Many cat owners might think that a cat with scruffy fur is just having one of those bad hair (or fur) days, and that it’s nothing that a proper grooming session or some supplements can’t fix. In reality, the condition of a cat’s fur is much more telling than you may realize. In fact, a cat’s coat is a vital indicator for gauging their general health.
If your cat is over the age of 5 and suffering from fur issues, then it might be a sign of something far, far more serious, like kidney disease. Here’s why you shouldn’t discount your cat’s furry problems, why your cat’s fur issues may be kidney disease, and how the two are related.
How Does Kidney Disease Affect Fur?
-
Accumulation of Waste & Nutrient Deficiency
Once a cat develops kidney disease, its kidneys can no longer function as effectively as before. As such, the cat will no longer be able to effectively expel waste, such as protein metabolites and toxins, from its body, leading to an increase in BUN and creatinine levels. This will accelerate the speed of protein loss in the body, resulting in a nutrient deficiency. Without sufficient nutrients, the cat’s fur will turn dry and lose its luster, and be prone to falling out or being damaged.
-
Inflammation
As we’ve discussed in our other articles, kidney disease tends to be accompanied by inflammation. Inflammation can cause a cat’s skin to grow dry, which will in turn affect its hair follicles and make its fur thin and prone to breaking. Inflammation can also cause the skin to become itchy, and the cat may attempt to aggressively scratch or lick the affected area and make the situation worse.
-
Accumulated Toxins and Uremia
Decreased kidney functions can lead to uremia, which is a condition associated with high levels of waste and toxins, such as urea, in the blood. This condition damages both skin and fur cells and has an adverse effect on a cat’s health. The toxins accumulated due to uremia cause fur to grow rough, lose their shine, and fall out.
Other Related Symptoms
As we’ve learned, kidney disease often leads to changes in the conditions of a cat’s fur. Of course, one bad fur day doesn’t necessarily mean that your cat has kidney disease. That’s why you should be on the lookout for other common kidney disease symptoms. If your cat is having fur problems and showing any of the following signs, you should be prepared to take them to the vet for a proper checkup.
- Vomiting and Appetite Loss
- Increased Urination
- Weight Loss
- Bad Breath
- Lack of Energy
What Should I Do?
Both early prevention and early treatment is vital when caring for a cat at risk of kidney disease. Cats over the age of 5 are increasingly susceptible to various diseases, and kidney disease is just one of them. Since their bodily functions start to decline around this point, it’s important to take them to the veterinarian for periodic checkups to catch diseases early.
As such, if your cat’s having fur problems, don’t be too quick to just feed them coat care supplements and call it a day, especially if they’re old. Observe your cat carefully to see if there are any other signs of kidney disease. If you suspect something’s wrong, call your vet right away to make an appointment. Early detection will allow you to give your cats the care and treatment they need, greatly improving their odds of recovery.
Remember, it’s better to be safe than sorry!