Since about 30 percent of elderly cats will develop some degree of kidney disease, it’s important to look at therapies that help cats stay healthy for longer periods of time, and a recent study focused on phosphate binders may be helpful in this regard.
The October 2017 issue of the Journal of Feline Medicine discusses therapeutic diets and phosphate binders for cats with chronic kidney disease. Studies have shown that some cats on a special diet containing phosphate binders tend to have increased survival times.
When veterinarians suggest a therapeutic renal diet to help a cat, most owners comply. However, if no suggestion is made, the cats tended to continue on their regular diet. If owners were encouraged to add phosphate binders, most owners did (and most cats accepted the additional treatment).
Since these are two treatments known to improve care for cats with chronic kidney disease, it is worthwhile for owners to ask their veterinarian about these options if they are not already informed about them. See our our August 2017 issue for more information on kidney disease incats.
