Hello,

The vet just informed us that our 16 yr. old male cat is in the early stages of renal failure.

The vet is willing to let us try homeopathy along with diet changes. I've consulted Kent's Rep. but found nothing under kidneys. My best suggestion so far would be Sulphur, but I'm wondering what anyone else might offer. And I know Sulphur may aggravate.

He has lost some weight, drinks more, appetite still good though may vomit on occasion, likes to be held and will even meow to alert you that he wants you to hold him. Occasionally may sit and stare into space. Enjoys sitting in the sun.

Any suggestions will be appreciated.

Rich

I can brush him almost everyday and get hair.

I hope you will be able to identify a remedy that helps. In addition, supplementing the diet with 250-500 mg of salmon oil daily may be of some value in maintaining what's left of his renal function. You may also find some helpful information at
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/feline-CRF-support.

A.

Dear Rich,

I too have a cat who is 16 years old and was diagnosed with early renal failure. My vet suggested renal cat food bought from the vet and multivitamin tablets, again from the vet. She has done very well on that although her coat is not as healthy as it used to be. When she wasn't very well a little while ago, ie she weed and drank a huge amount, and her appetite was poor a homeopathic vet suggested Mercury 30, one tablet a day for 10 days which seemed to help her a lot. He also suggested Phosphorus if the Mercury did not help. She like your cat is very affectionate and wants to sit on me frequently. She also likes to be very warm.

You could try the above or treat her constitutionally. If you live in England there are homeopathic vets ( I could recommend one who will treat on the phone). It might be worth getting in touch with one.

Mainly you are meant to avoid too much protein. I give my cat the homeopathic remedy crushed in a drop of milk which she happily laps up. I believe they are not supposed to lose too much weight.

Regards,

Brigitte Haworth, RSHom

It is false that a cat in renal failure needs a low protein diet. It's not the quantity, but quality of protein. Unfortunately, cats in renal failure are not good eaters so switching a cat from a commercial dry food diet to a raw diet can be difficult. I suggest, first, going to a high quality canned like Wellness or Wysong all-meat canned, or Nature's Variety, then, if possible, going to raw.

Michelle T. Bernard
BLAKKATZ Naturally Raised American Shorthairs
http://www.blakkatz.com
Author of Raising Cats Naturally
http://www.raisingcatsnaturally.com