RV Travel with a CRF cat

[DXSMac]

My cat is 15, and as of the last vet exam, I was told it was starting the initial stages of CRF (renal failure). Cats can still live a quality life for awhile, if managed, maybe 2-3 years. Vet said the most drastic treatment is weekly subcutaneous fluids. Ok, my cat will NOT stand for that. So, the vet gave me (or I had to pay beaucoup bucks for....) something called EPAKITIN, that you sprinkle on the cat's food. It prevents the cat from absorbing..... something...... and slows down the progression of CRF.

I'm googling vets for all places I plan to travel.

Anyone else have experience with a CRF cat?

[bodzcampers]

It helps bind phosphorous because failing kidneys no longer function to filter the excess out. The problem with excess phosphorous is that is displaces calcium, resulting in weakened bones. Low phosphorous (low protein) diet will help too.
SQ fluid is not really painful. At least it wasn't for my past dog who had to have it for dehydration. It means just under the skin, into the fatty tissue, so it's absorbed slowly. SQ needles are rarely felt by humans, so I think your kitten could tolerate it well. At least try if the need arises. Good luck with caring for your kitty. It's gotta be all the harder on the road.

[OL Creeker]

The kidneys no longer filter potassium (K), not phosphorus

[bodzcampers]

Ummmmmm...that too, but the med she mentioned is to remove excess phosphorous. They kidneys will not filter phosphorous as well as potassium when they are failing.

[DXSMac]

My cat HATES going to the vet. Doing ANYTHING with needles will result in hissing, growling, and lashing out. Even if I'm the one doing it. So that's why the sub Q fluids aren't really an option. From what I have read, owners can be trained to do it to avoid going to the vet, but my cat hisses and growls to even get squirted with anti flea medication.

[bodzcampers]

Well, you don't want her to be miserable her last time here, that's for sure. Do what you can and keep her happy and comfortable.

[Timtation]

We did the sq on our 20 year old 25 pound cat for perhaps the last 9 months of his life. He was pretty gentle and the biggest problem he had was being relatively still for the period it took to get the correct amount of fluid injected. Best luck