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Cats/Chronic Renal Failure (very vocal during night)

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Expert: - 11/6/2008


Question
My eldest cat, a 13 yr old Tonkinese, was diagnosed this past March with CRF.  We have regular vet checks ie. blood, etc. to monitor.  She has actually improved under our loving & patient care. The only meds she is on are ranitidine (to settle stomach so as to eat) & lactulose (to ensure bowel movement). She eats pretty well & often, also seems to be her normal self.  However, during the night (she eats then as well) she is very vocal, with loud crying, usually before and after she eats.  We tend to think she is just letting us know what she is doing. I don't know what to do about this.  I haven't had much sleep these past few months.  Do you have any advice on why she might be doing this during the night?  She doesn't do this during the day when she eats.
Thanks for reading this.

Answer
Donna,

My 9 1/2 year old cat has CRF as well. She doesn't do the vocal bit that yours is doing. I'm wondering if your vet would have an explanation. Your kitty may be anxious about something or feel unwell, maybe as if she is going to vomit? If you think she may be anxious you could try a very safe homeopathic remedy called Bach's Rescue Remedy which is a blend of flower essences designed to calm and reassure. I use this with my oldest cat when she is feeling anxious or fearful to minimize the stress that these negative emotions creates. You can usually find Rescue Remedy in natural health stores or health food stores, even some mainstream pharmacies are beginning to carry this remedy in the section where they keep their vitamin/nutritional supplements. I would recommend a dose of around 5-7 drops per day in fresh, filtered water each morning to see what that does for her. Hope that helps....Good luck and your kitty is in my thoughts and prayers...I know how tough it can be to have a kitty with CRF so if you would like to send emails looking for support from someone who understands I'm okay with that.

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I am the proud guardian of 5 mixed breed cats ranging from 12 weeks to 13 years old and one purebred ragdoll. I have 20+ years experience working with mixed breed cats from a variety of different situations. I have fostered cats/kittens with special needs/behavioral issues. I have rescued/rehabilitated/re-homed a variety of stray/abused cats. I can offer advice on managing feral cat colonies, rehabilitating strays and finding them forever homes. I can help you to determine whether a cat is stray or feral, there IS a significant difference. Improperly introducing a new cat/kitten can result in aggression between newly introduced cats because cats are territorial by nature and they don't like sudden changes in their environment. To learn more about a peaceful way to introduce a new cat into a home with other cats please check out my previous answers on this subject. Proper nutrition for cats can be confusing, I recommend checking out catinfo.org which was created by a veterinarian (Dr. Lisa Pierson) who takes a common sense approach to explaining feline nutrition. Cat behavior and instincts are different from those of humans, I can help you understand your cat's needs so that you can meet them adequately and have a balanced, psychologically and physically sound kitty. Cats vary in personality, energy level and intelligence, different approaches may be required to achieve results in terms of training and interaction with your feline companion. An intelligent, high energy cat must be kept busy or they will make their own fun. I am NOT a licensed veterinarian and I can't offer medical advice. If your cat is ill/injured my advice is always the same: get prompt medical treatment provided by a veterinarian. If finances are an issue I will try to find resources in your area that can help with medical costs or make other choices to ensure the welfare of your cat.

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I have fostered feral and stray cats, rehabilitated and homed cats that many people recommended euthanasia for. I am willing to make an effort to do the research and ask questions because I care enough to find solutions to behavioral problems rather than giving up. I have an interest in the use of alternative therapies to help provide the best possible care for all cats and I can say in all honesty that I've seen some incredible things happen for some incredible cats and their human caregivers when the right alternative therapeutic modality is used by a qualified veterinarian with expertise and experience in the field.

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I've earned my diploma as a veterinary assistant with honors.

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