constipated cat with kidney disease

[toriree]

One of my older cats has kidney disease and is on a special diet (Hill's K/D canned and dry) along with Epakitin and Rubenal (Azodyl if I could get it down her-but can't). I keep water for her in several places and try to keep it fresh. The past 2 or 3  days I have not noticed any fecal activity. She urinates maybe 3 or 4 times a day that I know of. I have to use NutriCal on her food to get her to eat it, but my vet said it was ok. I am wondering if there is something else I can do about her constipation.

[kellie90]

We just had to put our 17 yr old girl down do to this awful disease.  At the end I was having to syringe her due to the sores in her mouth and not eating.  Constipation became a major issue near the end, I would mix meat baby food (turkey or chicken) with baby food peas (fiber) to help her and just syringe.  To help us know what we needed to look for and what to expect I was lucky enough to find this site:http://www.felinecrf.org/.  I am not affiliated or am I promoting this site, I am just letting those know that it contained some very good information for me and my family during one of the most difficult times that we have gone through with our furry kids.  Good luck toriree with your baby.

[nancyjac]

I don't have any experience with doing this with adult cats with renal disease, but it might be something to ask your vet about.  What about using KMR to supplement her diet?  It would provide additional fluid to prevent dehydration as well as more nutrients than in water but more easily digestible than either canned or dry food.  

[toriree]

I think the pumpkin might have worked for the constipation. At least there was a small movement in the litter box this morning  that was sure pumpkin colored. I didn't see her though and with 2 others using the box it is hard to know. I will look at the recipes to see what I can make she might like. I am not sure where to buy some of the things they suggest adding to the recipe.
Does a person just use regular human additives? Like the taurine for instance.
Everyone on here says NOT to give dry food, but my vet suggested and sold it to me, so I am kind of at a loss on what is best.
And, if I understand correctly, the NutriCal can cause megacolon, which I understand is only worse constipation.
thanks to all..........

[opus88]

heres the website for info on Chronic Renal failure.(CRF)

www.holisticat.com/crf.html

they recommend WELLNESS brand cat food...CANNED TURKEY..
Dry food isn't recommended for CRF cats, the dry food is so low in moisture, and dehydration leads to chronic constipation.
I know you need to be careful how much water you give to a CRF cat.
they also recommed adding TAURINE (from NOW brand of supplements) because they loose so many nutrients due to urinating so much.
CHECK WITH YOUR VET FOR ADVICE ON THIS FIRST.

you can also check out this website for info on constipation. theres tons of good info there.

www.felineconstipation.org

good luck

[opus88]

or another at
www.holisticat.com

most there prefer the raw and it is better, not so many supplements to add, but my kitty won't eat it so had to go to the 'cooked pork' recipe.

laxatone and Nutrical would be nearly the same as far as I know. I've hear many use fortiflora, as long as you are not over using? find out the ingredients.(?)

I'm sorry I don't know anything about the fiber treats, again check the ingred., as you've seen the nutrical is no longer working for her and they can get mega colon as PK said.

[PrettyKitty1]

Here are some good recipes for kitties with renal problems. They will also help with constipation issues. Please take a look.

http://users.ameritech.net/critterz/crf_recipes.htm