The Kidney Crisis Hiding in Your Cat’s Bowl (And What You Can Do Today)
Most cats won’t show signs of kidney disease until it’s too late — but these two herbs could help change that.
Hey Whisker Crew,
When Mia was diagnosed with kidney disease at 16, I was shocked, but not totally surprised.
She had been throwing up here and there. Her appetite dipped. And I thought, “Well, she’s just getting older.”
But by the time I truly understood what was happening, we were already playing catch-up. I slept on the floor next to her those final months, doing everything I could to ease her pain and extend our time.
So when I sat down with clinical herbalist Rita Hogan for the Thrive Feline Wellness Summit, I felt every word in my chest.
Rita lost her cat Bones to kidney disease too, but not before helping him live to 23. In this week’s podcast episode, I’m sharing a powerful clip from our conversation about why kidney disease is so common in cats, and what we can do to prevent it using simple herbs like parsley and nettle seed.
It’s not just about herbs. It’s about being proactive, reading the subtle signs, and understanding that our cats absorb everything — even our stress.
Let’s get into it.
Listen to this 16 minute clip of our conversation.
✨ Episode Snapshot
In this conversation, you’ll learn:
🧂 Why Dry Food is a Hidden Culprit
Cats are obligate carnivores with a high need for moisture — but many are fed dry, carb-heavy food that slowly taxes their kidneys.
🧠 Our Stress Becomes Their Stress
Cats absorb emotional tension in the household. Over time, that emotional load impacts their kidneys and immune system.
📉 Early Signs of Trouble
Think beyond lab tests: vomiting, weak teeth, jumpiness, crusty skin, constipation, groaning, and even UTIs can be early signs the kidneys need support.
🌿 Two Herbal Game-Changers
Rita shares exactly how to use parsley and nettle seed — two safe, easy-to-find herbs — to help prevent or manage kidney disease naturally.
💡 Preventative is Powerful
Don’t wait for a diagnosis. Kidney disease is one of the top killers of cats — but there’s so much you can do early on.
📘 Rita’s Recommendations for Cat Owners
Here are six simple steps Rita recommends that you can start this week:
✅ Hydrate the Diet
Start reducing dry food and adding moisture — with raw, canned, or gently cooked food. Even warm water or low-sodium broth helps.
✅ Know the Signs
Vomiting, crusty skin, weak teeth, nighttime howling, and UTIs may signal early kidney stress.
✅ Get Annual Kidney Checks
Ask your vet for a urine protein scan and bloodwork each year to create a baseline before problems arise.
✅ Try Parsley Tea 🌿
Brew Petroselinum crispum (curly parsley), steep 15–30 mins, strain, and give 1 tsp per 10 lbs on food. Or try a glycerin-based parsley tincture.
✅ Add Nettle Seed Tincture 🌿
1–2 drops per 10 lbs on food. Great for kidney inflammation, protein in urine, creatinine, and even nighttime anxiety.
✅ Breathe, for You and Your Cat
The HeartMath Institute found that animals sync to your emotional rhythm. Your calm helps their kidneys function better. Really.
🐾 What I’m Trying with Niko & Milo
After listening to Rita, I went straight to the pet store — not for a tincture, but for cat grass and fresh parsley. I’m starting small.
Niko had a minor urinary issue a few months ago, and while he’s doing great now, this conversation reminded me how much prevention matters. I’ve also been keeping a closer eye on their hydration and pee output, and trying to keep my own stress down, knowing they pick up on it.
One thing Rita said that stuck with me:
“The kidneys rule them all.”
And that hit home.
🧡 This Week’s Cattitude Prompt
What’s one simple thing you can do this week to support your cat’s kidneys?
🌿 Brew a cup of parsley tea?
💧 Add more moisture to meals?
📋 Schedule a baseline urine test?
😌 Take a breath and de-stress — for their sake?
Hit reply (or comment below) and let me know what you’re trying this week. I read every message. 💛
🎧 Listen to This Week’s Episode
“The Kidney Crisis Hiding in Your Cat’s Bowl (And What You Can Do Today)”
with clinical herbalist Rita Hogan
👉 Click here to listen now
(or search Golden Whiskers wherever you get your podcasts)
Thanks for reading, thanks for loving your cats, and thanks for being part of the Golden Whiskers family.
Until next time,
💛 Scott | Golden Whiskers