Sorry to hear about the CRF. Like diabetes, it is treatable. Like diabetes, it's hard work. You do need to move really fast with this, though.
I currently have a cat with CRF and have dealt with it in the past. First thing I did with Scottie was got her off dry food (which they shouldn't be on anyway) and on a good canned food with added water. This is until I can get it together to start making their food. The less crap the kidneys have to filter, the better. Check websites to see if food comes in larger cans. I found out Wellness makes 12.5 oz cans. It's cheaper and I get a case discount at the feed store.
Watch phosphrus levels. Look for lower phosphorus foods. Janet & Binky's charts are great and most companies will provide that info if it isn't already on their website. I'm using Wellness Turkey & Salmon as it is the only canned she will eat properly. She's weird. Fish is higher in phosphrus but for now it has to do. I'm going to start adding a phoshorus binder in the way of egg shell powder (ESP). It has been test on humans in Japan and works well. Cheap, too as we have laying hens. Commercial binders contain aluminum.
There is also the calcium : phosphorus ratio and potassium levels to watch. Like diabetes, it's overwhelming at first but once you get the hang of it, it's not too bad.
Good place to start is the Holisticat website. Sandy and other members have put together some amazing information and there are also forums. The focus is on holistic health care/treatment for cats. Like here, there are many experienced members who are willing to help out. They focus a lot on appropriate diet.
CRF article.
http://www.holisticat.com/crf.html
Home page
http://www.holisticat.com
The articles (includes CRF & diabetes) can be read for free and are very informative. There is a free 7 day read-only forum trial. The subscription fee for forums is very reasonable. Sandy also has a book that is really good. For info on joining click "Books-n-Things.
btw... I have no financial involvement. I believe very strongly in the work they do.
Feel free to PM me if you would like. Sometimes it's nice to have someone who's in the trenches, too.
Take care,
Lylene & Barry
