WHAT CAUSES CRD?
Age, environment, genetics, and disease are all potential contributing factors to CRD. Possible causes include obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, low levels of potassium, certain infections, acidified diets, and dental disease. This condition affects cats far more often than it does dogs. WHAT CAN I DO? The good news is that, with early diagnosis along with proper treatment, cats with CRD can live for years. Probably the most important place to start is the diet. Low-protein diets available through your veterinarian’s office have been proven to extend the lifespan of cats with CRD, according to Dr. Josie Thompson, a veterinarian at Civic Feline Clinic in Walnut Creek, California. Another key element to treating CRD is making sure your cat stays well hydrated. Affected cats must have unrestricted access to fresh water. Dr. Chris Adin, a veterinarian at Veterinary Specialists of Rochester in Rochester, New York, points out that changing to a canned, low-protein food actually helps i
