Cats with CKD often deal with nausea, vomiting, and/or a general lack of appetite because the waste products build up in their bloodstream can affect the part of their system that controls nausea. As kidney function declines, toxins like urea circulate longer in the bloodstream and stimulate the chemoreceptor trigger zone (part of the brain that controls nausea).
When a CKD cat stops eating well, it can become a major quality of life issue by leading to protein and calorie deficiencies. So, we need our kidney cats to eat.
Some symptoms of nausea in cats:
Behavioral:
Physical signs:
Gastrointestinal signs:
If a CKD cat hasn’t eaten for 24+ hours, is vomiting repeatedly, or is lethargic on top of nausea, that warrants a same day vet call or visit.
Worth noting that just because the cat is nauseous, vomiting, or has a decreased appetite, doesn’t automatically mean the cause is kidney-related.
Some other causes of nausea, vomiting, and inappetence:
Treatment depends on the cause of the inappetence. In CKD cats, veterinarians commonly will recommend Ondansetron (treats nausea), Cerenia (vomiting), and/or mirtazapine (appetite stimulant). But it really depends on the cause of the problem. Watch for giving an appetite stimulant before addressing the nausea, artificially making a cat hungry without addressing them not feeling well is counterproductive. A thorough examination with bloodwork usually helps show you where to focus.
There are some easy wins you can have at home too. Raise up the food plates or bowls or offer the food in a slightly different location, this can help with stomach acid and may encourage eating. Spread the meals out a bit to help keep your cat’s stomach full. Stomach acid will go for the food instead of the stomach itself. Do some research on slippery elm bark. Lots of folks have given great reviews for its digestive tract benefits, but I haven’t used it personally.
Some other things you could try at home are toppers like FortiFlora, parmesan cheese, crushed dry food, bonito flakes, chicken treats, tuna water (without broth/onions), or even a pinch of oregano to spark interest. Some cats respond to alternative foods than they're used to such as tuna, plain baby food without onions, deli meats, plain cooked chicken, or broths. Sometimes only a little is needed to "prime the pump" and get your cat eating again. If coaxing doesn't work, you may need to revisit some of the medications with your vet discussed above.
When a CKD cat stops eating well, it can become a major quality of life issue by leading to protein and calorie deficiencies. So, we need our kidney cats to eat.
Some symptoms of nausea in cats:
Behavioral:
- Approaching food, sniffing, walking away
- Acting hungry but not eating
- Asking for food but refusing it when presented
- Pacing around food bowl or area
- Restlessness or inability to settle down
- Hiding or withdrawing
- Increased clinginess or seeking reassurance
Physical signs:
- Lip licking
- Excessing swallowing
- Drooling
- Chewing motions with nothing in the mouth
- Smacking or grinding teeth
- Throat movements or stomach sounds
- Minor trembling or shivering
- A “pain” or “nausea” face (see feline grimace scales)
Gastrointestinal signs:
- Small amounts of foam or bile
- Gagging or retching without producing vomit
- Dry heaving
If a CKD cat hasn’t eaten for 24+ hours, is vomiting repeatedly, or is lethargic on top of nausea, that warrants a same day vet call or visit.
Worth noting that just because the cat is nauseous, vomiting, or has a decreased appetite, doesn’t automatically mean the cause is kidney-related.
Some other causes of nausea, vomiting, and inappetence:
- Dehydration
- Increased phosphorus levels
- Dental or mouth issues
- Anaemia
- Certain antibiotics
- Hyperthyroidism
- Fluids
- Pancreatitis
- General pain from other conditions
- Stress or recent food transition
Treatment depends on the cause of the inappetence. In CKD cats, veterinarians commonly will recommend Ondansetron (treats nausea), Cerenia (vomiting), and/or mirtazapine (appetite stimulant). But it really depends on the cause of the problem. Watch for giving an appetite stimulant before addressing the nausea, artificially making a cat hungry without addressing them not feeling well is counterproductive. A thorough examination with bloodwork usually helps show you where to focus.
There are some easy wins you can have at home too. Raise up the food plates or bowls or offer the food in a slightly different location, this can help with stomach acid and may encourage eating. Spread the meals out a bit to help keep your cat’s stomach full. Stomach acid will go for the food instead of the stomach itself. Do some research on slippery elm bark. Lots of folks have given great reviews for its digestive tract benefits, but I haven’t used it personally.
Some other things you could try at home are toppers like FortiFlora, parmesan cheese, crushed dry food, bonito flakes, chicken treats, tuna water (without broth/onions), or even a pinch of oregano to spark interest. Some cats respond to alternative foods than they're used to such as tuna, plain baby food without onions, deli meats, plain cooked chicken, or broths. Sometimes only a little is needed to "prime the pump" and get your cat eating again. If coaxing doesn't work, you may need to revisit some of the medications with your vet discussed above.