.

Royal Canin Renal Support Treats:

It is one of several vet-approved, good-tasting, kidney-friendly treats. Always consult your veterinarian before making any changes.

Read more: Feline Nutrition 101: A Cat Owner's Guide to Proper Feline Nutrition

Expert Opinions on Feline Greenies and CKD

Feline Greenies have caused some debate among pet owners, especially regarding chronic kidney disease (CKD). Even though many people swear by the fresh breath and cleanliness brought by these cat dental treats in their cats, some veterinarians are a bit wary. A couple of reports concerning kidney problems after the introduction of Greenies need to be better corroborated. It appears as if CKD has far more to do with the big picture of diet and hydration than a tiny treat. If your cat's got CKD, focus on low-phosphorus foods and treats, and keep 'em hydrated. Always chat with your vet before making any significant changes to their diet!

FAQs

1. Can I give my cat Feline Greenies if they have kidney disease?

It is imperative to talk to a veterinarian before initiating such treats, especially for a cat with CKD.

2. What ingredients should I avoid in treats for cats with kidney disease?

When picking treats for your cat with kidney disease, steer clear of a few key ingredients. High phosphorus is a big no-no since it can worsen kidney function; look for treats with low phosphorus levels. Also, avoid sodium—too much salt can stress those kidneys even more. Watch out for cheap fillers like corn and wheat, which offer little nutritional value and can mess with your cat's health. Lastly, skip any treats loaded with artificial preservatives or flavors; they can be hard on sensitive systems. Always read labels and consult your vet to find the best options for your furry friend!

3. What treats can I give my cat with kidney disease?

If your kitty is experiencing kidney disease, you've got to be careful with the treats. You want to make sure you're providing them with kidney-friendly treats. Maybe low-protein and low-phosphorus dog treats. Usually, vets recommend Feline Greenies as they are okay, but wait to quote on that-check it out first with your vet. Perhaps you'll like trying Greenies Kidney-Friendly Treats for your kidneys. And, of course, canned food is excellent, moist, and keeps the cat hydrated, but again, just don't forget to go to see the vet and check on any new additions to the diet to be sure that it fits the specific needs of your kitty. And, of course, it is tasty while it keeps the fur baby happy!

4. Are Feline Greenies high in phosphorus?

Feline Greenies are not too phosphorus-rich, but they do have about 0.8% to 1% phosphorous, depending on flavor. That's fine for a healthy cat, but if your furball has kidney problems, you may want to pass Greenies. Too much phosphorus can cause trouble in their kidneys because they're not very adept at flushing it out. If your kitty has to bear some renal problems, it would be best to discuss things with your vet first before feeding them a Greenie. That way, your vet may suggest some easier-to-digest treats prepared explicitly for their kidneys.