Kidney failure in cats is a very dangerous disease that, in addition to leaving the cat extremely fragile, has no cure. The cat's kidneys gradually lose their function, requiring treatment for the rest of its life. Inevitably, the symptoms of end-stage renal failure in cats become increasingly debilitating. This is where one of the most difficult questions comes inthat exist: can animal euthanasia be indicated at any stage of the disease? The Paws of the House answers this question and explains in more detail how the kitten looks in the final moments of renal failure and what veterinary medicine says about euthanasia.

Understand what kidney failure is in cats

Feline renal failure occurs when both kidneys of the animal are compromised and consequently lose all productivity. The kidneys are the organs responsible for filtering the blood. When the nephrons (kidney cells) die and cannot be replaced, the whole organism of the animal suffers. Renal failure in cats can be of the acute type (it happens suddenly and the kidney is damaged).This is an irreversible disease, with no possibility of cure. However, there are treatments that improve the animal's well-being and increase life expectancy, such as changing the diet to renal food for cats, administering vitamins, fluid therapy and, in more severe cases, the use of the kidney food.advanced, hemodialysis.

Does a cat with kidney failure feel pain? Understand what the disease causes in the animal

The symptoms of kidney failure in cats are silent in the early stages and this is one of the great dangers of the disease. As the signs are slow to appear, many owners only discover this condition when it is already in more advanced stages. That is why it is so important to be very attentive to certain behaviors of the pet. Some of the most common symptoms are: increased water intake, loss ofappetite, uremic breath (strong smell of acetone because of high urea), nausea, vomiting and lethargy. Unfortunately, the cat with renal failure feels pain.

End stage symptoms of kidney failure in cats are more debilitating

Treatment of renal failure in cats helps greatly in controlling the disease. The life expectancy of a renal cat depends on many factors, such as the animal's response to treatment, how old it is and at what point in the disease it was discovered (late diagnoses make it difficult to improve). As time goes on, even with treatment this condition can worsen. The symptoms of phaseThe terminal symptoms of kidney failure in cats are basically the same, but at more worrying levels. The nausea increases greatly and the weight loss becomes more and more evident, causing the pet to present serious nutritional deficits, since it eats much less. In addition, the cat with kidney failure feels pain on a larger scale and its apathetic state worsens.

Renal failure: can euthanasia be indicated in severe cases?

In the terminal phase of renal failure, it is very difficult for the kitten to live comfortably. In addition, it is also very difficult for the guardian to see his pet in this situation. It is at this point that the question arises: can euthanasia be indicated in the most severe stages of the disease? According to the Federal Council of Veterinary Medicine (CMV), euthanasia in animals may be indicated in situations where there is no possibility of euthanasia.This happens in situations where the disease is no longer controlled using analgesics, sedatives and other types of palliative treatments. Therefore, in the end stages of renal failure in cats, euthanasia may be indicated if the animal's case fits this definition of CMV.

Euthanasia should always be the last possible solution for an animal. Only the veterinarian can indicate the procedure and the owner must decide whether or not to accept this possibility. If the owner does not want to perform the procedure, palliative care will be maintained for as long as necessary. The owner needs to think very carefully before making a decision and should answer any questions that may arise.He may also ask for an assessment by another veterinarian to confirm that euthanasia is indeed indicated. The process can only be carried out with the guardian's permission.

How is euthanasia performed in cats?

The cat does not feel any pain during euthanasia. First, the doctor applies an anaesthetic to the cat. With the cat unconscious, the vet gives the intravenous injection which acts quickly. Thus, the euthanasia is completed in a completely painless way. The specialist keeps monitoring the cat's heart rate all the time to ensure that everything goes as peacefully as possible for him.

What to do after euthanasia?

Undoubtedly, opting for euthanasia is not easy. It is a delicate choice that requires a lot of thought. However, euthanasia may be the best choice for a pet that is suffering a lot in life. Even with this in mind, it is inevitable to feel bad about this decision. Therefore, after the death of your kitten, do not hide your feelings or repress yourself for your choices. You followed the fightagainst kidney failure in cats (or any other disease that brought the pet to the end stage) and know that you did everything to see it well. Grieving the loss of a pet is painful, but try to think of the positive moments you lived together. Also, try to talk about your kitty with people you love, as venting is a great way to get rid of all the heaviness and sadnessof the loss.