My cat has kidney disease — is it still okay for her to have a little cooked bamboo shoot?

You should be very careful. While cooked bamboo shoots are generally safe for healthy cats in tiny amounts, the risks are higher for a cat with kidney disease. The main concern is that raw bamboo contains compounds that must be cooked out, and even then, it's a novel food that could upset her sensitive system. It's best to avoid giving it altogether and stick to her prescribed kidney diet. If she accidentally ate some, watch closely for vomiting, diarrhea, or changes in her drinking or urination, and call your vet for advice.