In this week’s episode I’m joined by Melissa Natanson, certified holistic pet health coach and founder of Holistapaws Pet Health. Melissa specializes in gut and kidney health using principles of functional medicine and Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM).
Together we dive into one of the most common — and most misunderstood — issues facing senior cats: kidney disease.
We talk about why kidney issues are rising, the surprising role of chronic dehydration and kibble diets, how gut health directly impacts renal function, and what cat parents can do proactively — before lab values start climbing.
Melissa also shares the health journeys of her two senior cats, Lily and Whip, and how nutrition, probiotics, omega-3s, Rehmannia-based supplements, and even subcutaneous fluids helped them thrive.
👉 If you’ve ever heard “elevated creatinine” or “early kidney disease” at the vet and felt that pit in your stomach… this episode is for you.
✨ Episode Snapshot
In this episode, you’ll learn:
🩺 Why Kidney Disease Is So Common Now
Up to 30% of cats over age 10 and 50% over age 12 show signs of kidney issues. We unpack why longevity is rising — but so are chronic conditions.
💧 The Chronic Dehydration Problem
Why cats are biologically designed to get moisture from prey — not dry food — and how long-term low-moisture diets can stress the kidneys over time.
🧠 The Gut–Kidney Connection
IBD, inflammation, dental disease, and environmental toxins don’t just affect the gut — they increase the burden on the kidneys.
🍽️ The Protein Myth
Why lowering protein too early can backfire, what really matters (hint: phosphorus), and when prescription renal diets may — or may not — make sense.
🌿 TCVM & Rehmannia-Based Support
How Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine supports kidney blood flow, and why Melissa often uses Rehmannia-based formulas for aging cats.
💦 Subcutaneous Fluids Demystified
What they actually do, why they help, and practical ways to get support if you’re nervous about administering them yourself.
🧬 Stem Cell Therapy: The Future?
Emerging research on MSC stem cells and whether they may help regenerate kidney tissue in senior cats.
📘 Melissa’s Recommendations for Cat Owners
(Keeping things simple, practical, and proactive.)
• Prioritize moisture. Move toward a high-moisture, species-appropriate diet whenever possible.
• Support the gut. A quality probiotic helps reduce uremic toxin burden and inflammation.
• Add omega-3s. They help lower inflammation and support both gut and kidney health.
• Watch phosphorus, not just protein. Especially in later-stage kidney disease.
• Reduce environmental toxins. Be mindful of plug-ins, cleaners, laundry detergents, and chemicals cats walk through on their paws.
• Consider Rehmannia-based kidney support. Especially for senior cats, even before symptoms appear.
• Don’t panic over early numbers. Mild elevations don’t automatically mean the end — monitoring and foundational support matter.
🌍 Where to Find Melissa
Website:
https://www.holistapawspethealth.com
Facebook Page: HTA Paws Pet Health
Melissa is also partnering with Ask Ariel (pet nutritionist and product formulator) for additional feline wellness resources.
✨ Final Thought
Kidney disease isn’t sudden. It’s cumulative.
Years of dehydration, inflammation, environmental stressors, and dietary mismatch slowly add up — until one day the lab values shift.
But here’s the hopeful part: so do small improvements.
Moisture. Cleaner inputs. Better fats. Gut support. Inflammation control.
You don’t need perfection. You need awareness — and consistent upgrades over time.
And as I’ve learned personally, a kidney diagnosis is not an immediate death sentence. With the right support, many cats live happy, comfortable years beyond that first scary appointment.
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