Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) in Cats

Signs, Diagnosis & Management

 Published on: Apr 11, 2024

As our feline friends get older there are a few conditions that become more common. One of those conditions is chronic kidney disease (CKD). The cause of CKD is often unknown, but it is most commonly a result of ongoing minor damage to the kidney. If CKD is detected early and treated effectively, cats can have a very good long-term prognosis.  

The kidneys are responsible for filtering waste and excess water from the blood so when the kidneys are not functioning properly, these waste products can build up in the blood leading to a range of health problems. Symptoms of chronic kidney disease in cats include increased thirst, increased urination, weight loss, vomiting, and loss of appetite.   

Chronic kidney disease is usually diagnosed via a blood test and a urine sample. We may also want to check your cats blood pressure as the kidneys are also involved in controlling this. Using these different tests, we can then stage the kidney disease by the IRIS staging system. This ranges from stage 1-4 and be subdivided based on protein being excreted in the urine and their blood pressure.  

Although there is no cure for CKD, with appropriate management and treatment cats can live a long happy life even with chronic kidney disease. Treatment typically involves managing the symptoms of the disease and providing supportive care such as changes to the cat’s diet, medications to manage symptoms, and regular monitoring of kidney function. 

Diet changes mainly involve restricting protein as well as phosphate. There are prescription diets available that have controlled amounts of protein and phosphate which help the kidneys to function better. Your cat may also be started on blood pressure medication or medication to help control the protein levels in their urine.   

Ensuring your cat continues to drink enough water is really important when managing kidney disease. Changing to a water fountain can encourage cats to drink more as well as having multiple bowls around the house 

 If you suspect that your cat may be suffering from chronic kidney disease, it’s important to seek veterinary care as soon as possible. With proper management and care, many cats with chronic kidney disease can continue to live happy and healthy lives.