Article published year 2020 revised and updated 2026
Before talking about the natural remedies that I have been using for my animals for about 10 years, let’s try to briefly write a few lines about Stages I-II of chronic kidney failure in cats:
If your vet has just told you about ‘Stage 1’ or ‘Stage 2’ kidney failure (CKD), you’re probably confused. The cat seems to be fine, eating, playing. Is it possible that he is sick?
In over 10 years of naturopathic management of cats with kidney disease, I have learned that this is the golden phase. This is the moment when we can make a real difference. While in Stage 3 or 4 we chase the emergence, in the early stages (with creatinine still below 2.8 mg/dl) we can act to drastically slow down the progression. This is how I handle these sensitive cases on Elicats.it, starting with the numbers to the bowl.”
Below I explain how I have been managing kidney failure at the first and second stage for about 10 years (these are personal and professional experiences, always ask your veterinarian for advice.
How to tell if your cat is in Stage 1 or 2? (Values)
Stage 1 feline renal failure is often asymptomatic (creatinine <1.6 mg/dl), while stage 2 (creatinine between 1.6 and 2.8 mg/dl) shows the first signs such as increased thirst and mild weight loss.
Stage I: In this first phase of chronic kidney failure there are no particular symptoms, it may be found: dull coat, slight increase in water intake, lethargy. The diet must preferably be wet, kibble reduced to the bare minimum, at this stage I always recommend moving towards a wet senior food with a percentage of crude protein around 10% – 13% (wet) – For dry around 22% – 25% of crude protein.
Blood values
Creatinine <140 micromol/l (<1.6 mg/dl) Not insufficient
Normal azotemia
SDMA test result >14ฮผg/dl (parameter that I do not consider reliable, I explain here)
No proteinuria <0.2
Normal Pressure <150
Stage 2: Here the kidneys begin to struggle to concentrate urine. You may notice that you find more pee than usual in the litter box and the cat drinks more. It is the key signal.
Stage II: the symptoms are: dehydration, increased amount of urine produced, increased thirst, weight loss.
Blood values
Creatinine 140 โ 250 micromol/l (1.6 โ 2.8 mg/dl) Slightly insufficient
Azotemia: mild
Borderline proteinuria 0.2โ0.4
Borderline hypertension 150โ159
What to feed? (Senior vs Renal)
A common mistake is to switch immediately to dry medicated ‘Renal’ food, which is often low in noble proteins and not very palatable. At this early stage, my experience suggests a different approach:
- No dry: Eliminate or drastically reduce kibble. They dehydrate a cat that needs fluids.
- Quality Senior Food: Instead of a strong kidney, I often recommend a great Senior wet or a balanced homemade diet. The kidney should not be ‘starved’ of protein too early, it should be supported with high-quality proteins that produce little waste.”
The diet must always be wet, renal kibble to be avoided, the renal diet does not slow down the progression of kidney disease, I have been saying this for more than ten years and still many vets prescribe renal diet (the damage of the renal diet) even in the early stages of the disease. What can you do? give senior wet food with a crude protein percentage of around 10% (wet). Very few kibble with a crude protein percentage of around 20% – 22%. Or you can prepare food at home, here are some recipes that I prepare for my cats!
To rule out any urinary tract infection and the presence of stones with urine test and abdominal ultrasound, many cats at this stage have episodes of acute kidney failure.
If your dog cat is in the first or second stage of kidney failure , these are the supplements I have been using for 10 years for my pets!
1. IFOS certified Omega 3 (first and second stage)
The importance of omega 3 fatty acids in the course of chronic kidney failure. Omega 3 fatty acids have a powerful anti-inflammatory effect on the kidney and reduce oxidative stress, as I have been recommending for almost 20 years now, only IFOS certified omega 3 – OMEGOR!
2. Control of enteric nitrogenous waste with administration of Yakult-enhanced VIVOMIXX
Supplements and herbal remedies that reduce azotemia – creatinine and slow down the progression of kidney disease
Diurecor WITH ORTHOSIPHON STAMINEUS, LESPEDEZA CAPITATA AND CYNARA SCOLYMUS
Nettle has purifying properties that promote the elimination of chlorides and uric acids, nettle is a support in the course of kidney failure with an improvement in quality of life and preservation of kidney function.
It is possible to add nettle to food by choosing between non-alcoholic mother tincture, as a supplement or in organic powder to add to the diet.
Nettle for dogs cats Precautions and Contraindications
- Do not use during pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Allergies to drugs or other substances
- High blood pressure
- Hyperthyroidism
- In case of edema due to heart failure
- Undergoing insulin therapy
- Medications: diuretics such as furosemide
Cat Kidney Failure Heel Protocol
Heel Protocol (homotoxicology) Specific and supportive for animals with chronic renal failure, the 3 Compositum support residual kidney function, improve appetite and general well-being of the animal
- Ubichinon Compositum (eliminates enzymatic dysfunctions)
- Coenzyme Compositum (stimulates enzyme functions)
- Solidago Compositum (therapeutic of renal function and organ damage)
Urine protein in the dog cat I reduce them with natural cures!
If your cat is in the first or second stage, it is still necessary to establish a supportive therapeutic plan with natural remedies and supplements, and it is also recommended to carry out at least every 6 months a urine analysis complete with the PU/CU ratio.
Which supplements to use right away? (My Protocol)
If I had to choose just 4 things to do today for an early-stage cat, based on the successes achieved with my protocol, I would choose these:
- Omega 3 Certificates (IFOS): Fundamental. They reduce inflammation of the nephron. Not just any fish oil, but a very pure and certified one.
- Probiotics for BUN: I use specific mixtures (such as Vivomixx or similar supports) to ‘trap’ nitrogen in the intestine, lightening the workload of the kidney.
- Draining phytotherapy: Products such as Diurecor (with Lespedeza and Artichoke) help diuresis without forcing, in the initial stages I recommend giving it every other day or every two days.
- Homotoxicology (Heel): Even in the early stages, cycles of Solidago, Ubichinon and Coenzyme help to keep cellular metabolism active.
Managing Stages 1 and 2 does not mean medicalizing the cat, but changing lifestyle. The IRIS (International Renal Interest Society) guidelines give us the numbers, but daily experience tells us that hydration and fresh nutrition are the real preventive medicines.
How to Slow the Progression of Chronic Kidney Failure in Cats?
- Hydration: Provide fresh water fountains.
- Lifestyle: Regular play and stress-free environment.
- Periodic check-ups: Urinalysis every 3 months.
With these interventions, many cats live peaceful years. If you live in Italy, consult veterinarians who are experts in homotoxicology.
I am an independent researcher, passionate about nutrition, wellness and natural therapies for over 20 years, with a specialization as an Animal Naturopath. For the past 13 years, I have been studying unconventional therapies in veterinary medicine after my 17-year-old cat was diagnosed with chronic kidney failure in 2011.
In that year, I began to experiment with innovative treatments, such as mycotherapy with Cordyceps, unknown in Italy, together with the Heel Protocol, MAP/Gunamino and Omegor. These natural remedies, which I have personally tested on my cat, have shown surprising effectiveness in improving its quality of life.
Over the years, I have continued to test a wide range of phytotherapeutic, mycotherapeutic and homotoxicological remedies, which have restored vitality to my cat and helped many other animals.
In parallel, I have shared my experience and scientific knowledge on various forums, Facebook groups and through my website, Elicats.it.
I invite you to explore my website, where you will find valuable information to support your animals. However, it is essential to rely on professionals for the management of kidney disease and other conditions, as remedies must be introduced carefully, taking into account the animal’s state of health.
Important note: in many Facebook groups, remedies taken from my site are often recommended without the necessary expertise and without a personalized evaluation. Following these tips blindly can be potentially harmful to your pet. The remedies I have shared are the result of years of research, experimentation and dedication, and must be used with the utmost caution. Always remember to consult a qualified professional before embarking on any treatment.
Rev2026
Disclaimer: The contents are for informational purposes only and under no circumstances can they constitute the prescription of a treatment or replace the specialist visit or the direct relationship with your veterinarian/doctor. All information reported here is derived from bibliographic sources, personal experiences and clinical studies in the public domain. All information on special diets and dietary supplements for pets is for informational purposes. This information serves as a general guideline, cannot be applied to all pets or considered as an alternative to professional advice. These pages include “Homeopathic preparations of non-scientifically validated efficacy and without approved therapeutic indications. The products are not intended as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and must be used as part of a healthy lifestyle. Disclaimer and terms
