Curious about those who have used RC Hypoallergenic Renal food

Ok, this might be long.

I have 2 beautiful kitties. Both tabbies and blood brother and sister. 16 yrs old. 

Both had developed pancreatitis within 2 weeks apart from each other (no idea what caused this!). Now, my male cat has mega colon so his recovery took a bit longer, and he has been losing weight for awhile. Last summer, we had both he and his sister's blood work taken and all levels were normal for creatin. This time, during both of their pancreatitis episodes, I had blood taken and both are on the boarder of kidney issues.

My boy , though, they suspected with Protein Losing Nephropathy (PLN) due to protein levels that were low. They took urine, and found his levels are point one above the high end of normal, but his urine color was not consistent of those with PLN.

I think my boy may have a bowel issue ---IBD because with his mega colon, he has been on restoralax and ciscipride since 2 yrs of age. Since his pancreatic episode, he has not needed his laxative. 

Upon speaking to my vet, we will be trying both cats on the Royal Canin hypoallerenic Renal diet. I'm hoping that will help my boy gain some weight----he's 10.1 pounds , but his spine, ribs and shoulders are very noticable when you pat him. His sister does NOT have PLN(suspicion of) as she had no drop in protein levels.

Has anyone fed this to their kitties? Did they notice weight gain? I will also be looking at putting my boy on hyperthyroid medication, which is to help with PLN. We're just not sure what to address more--the megacolon or this newest condition. I did notice that pancreatitis can give off some elevated kidney levels so, I am just going to be cautious and put them on a renal diet right now.

They are both doing MUCH better and happy kitties---I got home from work tonight and found things all over the floor (a bag knocked over). Never been so happy to see a mess on my floor! Hahahah.

Thanks in advance

I have not heard of a hypoallergenic renal diet. Only a renal OR hypoallergenic, so cannot offer advice on this specifically. I have, however, used every prescription hypoallergenic (hydrolyzed) diet on the market and had issues with all. Primarily GI issues in all cats eating the food after 4-6 weeks of feeding.

The novel protein canned diet by Royal Canin are a bit different, though my IBD kitty at the time did not do well on it due to the carrageenan in the food.

I know that most renal prescription diets are low in protein which can lead to muscle loss.

This food is fairly new in regards to renal/hypoallergenic. Hopefully both kitties will do well on I. Currently they are eating medi-cal reducing (ha to keep wet food high fiber , my male cat with mega colon) and rC hypoallergenic hard food. My female kitty was throwing up a bit tonight so I gave her an anti nauseant. I had unwisely given her a tiny piece of cooked chicken(not even a fraction of the tip o my finger). I think that irritated her stomach . She is only 2 days out from pancreatitis whereas the brother is 2 wks. She is now purring and cuddling with me. Thanks so much for your response