My older cat, Wolly, has been ill for two years with kidney problems, which are common for cats. She’s been in hospital a few times with crises (and is alive because she got better medical care than the vast majority of humans can access, which is a constant reminder of the importance of wealth creation) and I’ve had her on a regular program of infusions of liquids to increase the flow through her kidneys. I recently started her on Azodyl, a treatment that is intended to supplement the function of her kidneys. (There’s an explanation here.) I don’t know for sure whether it’s the treatment that’s responsible, but she’s much healthier and happier and she, at least, is convinced that it’s the pills. Anyone who’s given a pill to a cat knows it’s not an easy process. But Wolly thinks that the pills make her feel much better, so when I tell her it’s time for a pill, she comes over and sits on my lap and takes it. (And it’s a pretty big pill for a cat.)
If you have a dog or a cat with chronic renal failure, you should try Azodyl.
Hello Dr. Palmer,
How are you doing? This is Kevin Ross, one of the Foreign Policy Interns from Spring 2008. Sorry to hear about your cat Wolly. I remember my cat snickers had similar kidney problems. Good luck!