Cat owners urged to keep eye out for one 'life-threatening' sign

A veterinarian has urged all cat owners to keep a close eye out for three signs your cat is suffering form kidney disease, as it could be life-threatening if left untreated.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a common problem in , especially as they get older, according to . While there is no cure for the condition, there are ways to manage it if you catch it early enough.

Veterinarian Dr Amir Anwary, who often posts care tips and advice for his 781,000 followers on , took to the platform with a video on April 16, where he urged all cat owners to look out for the signs your cat might be having kidney problems.

"I had to euthanize two cats today and I sent a third one to the hospital, and I think it will also be euthanized," he said. "And it's just baffling to me because this is an issue I see so often with cats and cat owners you need to listen when I say this, you need to hear me because your cats will not survive if you don't treat them in the correct way, or if you don't listen to this advice."

He went on to explain: "Kidney disease is so common in cats and it is an issue that gets worse and worse if you don't address it. So with every symptom of kidney disease, it makes itself worse and worse and worse.

"It's a cycle that gets so bad that by the time you come to the vets and you think your cat is now at the point where 'okay I should take them to the vet clinic', it's almost too late. They're literally in such a bad place that we can't do anything to help them."

He went on to explain the three common signs you need to look out for in order to help your cat get the best care if their kidneys start to fail.

1. Drinking and peeing more

"You'll notice that they'll start drinking a lot more water. That is your first sign," he explained. "If you notice that an older cat is starting to drink a lot more and pee a lot more, you need to go to the vet clinic and you need to evaluate the kidneys...

"Now, in several cases, I've had owners see this and they don't do anything about it."

2. Weight loss

"Then your cat is going to start losing weight," he explained. "They're gonna start going from a nice big, chunky cat, they're gonna lose more weight and more weight. And you as a cat owner are going to assume that they're just losing weight because they're getting older, and this is normal.

"Yes, a little bit of weight loss as they get older is normal, but a lot of weight loss is not normal. That is something that you need to check out."

3. Refusing to eat and vomiting

"Then finally, your cat is going to start not wanting to eat, they're gonna start vomiting," Dr Amir said. " They're going to start acting like they're sick. This is because your kidneys are not filtering out those harmful toxins."

He went on to explain: "So these toxins are building up in your cat's body. And this whole time, your cat is getting more dehydrated, these toxic substances are filling up in their body. It's literally a self-repetuating cycle."

Urging cat owners to take heed of the advice, he added: "So, please guys. If you notice that your cat is starting to drink a lot more water, they're not acting like themselves, they're starting to lose weight, go to a vet clinic, have their kidneys checked out. Because you need to start treating that. It gets worse and worse if you don't treat it, to a point where it's too late."

To help prevent kidney disease in your cat, Dr Amir said to invest in a water drinking fountain for your cat and to encourage them to eat. He also said to give them an Omega-3 supplement, which works well to keep their kidneys healthy.

If you have any concerns about your pet's health, book an appointment with a vet or professional immediately.