Diagnosed with stage 3 kidney disease - how do I keep him eating?

The blood work came back showing elevated creatinine, and the doctor says it's stage 3 kidney disease, which sounds really scary.

I know I need to change his diet, but Tater is already a picky eater. I'm worried that switching to a renal diet will make him stop eating entirely. I wrote up the details of the vet visit and his dental needs in Tater's vet visit recap and dental concerns so I don't have to repeat it all here. For now, I'm just trying to figure out what specific changes actually help without causing a food strike.

Oh no, I am so sorry to hear that. Stage 3 is the scary part because the kidneys are already doing a lot of damage, but you caught it in time to manage it. I am so anxious about this with Whiskers, who is 15 and has arthritis, and Lady, who is 9 and has kidney issues too.

Have you tried warming up the food? Sometimes the smell is what keeps them away. Also, if he needs dental work, that pain might be why he isn't eating well. Did the vet talk about pain meds? I found this thread helpful when I was trying to figure out how to get meds into my cats: Hiding pills in wet food for cats that hate meds.

Ugh, kidney disease is the worst! I am so glad you caught it early though! My Felix is only 4 so I am not dealing with this right now, but I remember reading that hydration is huge. Are you making sure he has water bowls everywhere? Maybe try a fountain? I know that sounds basic but it really helps!

Also, do not stress too much! Cats can live for years with stage 3 if you manage it. I am a teacher too so I know how stressful it is when things go wrong at home while you are at work!

Keep it simple. I run a restaurant so I am used to feeding schedules. Ziggy is 6 and food-motivated, so I just switch to a high-quality renal wet food and warm it slightly. If he stops eating, you have a bigger problem than the diet.

Check out this thread where we talk about which brands actually taste good to cats: Which renal diet does your cat actually eat?. Some of the prescription stuff is really bad. Try a few before you commit to a whole bag.

I am so worried for you. Pumpkin is 5 and has weight issues, not kidney, but I know how scary it is when the vet says something is wrong. If he is nauseous, that is why he is not eating. Have you asked about anti-nausea meds? I wrote about this here: Managing nausea when a cat stops eating.

Please make sure he is drinking water. Dehydration makes the kidney numbers look worse. I am so anxious reading this. Is he drinking? Is he urinating normally? I hope he eats soon.

Thank you all. I did warm up the food a bit last night and he ate a little, but it was slow going. I am planning to ask the vet about the nausea meds because he did seem to gag once. The dental work is scheduled for next week, so hopefully that will help with the pain.

I will look into the fountain idea. Sam is the healthy one, so I just need to focus on Tater. It is hard to keep track of all the recommendations.

Next week dental is good. Do not forget to ask about phosphorus binders if his levels are high. I have been reading so much about this because of Lady. It is overwhelming but you are doing a great job. Keep us posted on how the renal food goes. I am still anxious about Whiskers' arthritis, but at least he is eating well.

You are doing a great job! I am so proud of you for taking him to the vet and getting the dental work scheduled. My Bella is quiet like that when she is sick, so I know it is hard to tell. Just keep the food warm and the water fresh. I will be thinking of you and Tater!