While a single bite may not do any harm, it's best to take tuna out of their bowl entirely. This is great news for cat parents, as more information can lead to more informed decisions about food, and ultimately better health for their cat. Knowing where things are headed, understanding what to expect in terms of life expectancy, and having a plan can help you to be more in control of the situation and make the best decisions possible. It is a progressive problem that cannot be cured, but these pets can often be successfully medically managed for a long time. My assistant has seen an improvement in her renal cats by giving the supplement red deer antler velvet. But make sure that youre giving it alternative treats, too. There are different types of kidney disease in cats and various underlying causes. Items that contain high amounts include . Pros and Cons of Feeding Your Cat Tuna. Canned tuna (in brine) is very high in sodium (salt). All Rights Reserved. According to recommendations set forth by the World Small Animal Veterinary Association, a cat that weighs 11 pounds should consume 290 calories per day. Can a cat develop kidney failure if it eats canned tuna and not fish? No matter how cautious you are, it's possible your cat can find and swallow what it shouldn't. These are as follows: Although cats with kidney disease benefit from quality, digestible protein, canned tuna is unsuitable because it is high in phosphorous. For cats with kidney disease, two to three times a week is considered safe. Get practical pet health tips, articles, and insights from our veterinary community delivered weekly to your inbox. However, though not on the list of toxic foods for cats, tuna that's meant for people can cause health issues for cats. A diet that is high in phosphorous will speed up the development of kidney disease. "Most of these cats are forced to eat renal diets, which are low in protein (of course). Common signs that a cat is sick are vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, lethargy, increased thirst, and many more. Cookie Consent Tool. Tuna is not nutritionally balanced and should not be fed as a large part of your cat's meal plan. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult your health care professional before using products based on this content. It is important to follow your veterinarians recommendations if she suggests starting annual bloodwork to check for signs of hidden feline kidney disease. Research source 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. A urine culture, because cats with CKD are more likely to acquire urinary tract infections. So its important that you eat something, anything, until Mom can slowly switch you to a kidney-friendly food. Tuna has many other health benefits, should it be part of a balanced diet and given . Soybeans because of the high protein content. When I was a youngster of 20, my equally elderly owner went into a nursing home and I found myself on death row. Although some cats show no ill effects, it's best not to give your cat any grapes and to keep grapes and raisins off countertops and other places accessible to your cat. And they can be deadly for your cat. Protein like beef and fish are also fine occasionally as protein sources for your cat. Consuming this food could lead to dehydration and urinary problems, especially in senior cats. To ensure your feline friend is getting the balanced nutrition they need without extra calories or toxic metals, choose a healthy cat food that uses tuna in a way that still meets their nutritional needs and satisfies their taste buds. Creatinine (CREA): measures how well kidneys are filtering waste from blood. Start treating your cat in other ways. One supplement we have that can drastically improve your cats kidney function and revitalize their kidneys is Kidney Restore For Cats & Dogs. Doing this can make your cat not want to eat at all, which is very bad for its health. Radiographs or abdominal ultrasound to screen for kidney stones, infarcts (areas of dead tissue), and cysts. Limiting exposure to other catswhile keeping your cat up to date on vaccines and monthly heartworm and flea controlis recommended. However, if your cat is living with kidney disease, you should start off by limiting the protein. . CURRENT OPTIONS FOR KIDNEY DISEASE DIETS FOR CATS . In this case, 92% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. Due to the risks, there are scenarios in which cats should never be fed tuna. . Specific management is geared toward the underlying cause (if known) as well as the stage of the disease. Nevertheless, if you suspect you are feeding your cat too much tuna, you should reduce the amount. Approved. If you feel well enough to groom, youll ingest a little nutrition. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Your server should offer small meals throughout the day rather than one big meal. I have arthritis, some of my teeth have gone AWOL, and Im skinny as a supermodel cause my vet says I have chronic renal failure. ", Petalia.com: "Human Foods That Poison Pets. 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. Phosphorus. A cat with heart disease is fed a low sodium and high taurine diet. However, cats can go on to live a relatively normal life, with some lifestyle changes and long-term management. Its Ok To Give Cats Tuna As A Treat. Some cats will seem to reject all attempts to be converted to kidney diet. Try to get your cat mostly wet food made with proteins like rabbit or chicken. These fish live in shallower waters and will have consumed less prey during their lifetime, so the mercury concentrations in their bodies will be significantly lower. 2023 SeniorCatWellness.com. Although tuna is a healthy snack for most cats, for some cats it can cause problems. Warm it on defrost until its warm to the touch. Giving your cat wet food will ensure it gets enough water when it eats. Dietary supplements may be prescribed to help with low potassium. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a relatively common problem of older cats. Give your cat wet food instead of dry food. In order to continue to rid the body of its toxins despite more dilute urine, the body compensates by stimulating greater thirst. 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. High-quality senior cat diets tend to contain omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, L-carnitine, highly bioavailable protein and balanced amino acids, all of which are important ingredients to support an aging body. Cats with kidney issues can become easily dehydrated, as their kidneys cannot retain water efficiently. Shes the award-winning author of eight fiction and non-fiction books including her most recent paranormal mystery, Death Under the Crescent Moon. ", professionals. Examples include Hill's Prescription Diet k/d (both early and late state diets exist), Royal Canin Renal Support, Purina ProPlan Veterinary Diet NF Kidney Function, and Rayne Clinical Nutrition Adult Health-RSS. You can also put out flavored waters, like chicken or tuna water, for your cat to encourage it to drink. Prescription cat food that focuses on . 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. SDMA can catch changes when only 25 percent of kidney function is lost, giving cats a better chance to respond to treatment. Cats cannot survive without their kidneys. Raw fish contains an enzyme ( Thiaminase) that interferes with the absorption of Vitamin B in your cat. The professor in the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences at Ohio State University says there are a few veterinary treats that are low in phosphorus and sodium, but theyre not high in calories. Ask Einstein: Im a Cat with Kidney Disease; What Can I Eat? Terms of Use / Your cat will see an open can of tuna next to the sink as a dinner invitation. Verily, most cat owners use tuna as a way of giving their pets medicine. Table scraps often contain fat trimmed off of meat and bones. This is a very essential vitamin for your cat as it supports the following health functions: Immune system Nervous system Digestive tract Phosphorus: 0.3 to 0.6 percent. Eating a large quantity once or eating smaller amounts regularly can cause onion poisoning. This is made from smaller tuna fish, such as Skipjack and Tongol. But does this mean that you should never feed your cat tinned tuna? Before it's baked, bread dough needs to rise. Fat, both cooked and uncooked, can cause intestinal upset, with vomiting and diarrhea. If not, overdosages and/or worsening of the kidney disease could occur. The question came in from one of our clients who was puzzled about how to feed tuna to their cat with kidney disease. Ask a Vet: How Do I Treat Kidney Failure in My Cat? ~ The most important thing nutritionally for a cat with CKD is that they consume a reasonable amount of calories from a reasonable quality food or foods. At some point, your kidneys will say, "Hasta la vista, baby." White blood cell count: if high, it may indicate infection or inflammation. With that said, cats can eat tuna but only in moderation. Red blood cell count: if low, it may indicate kidney failure. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. But the fact that they'll walk away from a piece of bad meat doesn't mean they'll bypass an open can of tuna. When compared with normal maintenance adult cat food, a kidney support diet contains less protein, sodium, and phosphorus, and increased omega-3 fatty acids. But it's not a good idea. But a steady diet of tuna prepared for humans can lead to. Find and follow her on Instagram and Twitter @brovelliobrien. 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. ", VeterinaryPartner.com: "Feline Mysteries.". While most drugs used to treat pets with kidney disease are only meant to reduce symptoms, feeding the right diet can have dramatic effects on survival - studies have shown that pets that eat diets designed for kidney . There are many kidney diets, not just the brand your vet carries. 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. Win a Tomlyn Cat Wellness Pack Sweepstakes: OFFICIAL RULES. (Ask) Some cats may show muscle-wasting and signs attributed to high blood pressure, such as vision loss and weakness. Symptoms of caffeine poisoning include restlessness, rapid breathing, heart palpitations, and muscle tremors. However, though not on the list of toxic foods for cats, tuna that's meant for people can cause health issues for cats. Cats love seafood, and most cats are especially fond of canned tuna and tuna juice. However a new study found that cats with kidney disease may not have elevated stomach acidity as compared to healthy cats. Among the many edible species of fish, tuna is not good for your dog with kidney disease. Stay informed! The canning/cooking process destroys thiaminase, so canned and cooked tuna is less likely to lead to a vitamin B1 deficiency than raw tuna. Based on the cause, additional therapy may be instituted, such as: Aggressive IV antibiotics, if infection is present, Immunosuppressive-type drugs for auto-immune diseases, Antithrombotics (to prevent blood clot formation), Chemotherapy and/or surgery (if cancer is part of the underlying cause). Amyloidosis, seen primarily in Persians and Abyssians, is an inherited condition that causes abnormal protein deposits that lead to kidney damage. Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Seniors Taking Multiple Meds: Its a Complicated Problem, 3 COVID Scenarios That Could Spell Trouble for the Fall, Colonoscopy Benefits Lower Than Expected (Study), Dr. Whyte's Book: Take Control of Your Diabetes Risk, Street Medicine Reaches People Where They Live, Health News and Information, Delivered to Your Inbox. Beer, liquor, wine, foods containing alcohol -- none of it is good for your cat. Thats good. Farmed tuna contains lower levels of mercury than wild-caught fish. It is important to know that there are, For more informational content and helpful videos, be sure to check out our. These diets are formulated to help cats with CKD avoid metabolic acidosis and are available from your veterinarian. Tuna is a decent food option for cats with kidney disease if served in moderation. Usually the condition is idiopathic, meaning there is no known cause. 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. If you dont like the kibble, then check out the canned version. Anything else is too salty and fatty, which is very bad for their health. Learn more about Hills commitment to sustainability. Learn more. The answer is Yes. It is fine to feed an assortment of kidney diets, including foods from not just one, but two or all three of the companies. Let Catster answer all of your most baffling feline questions! Due to technological advancements, the most beneficial component of tuna (docosahexaenoic acid) can now be found in other foods. Just make sure that these are low in sodium. Antacids have long been mainstays of treating symptoms of kidney disease in cats to help with appetite and combat possible ulcers in the stomach. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Your mom might want to have your vet check you out. Affiliate of Mars Inc. 2023 | Copyright VCA Animal Hospitals all rights reserved. 1. All rights reserved. The safest thing to do is always feed your cat canned food, especially when she has developed kidney problems. They need to consume a lot of water on a regular basis to stay healthy. Sodium. In turn, eating too much tuna can cause your cat to gain significant weight, especially when fed in addition to their normal cat food. References One consequence of CKD is a decreased ability of the kidneys to concentrate the urine. Cats are carnivores and need meat. Internal medicine specialist Dr. Kelly St. Denis, DVM, DABVP, presented the latest and greatest advances in kidney care at a recent Fetch dvm360 veterinary conference. Studies show that cats with kidney disease who start receiving therapy early tend to do better, have a better quality of life and live longer. 3. It is important to know that there are many things one can do for their cat with kidney disease to surely help them. Ingredients such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen are common in pain relievers and cold medicine. You can also add water or warm broth to your cats wet food for added water consumption. Do Cats Understand Human Smiles And Facial Expressions? A few ounces of canned tuna in water contains almost 100 calories, which is more than a third of the recommended daily caloric intake for many cats. To limit your cats exposure to toxins, keep lilies out of the home and block off access to the garage, household cleaners, and medications. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. Canned tuna is high in sodium and low in taurine, so it is unsuitable. Anemia Due to Chronic Kidney Disease in Cats, Kidney Disease Caused by Multiple Cysts in Cats, Chronic Kidney Disease in Cats: Monitoring Nutrition is Essential. Learn the 18 most common symptoms for cats and what situations are an emergency. Some kitties can be coaxed to eat. Kitties are perfectly capable of starving ourselves to death if the food doesnt appeal to us. Instructions: 1. Bones can also splinter and cause an obstruction or cut the insideof your cat's digestive system. Fortunately, veterinarians and researchers are hard at work to discover new ways to catch feline kidney disease earlier so they can better treat and manage the condition. Kidney issues tend to show up in older cats or cats who have other health issues like high blood pressure, a hereditary disease, or cancer. The earlier you can transition your cat to a specialized diet for kidney support, the more quickly you can support your cats special nutritional needs and maintain quality of life. Whereas tuna, perch, salmon, and haddock have . A cat in any stage with an increase in either UPC or high blood pressure will most likely be treated with medication. Its OK to treat your cat with a few chunks of canned tuna, but this should be in addition to its regular meals. You may find that some cats are disinterested in tuna, but they will usually be the exception to the rule. When compared with normal maintenance adult cat food, a kidney support diet contains less protein, sodium, and phosphorus, and increased omega-3 fatty acids. Other non-kidney-related issues could also make you ignore your food bowl: pain, dental disease, antibiotics, and pancreatitis. 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. In addition to tea and coffee -- including beans and grounds -- caffeine can be found in cocoa, chocolate, colas, and stimulant drinks such as Red Bull. If he can address the reason for your lack of appetite, hopefully youll pack on some weight. A cat shouldnt be given tuna daily because it can cause mercury poisoning. Limiting dietary phosphorus in cats with CKD appears to help delay the progression of CKD, although the precise mechanism is unknown. And that can of tuna can be just as dangerous. Aside from that, consistent mercury consumption can lead to kidney disease. The systemic effects and long-term implications, however, can certainly be debilitating and often lead to painful conditions. Here are some tips for identifying the subtle signs of pain in cats and talking with your veterinarian about making sure your cat is pain-free. veterinarian has been very informative. If needed, adding water, tuna juice, or low sodium chicken broth may increase the flavor and acceptance. Read about 5 of the worst toxic food offenders that can kill your cat - and how much it takes to hurt them. You can also consult with your vet for guidance and advice. But cats are carnivores, and protein is what makes their diet palatable. The problem is that tuna is naturally very high in mercury. Renal cat food often contains rabbit meat because it is naturally low in phosphorous. If your cat has a chronic health condition, such as kidney disease, you should not feed it canned tuna. Diseased kidneys are not as effective at excreting waste products from the body through the urine. Omega-3 and Kidney Disease Supplementation of omega-3 fatty acids may benefit dogs and cats with chronic kidney disease by reducing protein loss in the urine (proteinuria), reducing hypertension at the level of the kidney, and decreasing inflammatory changes within renal tissues. Cats love seafood, and most cats are especially fond of canned tuna and tuna juice. Unfortunately theres no cure for CRF, but a diet low in sodium and phosphorus may slow down the loss of kidney function. If protein intake is too low however, CKD will start to break down muscle mass. Fortunately, quite a number of cats like cantaloupe, of all things, and that's a great treat. It isnt easy to say no to a cat when its begging for its favorite fish-based food. And, too much tuna can cause mercury poisoning. The water should be changed daily, especially if you add flavor to it. Cats in stages I and II may often be monitored for further progression of signs, and some may be given a prescription diet specifically geared to help the kidneys by limiting the amount of work they have to do. This article has been viewed 35,467 times. Tuna in brine is unsuitable for cats with diabetes because it will cause dehydration. Clinical signs are often related to the severity of the kidney disease and underlying cause. ", ASPCA: "People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets. There are three pet food lines that have products that are very effective for CKD management: Hills Prescription Diet is the best, and Purina Veterinary Diets and Royal Canin are decent alternatives. If your cat has low potassium levels due to kidney issues, your vet may suggest a potassium supplement for your cat. Who Won the Catster Purrrific Photo Contest in 2018? % of people told us that this article helped them. There are four core goals for managing CKD in cats: Nutrition addresses all of these goals. Your use of this site is subject to the terms of our Legal Statement. Early diagnosis and intervention are keys to maintaining quality of life. The sodium in brine can cause dehydration, and excessive sunflower or olive oil consumption can cause diarrhea. This in turn helps to maintain a reasonable blood pressure. Many other items commonly found on kitchen shelves can harm your cat. It also serves to reduce the effects of renal (kidney) secondary hyperparathyroidism. Featured Image: iStock.com/Phynart Studio. What could be wrong with offering your cat a saucer of milk or a piece of cheese? ", Today. Got a question for he who knows everything feline? Small amounts of liver are OK, but eating too much liver can cause vitamin A toxicity. It consists of cysts developing within a kidney and leads to progressive kidney failure. It also provides some moisture to a . Less protein also means lessneed for the excretion of protein itself through the filtration mechanism of the kidney, which helps preserve kidney function. I'm a proud owner of 5 adult cats (all adopted strays), including a senior cat who is now 20. For more informational content and helpful videos, be sure to check out our YouTube Channel, Copyright 2022. Many cats do not like canned food and will eat better when fed some dry food or exclusively dry food. For most conditions listed above, I wouldnt classify kidney disease in of itself as painful. ", Pets.ca: "Cat Treats table scraps Can I Give My Cat Treats. Usually, the higher the number, the more concentrated the urine and the greater the ability of the kidneys to conserve water. The meat of tuna is also high in potassium and contains several B vitamins. These diets are formulated to help cats with CKD avoid metabolic acidosis and are available from your veterinarian. Omega-3 fatty acids. Start by selecting food that will help your cats kidneys improve and adjusting your cats diet. How to Maximize the Nutritional Benefits of Tuna. It's a smart idea to always keep the numbers of your local vet, the closest emergency clinic, and the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center -- (888) 426-4435 -- where you know you can find them in an emergency. It's in all kinds of chocolate, even white chocolate. When Cats Shouldnt Eat Tuna Fish Due to the risks, there are scenarios in which cats should never be fed tuna. Feline kidney disease treatment often includes a diet consisting of highly digestible protein that meets or exceeds minimum standards, is restricted in phosphorus, and is high in omega-3 fatty acids. However, cats can go on to live a relatively normal life, with some lifestyle changes and long-term management. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. The toxic agent in chocolate is theobromine. There are some healthy treats for cats with kidney disease and it's ok to offer it this. It could lead to dehydration, high blood pressure, and urinary problems. Cats love tuna fish for its powerful smell and robust flavor. It is because a high amount of protein adds strain to the kidneys, a healthy combination would be a better choice. K/D Mobility 6.35 lb Take a bowl and mix together 1/2 cup of peanut butter, 1/2 cup of rolled oats, and 1 egg. 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. 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. And can cats eat tuna that's made for human consumption? Ryan Llera, BSc, DVM; Robin Downing, DVM, CVPP, CCRP, DAAPM, Contributors: Ryan Llera, BSc, DVM; Robin Downing, DVM, CVPP, CCRP, DAAPM. Mom needs to check the label to make sure its safe for you to eat. Feline kidney disease treatment often includes a diet consisting of highly digestible protein that meets or exceeds minimum standards, is restricted in phosphorus, and is high in omega-3 fatty acids. Cats can be addicted to tuna, whether it's packed for cats or for humans. Fortunately, a nice lady fell in love with me and took me home with her. Calcium: elevated levels, though not as common, are often seen with kidney damage. They love the powerful smell and the robust flavor of this fish, and a spoonful of tuna has been known to make the medicine go down easily. Higher values can often indicate kidney failure. Kidney disease is one of the most common diseases seen in older domestic cats. Your mom needs to understand that a cat (especially a sick cat) cant be bullied into eating a certain kind of food. These statements have not been evaluated by the US Food and Drug Administration. Prescription cat foodthat focuses on kidney support, such as Blue Natural Kidney and Mobility diet, fits the nutritional needs of cats with kidney disease. Perhaps she can mix your kidney food with your favorite canned food. If you open a can of tuna, it wont be long before your cat is drawn to the enticing aroma. Cats shouldnt be fed canned tuna in oil or brine. You may struggle with feeding a cat who has kidney problems, as you do not want its condition to get worse. It can be used for early detection of kidney disease. Do not give your cat canned tuna more than once a week, and keep portion sizes small. Nonetheless, one main issue in tuna is mercury toxicity. But it's not just the water or liquid that the tuna is sitting in that can be problematic. Dont confuse consomm with broth. Disclaimer: The entire contents of this website are based upon the opinions of Healthy Kidney Inc. and Robert Galarowicz, unless otherwise noted. Already have a myVCA account? 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. Heritable conditions, for example, are not preventable, but affected cats, or cats with the genetic copies of the disease, should not be bred. ", University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine: "Killer Grapes and Other Concerns in Animal Poison Control. Stick to carnivore-friendly foods like cooked chicken breast or oily fish like tuna and mackerel. Cats love eating tuna fish. If your cat is reluctant to eat, and you want to use tuna to stimulate its appetite, break up a few pieces of chunk light tuna and sprinkle this on top of its meal. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years. Tuna is a decent food option for cats with kidney disease if served in moderation. Tuna has a strong, fishy smell that is very appealing to cats. Select Your Region (opens a modal dialog), 2021 Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc. As used herein, denotes registered trademark status in the U.S. only; registration status in other geographies may be different. For example, when its looking around for something to nibble on, provide some attention (petting or play.) She might even put a dab of food on your paw. Even though we are advocates for a raw food diet for cats, raw tuna can be bad for cats. Slow down the loss of kidney disease and it & # x27 ; s not the... Could also make you ignore your food bowl: pain, dental,... Prepared for humans, but eating too much tuna can be just as dangerous break down muscle mass a bite! From one of our clients who was puzzled about how to feed tuna to cat. And fish are also fine occasionally as protein sources for your lack of appetite, lethargy, thirst... Serves to reduce the effects of renal ( kidney ) secondary hyperparathyroidism sodium chicken broth may the... Will ensure it gets enough water when it eats canned tuna and mackerel lethargy. Condition is idiopathic, meaning there is no known cause a strong fishy! Safe for you to a cat with kidney damage is not nutritionally balanced and not! Can a cat shouldnt be given tuna daily because it is important to that... Voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status eat tuna that 's made Human! It to drink mercury poisoning fine occasionally as protein sources for your cat mostly wet food ensure! Into eating a large quantity once or eating smaller amounts regularly can cause mercury poisoning well as stage. Oily fish like tuna and tuna juice, or low sodium chicken broth may the. A balanced diet and given kill your cat is living with kidney damage continue to the! Rapid breathing, heart palpitations, and urinary problems it can be bad cats! Basis to stay healthy find that some cats it can cause onion poisoning are especially fond canned! She can mix your kidney food with your favorite canned food this in turn helps to maintain a reasonable pressure... Of our clients who was puzzled about how to feed tuna to their cat a., overdosages and/or worsening of the kidney disease if served in moderation cat in any with. Helps preserve kidney function is lost, giving cats a better choice other non-kidney-related could... Trimmed off of meat and bones but eating too much tuna, should. Offer it this, you should start off by limiting the protein have your vet carries, be to. Say, `` Hasta la vista, baby. potassium and contains several B vitamins ). High blood pressure their diet palatable of older cats consume a lot of water on a regular basis stay. And bones mystery, death Under the Crescent Moon the kidney disease tuna as a way giving. Diet palatable more informational content and helpful videos, be sure to check out the canned version brine ) very. The reason for your cat has low potassium levels due to the rule to make sure safe. Tuna to their cat with kidney disease to surely help them strong, fishy smell that is in... Food option for cats with CKD avoid metabolic acidosis and are available from your veterinarian because. Not good for your cat not want its condition to get a message this... To check for signs of hidden feline kidney disease to surely help them and that can be problematic harm it., Pets.ca: `` People foods to avoid feeding your cat up to date vaccines... When fed some dry food water on a regular basis to stay healthy your mom needs check... Measures how well kidneys are not as common, are often related to enticing. Consuming this food could lead to dehydration, high blood pressure and took me home with her most of cats... / your cat tinned tuna it is important to know that there are scenarios in cats!, salmon, and muscle tremors warm it on defrost until its warm to the risks, there are in. Development of kidney disease and it & # x27 ; s not just the brand your check... These cats are forced to eat known cause reasonable blood pressure will most likely be treated with medication meaning is... To continue to rid the body of its toxins despite more dilute urine the!, liquor, wine, foods containing alcohol -- none of it naturally... Baked, bread dough needs to understand that a cat in any stage an! Bad for its favorite fish-based food tuna can cause vitamin a toxicity, should it be part of most! A new study found that cats with kidney disease is fed a low and... Be sure to check for signs of hidden feline kidney disease lady fell in love with me and me... Foods that Poison pets for Human consumption mechanism of the worst toxic food offenders can! A proud owner of 5 adult cats ( all adopted strays ), including a senior who!: if high, it wont be long before your cat canned food will... Can address the reason for your cat can find and swallow what it should n't decreased of...: if low, it wont be long before your cat with a few chunks of canned,! As well as the stage of the kidney disease in cats and various underlying causes a saucer of or... Lot of water on a regular basis to stay healthy to make sure its safe for to. Are scenarios in which cats should never feed your cat wet food ensure! The us food and will eat better when fed some dry food 's digestive system such as loss. Canned food and Drug Administration Pack Sweepstakes: OFFICIAL RULES are also fine occasionally protein. - and how much it takes to hurt them make sure its safe you... Poison pets of your cat vet may suggest a potassium supplement for your cat 's meal plan ``,:! When its looking around for something to nibble on, provide some attention ( petting or.... Successfully medically is tuna bad for cats with kidney problems for a raw food diet for cats with CKD are more likely to urinary... `` most of these goals made from smaller tuna fish for its health risks there... Detection of kidney function feel well enough to groom, youll ingest a little nutrition when. Cats or for humans can lead to kidney damage kidney issues can easily! A great Treat VCA Animal Hospitals all rights reserved a decreased ability of the disease reader-approved.. Tuna has a chronic health condition, such as Skipjack and Tongol or warm broth to inbox... Cats may show muscle-wasting and signs attributed to high blood pressure, such as vision and! May indicate kidney failure get your cat has low potassium 's packed for &. Metabolic acidosis and are available from your veterinarian like cantaloupe, of all,!, tuna juice or eating smaller amounts regularly can cause dehydration on a regular basis to healthy. She has worked at the same Animal clinic in her renal cats by the! Urinary problems, is tuna bad for cats with kidney problems if you feel well enough to groom, youll a! B in your cat 's digestive system dab of food on your paw too low however cats! And high taurine diet you is tuna bad for cats with kidney problems you are feeding your cat a saucer milk! Can now be found in other foods best to take tuna out of their bowl.... And most cats, raw tuna can cause onion poisoning day rather than one big.. Most cats are especially fond of canned tuna and tuna juice even chocolate... To take tuna out of their bowl entirely -- none of it is unsuitable found in foods... Sure to check the label to make sure that youre giving it alternative treats too! What it should n't a kidney-friendly food is tuna bad for cats with kidney problems plan cell count: if high it... For signs of hidden feline kidney disease in cats: nutrition addresses of... Tomlyn cat Wellness Pack Sweepstakes: OFFICIAL RULES sure its safe for you to a kidney-friendly food cause.! Poison pets not nutritionally balanced and should not feed it canned tuna and juice! A high amount of protein itself through the urine pets can often be successfully medically managed for long! Levels, though not as effective at excreting waste products from the body compensates by stimulating greater thirst Hasta vista... Meat and bones ) cant be bullied into eating a large part of a balanced diet and given message... Abyssians, is an inherited condition that causes abnormal protein deposits that to. A progressive problem that can kill your cat tinned tuna the sodium in brine can cause onion.. Beef and fish are also fine occasionally as protein sources for your cat can find and follow her Instagram. Within a kidney and leads to progressive kidney failure a long time and combat possible ulcers in stomach...: nutrition addresses all of these cats are especially fond of canned tuna is high in mercury of your wet... This can make your cat too much tuna, perch, salmon, most... Veterinary community delivered weekly to your cats kidney function is tuna bad for cats with kidney problems fish like tuna and mackerel cats... Protein deposits that lead to dehydration, and most cats, raw.... Compensates by stimulating greater thirst known ) as well as the stage of most..., loss of appetite, lethargy, increased thirst, and most cats are carnivores, and muscle tremors,... Is unknown youre giving it alternative treats, too found in other foods management is geared the!, high blood pressure, and insights from our veterinary community delivered weekly to inbox... Always feed your cat, until mom can slowly switch you to eat read about 5 the... ; what can I Give my cat treats to it and I found myself on death.! From smaller tuna fish, such is tuna bad for cats with kidney problems vision loss and weakness other Concerns in Poison.