Kidney disease in cats, also known as chronic kidney disease (CKD), can be a difficult condition for both cats and their owners. As the kidneys gradually lose their ability to function properly, waste products begin to build up in there bloods, which will eventually lead to kidney failure. Look for clinical signs, such as changes in blood pressure or blood cell counts, is important in managing this illness. By recognizing symptoms early and speaking with your vet, you can help maintain your cat’s kidney function and improve their quality of life. In this guide, we will look at the causes, symptoms, and treatment options available to support your cat through CKD, whether it’s a British Shorthair, Bengal cat or any other breed.

The kidneys play a vital role in maintaining your cat's health by filtering waste products from the blood to produce urine. When feline kidney disease occurs, the kidneys stop working properly, impairing their ability to remove waste and regulate blood pressure. There are two main types of kidney failure in cats:

This is a long term condition that develops gradually and affects kidney function over time. It is common in cats over seven years old and certain cat breeds, such as Persian cats and Abyssinian cats, which are genetically predisposed to conditions like polycystic kidney disease. Clinical signs of CKD include weight loss, changes in appetite, and low energy levels. For more information on weight-related issues, visit Underweight Cats.

This occurs due to a sudden kidney injury, which can rapidly become life-threatening. Even with treatment, an affected cat may develop chronic kidney disease later on. Veterinary medicine suggests that prompt care is essential to managing this condition.

Regular veterinary checkups, including blood tests to monitor blood cell counts and kidney function, are crucial for detecting early signs of kidney disease.

In many cases of chronic kidney disease (CKD), pinpointing the exact cause can be challenging, as it often results from the natural aging process or unidentified underlying issues. However, some possible causes include:

• Kidney damage due to infection.
• Exposure to toxins, which can lead to kidney failure.
• Genetic defects, such as polycystic kidney disease.
• Urinary tract problems that may cause the kidneys to stop working properly.
• Cancer.
• Long-term high blood pressure, which puts strain on kidney function.
• Dehydration leading to impaired kidney performance.
• Autoimmune disorders affecting the kidneys' ability to filter waste products.

On the other hand, acute kidney disease in cats is typically triggered by more immediate factors, such as:

• Physical trauma causing kidney injury.
• Poisoning or exposure to harmful substances, which can result in renal failure.
• Bacterial or viral infections leading to severe kidney damage.
• Severe dehydration, which impairs the kidneys' ability to perform their functions.
• Blockage of the urinary tract, causing a failure in cat kidney function.

Each of these factors can impair kidney function, leading to serious health complications in the affected cat. Regular checkups, including tests for blood cell counts and monitoring blood pressure, can help detect early clinical signs of cat CKD and renal failure.

Many cats don’t display noticeable symptoms of chronic kidney disease (CKD) until significant kidney damage has already occurred. The signs can differ depending on the stage of the disease, but the most frequently observed include:

• Increased thirst.
• Change in cats body language.
• More frequent urination.
• Loss of appetite.
• Weight loss.
• Poor coat quality.
• Vomiting.
• Lethargy.
• Anxiety.
• Foul breath.
• Diarrhoea.
• Muscle weakness.
• Mouth ulcers.

In cases of kidney failure, the kidneys find it hard to perform their basic functions, leading to a build up of toxins in the blood. This impacts a cat’s quality of life, especially as the condition advances. Many of these symptoms can also be associated with other conditions, so it’s important to get your cat checked by a vet if any of these signs appear. A ray ultrasound or blood tests may be needed to find kidney injury and determine the best course of action to support your cat's health.

Your veterinarian will check your cat's blood and urine for elevated levels of waste products, which healthy cat kidneys typically maintain within safe limits. If these levels are too high, it could indicate kidney failure or chronic kidney disease (CKD).

To catch cat CKD or other kidney issues early, many vets recommend routine urine and blood tests for older cats during regular check-ups or vaccinations, even before any clear symptom of kidney disease develops. This allows them to identify potential problems, such as renal failure or kidney injury, before the kidneys lose their ability to perform their vital functions.

Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve an affected cat’s quality of life, potentially extending life expectancy by slowing the progression of chronic kidney conditions. That's why it's essential to bring your cat year-round for veterinary visits, especially if you notice any changes, particularly in senior cats. Regular vet care, including diagnostic tools like ray ultrasounds, can help detect issues early and prevent further kidney damage.

The treatment plan for kidney disease in your cat will depend on the stage of the illness and the symptoms they are experiencing. Common treatments may include:

• Fluid therapy: This helps restore lost salts and water to maintain hydration.
• Medication: Long-term oral medications or injections can be used to stimulate appetite and slow down weight loss.
• Renal diet: A specially formulated diet can help manage the disease and reduce further kidney damage.
• Increasing water intake: Ensuring your cat drinks enough water supports their kidneys and helps prevent dehydration.
• Supplements: Your vet may prescribe phosphate-binding supplements to be added to your cat's food.
• Managing blood pressure: Since the kidneys play a key role in regulating blood pressure, regular checks may be necessary. Medication could be prescribed to help manage high blood pressure if needed.

After the initial treatment, your cat may need to be on a renal diet for the rest of their life, along with continued medications. Gradual introduction of this diet is important, and your vet can offer guidance on how to make this transition easier. Be sure to monitor your cat’s eating, drinking, and urination habits closely.

Regular vet check-ups, including blood tests, urine tests, and blood pressure monitoring, will be essential for tracking the progression of chronic kidney disease and adjusting the treatment plan as needed.

To help prevent acute kidney failure in your cat, one of the best steps you can take is to minimize their exposure to toxins, especially plants like lilies, which are extremely harmful to the kidneys. Regular vet check-ups, ideally once or twice a year, are also key. Learn more about dangerous substances and how to recognize the signs of poisoning in cats.

Although you may not be able to fully prevent chronic kidney disease (CKD), there are proactive measures you can take to support your cat’s kidney health:

• Increase water intake: Ensure your cat always has access to fresh water.
• Feed wet cat food: If your cat isn’t keen on drinking water, providing moisture-rich wet food is a great way to boost hydration.
• Keep the litter box clean: A dirty litter box may discourage your cat from using it, Clean it regularly.
• Maintain a healthy weight: Obese cats are at higher risk of developing conditions like diabetes, which can lead to kidney disease.

By following these steps and maintaining a healthy lifestyle for your cat, you can help protect their kidneys and reduce the risk of renal failure in the future.

Like many illnesses, including kidney failure, cats tend to hide signs of pain, making it challenging to detect when they’re in discomfort. However, the symptoms associated with cat CKD can still cause noticeable discomfort as the kidneys perform less effectively.

In cases of acute kidney failure, a failure cat may cry frequently or even collapse due to the severe pain caused by kidney swelling and damage kidney tissue. As cat CKD progresses, you might notice that your cat develops an arched back or experiences weak back legs, making it difficult to walk. This often happens when low blood flow impacts how the kidneys perform and manage waste removal.

Your vet, possibly from a college of veterinary medicine, can provide advice on how to make your cat more comfortable. If the disease reaches an advanced stage, your vet may also discuss whether kidney removal or other treatments are necessary to prolong your cat's life. Additionally, treatments may be used to stimulate production of essential hormones and fluids to improve overall well-being.

The life expectancy of a cat with kidney disease can vary significantly depending on several factors, including the stage of the disease, how early it is diagnosed, and the effectiveness of the treatment plan. In the early stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD), with proper management, such as a special renal diet, medications, and regular vet check-ups, cats can live for several years—sometimes even three to five years or more.

However, in more advanced stages or cases of acute kidney failure, the prognosis may be less favorable, and a cat's life expectancy may be shorter, possibly ranging from a few months to a year or two. Early detection and diligent care are crucial in improving both the quality of life and longevity of a cat with kidney disease.

Regular veterinary monitoring and adjustments in treatment can help extend a cat's life, even after diagnosis.

As a cat nears the end stage of kidney failure, several symptoms may indicate that their condition is worsening. These signs are often related to the kidneys' inability to effectively filter waste and regulate essential bodily functions. Symptoms may include:

1. Severe weight loss – A noticeable loss of muscle mass and body weight.
2. Loss of appetite – The cat may refuse to eat, leading to further weakness and deterioration.
3. Dehydration – Even with increased water intake, cats may become severely dehydrated.
4. Lethargy – Extreme fatigue and lack of interest in normal activities, such as grooming or interacting.
5. Vomiting and diarrhea – Frequent vomiting or diarrhoea may occur due to toxin buildup in the body.
6. Weakness in the back legs – Difficulty walking, standing, or jumping due to muscle weakness.
7. Bad breath – A strong ammonia-like smell, caused by the kidneys' inability to filter waste.
8. Incontinence – The inability to control urination, or conversely, not urinating at all.
9. Seizures or tremors – Neurological symptoms may occur due to toxin buildup.
10. Labored breathing – Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing as the disease progresses.

If your cat is showing any of these symptoms, it’s important to consult with your veterinarian to discuss options for palliative care and how to keep your cat as comfortable as possible in their remaining time.

To make a cat with kidney disease comfortable, it's important to provide supportive care that addresses the specific needs of cats with this condition. Ensure they always have fresh water to prevent dehydration, as kidney disease in cats often causes increased thirst. Offer a renal diet that is designed to be low in phosphorus and high in essential nutrients to support kidney function. Regular fluid therapy may be necessary to help keep them hydrated. Administer prescribed medications to manage symptoms like nausea, high blood pressure, or pain, which are common in kidney disease. Create a quiet, stress-free environment with a cozy space where they can rest, and keep an eye on their litter box habits, as well as their food and water intake. Regular vet check-ups are essential to monitor the progression of kidney disease in cats and adjust their treatment as needed to keep them comfortable.

Deciding when to euthanize a cat with kidney failure is a difficult and emotional decision.

When the kidney damage is severe and treatments no longer improve your cat's condition, it's important to evaluate their overall quality of life. Key factors to consider include ongoing discomfort, refusal to eat, significant weight loss, and the inability to control basic bodily functions.

Stay in close contact with your veterinarian, who can assess your cat's health and offer advice on the best course of action.

Cats can sometimes recover from acute kidney failure if the condition is caught early and treated promptly, but the prognosis for chronic kidney disease (CKD) in cats is less optimistic. While cats with CKD cannot fully bounce back, proper management, including a specialized diet, medications, and regular veterinary care, can help slow the disease’s progression and improve their quality of life. The key to extending a cat’s life after a kidney failure diagnosis is early detection and consistent treatment. While a full recovery may not be possible, many cats with kidney disease can live comfortably for months or even years with the right care.

Cats with kidney disease can experience discomfort and pain, especially as the disease progresses. In the early stages of kidney disease in cats, symptoms like lethargy, nausea, and loss of appetite may cause mild discomfort. As the condition worsens, the buildup of toxins in the blood can lead to more severe symptoms, such as vomiting, mouth ulcers, and muscle weakness, which can be painful for the cat. In cases of acute kidney failure, swelling of the kidneys can cause significant pain. Managing the symptoms with proper veterinary care can help alleviate some of the discomfort and improve the cat’s quality of life.

The worst cat food for kidney disease in cats is food that is high in phosphorus, sodium, and poor-quality protein. Foods that contain large amounts of fish, organ meats, or grains like corn and wheat can put extra strain on the kidneys and worsen the condition. Additionally, dry cat food is often less ideal for cats with kidney disease because it lacks the moisture needed to support hydration, which is crucial for kidney function. Commercial cat foods that are not specifically formulated for kidney disease can accelerate the progression of the illness, making it essential to avoid these types and stick to a vet-recommended renal diet.