renal failure in cats

[Kes07]

Is renal failure (in cats) a hereditary condition?  We had to put down one of our cats a year ago due to this condition.  It came on very suddenly, and wasn't very treatable by the time it was diagnosed.  I'm worried about our remaining cat, who is a litter mate.

[DebM412]

My cat of 13 years had a routine blood and urine test done. It was found that she only has about 25% of her kidney function left. She is now on the KD prescription food diet and her test held the same the last time we had it checked. It can come on very fast.

[tina1111]

Just like in people, it can be hereditary or not. It is important to have routine physicals on remaining cat. It may be nothing to worry about at all. A simple urinalysis will show if function is right. Arresting damage is the most important thing when a kidney is involved. It is one of the only organs that does not repair itself. Once damage has occured it is permanent. Diet is very important, too. There are a lot of foods that can cause further problems, too.

[krickett]

you might want to post this question in the Ask a Vet forum and see what they have to say. I think it is more often caused from eating something they shouldn't have, an infection or illness, or poor dental health can contribute to it, but I'm not positive.