Final answer:
Cats with kidney disease may experience gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea due to uremia, the buildup of urea and other waste products in the blood, and metabolic acidosis, which can both affect the gastrointestinal system.
Step-by-step explanation:
A cat with kidney disease may exhibit gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea, due to the accumulation of waste products in the blood, a condition known as uremia. The kidneys are responsible for filtering waste and excess substances from the blood; therefore, when they are impaired, toxic substances like urea can build up, potentially affecting gastrointestinal function and causing nausea. Additionally, kidney dysfunction may lead to metabolic acidosis, which can also induce gastrointestinal disturbances, like nausea and vomiting.
Moreover, the physiological link between the kidneys and the gastrointestinal system can also explain why kidney issues might result in gastrointestinal symptoms. For instance, during severe kidney dysfunction such as renal colic, there is an embryological connection between the kidneys and the intestinal tract that can trigger nausea and vomiting. This ties back to the body's attempt to alleviate discomfort caused by the obstruction in the urinary system.