My 13 yo cat in early stage of renal failure

[killertheturtle]

Hello,
My cat is in the early stages of renal failure and the doctor ordered for fluids 3 times a week and changing her diet to K/D. I am extremley passionate about pet food and cannot justify feeder her a crappy food like Hill's K/D. I have a detailed list of ingredients, vitamin levels and everything else in the food. I am trying to find something of higher quality that is similar.
Does anyone know of a food or have experience with a cat with renal failure? Did K/D help? Did a different food help?
She is currently eating California Natural chicken and rice, and this is the only food I have found that she does not vomit up.
Thanks!

EDIT: Does anyone have any tips on giving fluids? I did it for my first time by myself tonight and she jumped away (pulling the needle out) once and then the second time she cried and cried and cried like it hurt. thanks

 

[BEAUKEZRA]

I don't know anything about renal failure in cats but I switched my 12 year old cat from Iams to Natural Balance over a year ago and she has a lot more energy. I read that Natural Balance is great for cats with allergies or digestive problems. It's sold at Petco. I'm sorry I can't be more help.

 

[killertheturtle]

Yeah Natural Balance is really good, but I already compared the two and it's phosphorus and calcium is too high. I'm glad your cat likes it, though.

 

[maherwoman]

Have you heard of thecatsite.com? It's a great site for kitty owners about stuff like this.

 

[killertheturtle]

Thank you so much maherwoman!
That site is great and I think I found what I need

 

[seniorcats]

http://www.felinecrf.com/

This is an excellent site on CRF in cats. There is a step-by-step illustrated guide for administering subq fluids and a page of tips. It does get easier about the 3rd time you do it. The fluids really do work wonders.

There is also excellent information on low protein diet including a varity of commercial foods and links to homemade recipes. Our cats with CRF have preferred Royal Canin. The nausea and vomiting your cat has may be from the CRF and should improve with fluid therapy.

Some of our cats have become anemic as a result of kidney failure. We gave Procrit injections to help with this.

Good luck with your kitty.

 

[Becknutt]

Whenever I have to give Fluffy fluids, she crys too. I don't know if it hurts or is just uncomfortable. She's been getting sub Q's for years and still crys. Though she doesn't try to get away anymore, I think she knows it makes her feel better.