Hello,
i am sorry your kitty is having trouble. You should have her seen by her vet again for some more blood and urine tests. Kidney disease, along with diabetes and hyperthyroidism are the 3 main illnesses that can afflict elderly cats, and they have similar symptoms. symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, increased water consumption, increased urination, dehydration, weakness, weight loss, muscle wasting, poor hair coat, changes in appetite, changes in behavior and increased vocalizations. Kitty does not have to be exhibiting all symptoms to have an illness, and often times cats hide signs of illness so well that they are in advanced stages before it becomes obvious. There are various medicines and treatments that can be helpful in managing the above illnesses, and your vet can guide you once your kitty is diagnosed. Please try to have her seen as soon as you can and let me know if I can be of further assistance. If this has been helpful, please hit the green accept button. Best of luck with your kitty :)
She does not have the majority of the symptons as above. The only thing I would say I have notice with her is that her food intake is much higher than every before. Mind you that might be beacuse she used to 'dine out' alot more and now I don't think she is quick enough for the birdies and mice!!! so whether that is the reason for the increase in food. I am on a low income and do not really want to go to the vet unless I really have to and really just wanted to know , apart from Medical, is there anything I can do to slow down any progression of this.
If I did not go to the vet would this mean she would be in pain?
If I did go to the vet and they did advise that her kidneys are failing, what would this mean I would then need to do? Would it mean she would need Tablets for the rest of her life, or would it be something that would only be given to her on a short term. basis???
Your kitty does not need to exhibit all of the symptoms above, as I stated in my original post. The increase in her appetite might be for the reason you think, but it is also a symptom of hyperthyroidism. There is nothing you can do at home to slow the progression of any illness, especially since you do not know which illness she has. As the symptoms go untreated, they will snowball, and more symptoms will develop. Yes, your kitty will suffer and be in pain and uncomfortable as the illness progresses un treated. Management of kidney disease is sometimes complicated, and does include medicines that are necessary for the rest of her life (as do diabetes and hyperthyroidism). Please see the following website for more information on kidney disease.
http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=572
Please see the following website for more information on diabetes.
http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=631
Please see the following website for more information on hyperthyroidism.
http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=O&C=O&A=138
I know that money is tight lately, so do the best you can. Please let me know if I can help further :)
Emergency Critical Care Nurse
16+ years of veterinary experience