Cats don’t always show signs of illness and pain. Even attentive pet owners can miss chronic kidney disease (CKD) and other disorders. Luckily, you can monitor your pet’s health at home with urine test strips to check for protein in cat urine.
Symptoms of Protein in Cat Urine
Proteinuria in cats is characterized by abnormal proteins or elevated protein in the urine [1].
Symptoms include [2]:
- Bloody urine
- Difficulty urinating
- Smelly urine
- Frequent urination
Symptoms of CKD and other conditions related to high protein in cat urine include [2]:
- Excessive thirst
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Swelling of the legs
- Fluid in the abdomen
Causes of Protein in Cat Urine
Kidney infections in cats can cause [1]:
- CKD: This is when the kidneys gradually lose the ability to filter acids and waste products from the bloodstream. This can cause abnormal metabolism, hypertension, and an inability to produce red blood cells [3].
- Glomerulonephritis: This is when compounds produced by the immune system get trapped in small kidney structures called glomeruli. The buildup of toxins can lead to kidney failure and other illnesses [4].
- Acute pancreatitis: This is characterized by inflammation of the pancreas. Symptoms include abdominal pain, decreased appetite, and lethargy [5].
These conditions require medical treatment, so consult your veterinarian immediately.
Testing for Protein in Cat Urine
Veterinarians use a cat urinalysis to test for high levels of protein. They collect the cat’s urine and assess its appearance and chemical composition [6].
Veterinarians measure the urine protein-to-creatine ratio to determine how much protein gets secreted through the urine. Excessive protein can indicate glomerular disease.
Additionally, you can use urine test strips for cats at home. Petnox-10 lets you quickly check protein in your cat’s urine. The results can help you detect signs of kidney disease, UTIs, and other disorders.
Caring for a Cat With Protein in Urine
Pancreatitis may be treated with antinausea drugs [5], while glomerulonephritis may require immunosuppressive medications [4].
A cat urine test kit lets you monitor your cat’s condition between vet visits. You can keep an eye on your furry friend’s health with Petnox-10 cat urine test strips.
