1st May 2006

Is my cat showing symptoms of kidney problems, or another condition?

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Question:

Our cat, Toby, has been diagnosed with high blood pressure, the most obvious symptom of which is inflamed eyes. He has been prescribed amlodipine for this condition and has been on a special diet for some years to compensate for kidney problems. He is obviously frightened of a neighbour's cat and this has led to him being reluctant to leave the house. We have now provided a litter tray, which he uses intermittently, defecating and urinating elsewhere in the house the rest of the time. He drinks a great deal more than in the past and his stools are very hard. There are also indications that he is in some discomfort while defecating. Are these symptoms indicative of further kidney problems, or another condition?

Answer:

An increase in thirst in a cat with pre-existing kidney disease may indicate a further deterioration in kidney function. If your cat is unused to using a litter tray and/or feels threatened by another cat, then this would account for the occasions when he fails to eliminate within the confines of the tray. Providing multiple litter trays, changing the litter substrate to paper or soil, or covering the tray with a box to hide in may all provide further reassurance. The passing of hard faeces may indicate constipation, which will need to be treated with laxatives if no underlying cause can be identified.