My senior cat pees a lot. Can she get kidney diet without tests?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 10 years and 8 months old | 8 lbs
My low income sister can't afford expensive treatment&the 10yo cat she took in likely has diminished kidney function(drinks/pees alot,at times out of the clean,conveniently located box)She acts normal otherwise. I've had cats diagnosed w/diminished kidney function, after painful,expensive tests they just recommended hills k/d & supportive care, so what's the harm trying that since she doesn't have money& a shelter isn't going to home her. She doesn't want euthanize her since she seems happy. Thx
5 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on January 28th, 2017
I forgot to mention that they will also require a urinalysis in addition to the blood test in order to confirm kidney malfunction exists, before proceeding with the recommended treatments that you mentioned.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on
It is definitely recommended to get her on the diet and do supportive care (i.e. subcutaneous fluids and medications to lower phosphorus levels, if they are elevated. However you will at the very least have to get her diagnosed by having routine bloodwork ran in order to get the prescription for the food and supportive care medications. Routine bloodwork and an exam can be relatively affordable depending on where you live. Just give a call to your local clinics to weigh your options. It is good that Mary seems fine otherwise, and we want to keep her spirits up as long as possible. Here are also some financial resources that may be able to assist your sister www.carecredit.com redrover.org
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on July 23rd, 2017
It likely will not hurt her. A canned diet should be fed to increase water intake. Her kidney function should be monitored via blood work. Consider also an abdominal ultrasound to assess kidney size and architecture. Older cats are prone to developing kidney disease and symptoms may not become apparent until a large percentage of kidney function is compromised. For this reason, it is best to diagnose the condition early to provide care that will slow the progression.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on June 10th, 2018
It really depends on what the kidney levels look like and how concentrated the urine is on your cats. To be able to tell if a cat has kidney disease by looking at the blood work about 75% of the kidney was already damaged. Now there is a test to detect kidney disease earlier in cats. It is called the SDMA and it increases when about 25% of kidney function is lost. I typically do not switch older cats unless it shows on the SDMA or on the blood work. I would discuss this with your veterinarian. I do recommend that older cats eat wet food to increase water intake which in turn will also help with their kidneys and hydration overall. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on June 29th, 2017
At this point, the diet change is the best thing you can do to attempt to slow the progression of kidney disease. Make sure that Lola is drinking adequate quantities of water, and consider either adding extra water to her food or using a water fountain to encourage additional water consumption. Also be sure to follow up with Lola's vet regularly for an exam, weight check and blood testing to monitor her for any changes. I hope this helps and that all goes well!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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