How to Cope With Chronic Renal Failure (CRF) in Elderly Cats

It doesn't make sense, does it? All you did is bring kitty in for his yearly check-up, and now you can't believe your ears... You are being bombarded with words you don't understand... CRF, BUN, creatinine, erythropoietin... The list goes on and on. But there is one word that you understand only too well, and it manages to ring the loudest, way above the din of all the bad news: terminal.

So... what is going on? What is CRF and how can you cope with this diagnosis?

First of all, don't panic. It is important that you keep your head. Your cat really needs you now and you cannot be of much help if you are drowning in negativity. It is OK to be scared and confused. It is OK to be sad and cry. But then you do need to snap out of it. As fast as you can.

Do your homework. Educate yourself about CRF. Learn the facts and get used to the lingo. CRF stands for chronic renal failure. It is an umbrella term that has come to signify all stages of kidney disease in cats, from mild to severe. So, at this point, your cat may not have kidney failure, but kidney insufficiency. This buys him and you, his caretaker, precious time.

Is CRF bad news? Yes, unfortunately it is. Very. Is it curable? No. CRF will not get better, it can only get worse. By the time a blood test confirms kitty's CRF diagnosis, as much as two-thirds of his kidney function may have been irreparably lost. CRF is progressive and terminal. Do not lose heart though. With proper care and lots of love (and a little bit of luck), kitty may have months or even years of good life in store.

CRF management has one primary aim: To lighten the kidney workload so that the remaining renal function can last as much as possible. Kitty will be needing regular visits to the vet and tests. Two very important tests measure BUN (blood urea nitrogen) and creatinine. Both are waste products of metabolism that kidneys excrete. BUN and creatinine values are elevated in CRF. Your veterinarian will also be checking kitty's blood for indications of anemia. There is a special hormone, erythropoietin, that is essential to the production of red blood cells. Failing kidneys do not produce erythropoietin as they should, and kitty may become anemic as a result.

If your cat has been diagnosed with mild or moderate CRF, chances are that, at least at first, the vet will not prescribe anything more than dietary adjustments. The first line of defense against CRF is a protein-restricted diet. There is a variety of special diets (marketed as k/d cat food) available by prescription through your vet clinic. Kitty will very probably have strong objections to his diet change, so it is up to you to help him make the transition.

Do not hesitate to ask for help. Ask questions, make sure you get the facts right. Visit your local library: There are many great books on the care of aging cats with informative sections on feline CRF. Google "feline CRF" and visit the websites that come up. You'll be amazed at the wealth of information out there. Connect with other cat owners: There are many wonderfully knowledgeable and supportive people who can help you help your kitty deal with this. Subscribe to feline CRF support groups and share your story. You don't have to -- you shouldn't -- go through this alone.

Above all, get rid of the guilt. Don't torture yourself, don't drive yourself into a self-destructive stupor with the shoulda-woulda-coulda mantra. CRF sneaks up on cats. The signs can be so subtle, that they are easily missed, especially in a multiple-cat household. Besides, if you are wracked with fear and guilt and grief, kitty will pick up on these negative emotions and will be affected by them.

Our feline companions are with us for a limited period of time. However long, or short, that time is, it is up to you to make it quality time. You are special to your cat and he is special to you. Nothing can take this bond away. Not even CRF.