Chronic Kidney Disease in Cats (2024)

FAQs

How long can a cat live with chronic kidney disease? ›

Chronic kidney failure in cats is a gradual condition that typically develops over several months or even years.

CKD is not a curable or reversible disease, however, with early detection, support and treatment can improve your cat's quality and length of life by slowing progression of the disease. In fact, cats can live for many years with consistent management.

Kidney disease is the number one killer of cats over 14 years of age. Unless they develop another life-threatening disease first, all cats will eventually die from kidney failure.

Lost kidney function cannot be restored, but you can take steps to care for your cat's kidneys and minimize their chances of CKD development or progression.

As obligate carnivores, cats need species-appropriate proteins that are easily digestible. Proteins such as turkey and chicken are a safe choice for cats with kidney diseases.

Dietary modification is an important and proven aspect of CKD treatment. Studies suggest that therapeutic diets that are restricted in protein, phosphorus and sodium content and high in water-soluble vitamins, fiber, and antioxidant concentrations may prolong life and improve quality of life in cats with CKD.

Tuna is high in phosphorus and while a healthy cat may cope with this, it won't be good for cats with kidney disease.

High salt (sodium) diets may increase blood pressure and may worsen kidney damage, so diets designed for pets with kidney disease are low in sodium. You should also avoid feeding high salt treats such as cheese, bread, deli meat, and many commercial dog and cat treats.

What makes kidney disease worse in cats? ›

Chronic stress that raises blood pressure is linked to kidney disease, as well as dental disease, low potassium, and certain diets. The best way to ensure good health for your pet is to: Follow up with twice-yearly wellness examinations where we can screen your meow pal for the disease.

It can happen in cats of any age and typically results from poisons, disorders, diseases, organ failure, medications and other causes. Acute renal failure can often be reversed if caught in time.

Failing kidneys lose the ability to concentrate urine, which is why cats with kidney disease will pee more frequently and will pee larger amounts. Consequently, these cats will need more water to make up for what they lose through urination.

Examples include Hill's® Prescription Diet® k/d® (both early and late state diets exist), Royal Canin® Renal Support, Purina® ProPlan® Veterinary Diet NF Kidney Function®, and Rayne Clinical Nutrition™ Adult Health-RSS™.

In Stage 1 CKD, the damage to your kidneys is mild. Your kidneys are still working well, but you may have signs of kidney damage or physical damage to your kidneys. Stage 1 CKD means you have a normal estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 90 or greater, but there is protein in your urine (i.e., your pee).

While there are many different factors that contribute to your cats renal disease. The most common and most preventable cause is off the shelf commercial dry cat food. The reason is that cats fed exclusively dry food suffer from chronic dehydration, which leads to stress on the kidneys over time.

Meat, dairy, seafood and fish -- including tuna -- have higher amounts of phosphorus than plant-based foods. Tuna provides around 30 percent or more of your total phosphorus needs for the entire day in a single serving.

Those cats with IRIS stage II kidney disease survived on average over 1000 days, stage III cats nearly 800 days and stage IV cats only about 100 days. If your cat's diagnosis is low IRIS stage chronic kidney disease, try not to worry. Treatment can help keep your cat around for years to come.

Is CKD painful for cats? ›

A cat suffering from CKD is likely to be experiencing both physical and emotional pain due to the number of side effects associated with the disease; vomiting, dehydration and anorexia for example.

If you've witnessed your cat's condition gradually decline, and the blood work is not improving, it's time to make a decision about euthanasia. Questions like, “How much suffering is too much?” will be on your mind. Because you know your cat best, you are the best judge of your cat's quality of life.

Symptoms of end stage kidney failure in cats include dull sunken eyes, inability to walk, body odour, incontinence in bladder or bowels, refusal to eat or drink, seizures, confusion, pacing and restlessness, withdrawing, hiding and running away.

Dietary modification is an important and proven aspect of CKD treatment. Studies suggest that therapeutic diets that are restricted in protein, phosphorus and sodium content and high in water-soluble vitamins, fiber, and antioxidant concentrations may prolong life and improve quality of life in cats with CKD.

A large number of medical problems can cause kidney disease in cats. The most common causes are the resulting damages from toxins, infectious diseases and diseases that impair kidney blood flow. Common toxins to be aware of are ethylene glycol (antifreeze), lily flowers, plants and vitamin D.

If acute cat kidney failure is caught early enough, it can be managed. However, chronic cat kidney failure cannot be cured and your vet can only provide palliative care. Depending on your cat's individual case, treatment may include food modification, fluid therapy, dialysis, blood pressure drugs, or a transplant.

Treatment for kidney disease in cats

Acute renal failure in cats (ARF) is potentially reversible if diagnosed early and treated aggressively. A cat with ARF will require admission into the veterinary hospital for intravenous fluid support to correct rehydration, flush out toxins and balance electrolytes.

Unfortunately, about half of cats that develop acute kidney failure do not survive, and a quarter to half of survivors have permanent damage.

Kidney disease can cause high blood pressure and, conceivably, excess vocalization. However, these cats usually have other symptoms that show up first, including increased water intake, increased urination and decreased appetite. Another possibility is hyperthyroidism.

What is the best food to feed a cat with kidney problems? ›

Examples include Hill's® Prescription Diet® k/d® (both early and late state diets exist), Royal Canin® Renal Support, Purina® ProPlan® Veterinary Diet NF Kidney Function®, and Rayne Clinical Nutrition™ Adult Health-RSS™.

Stage 1: The creatinine level in the blood test is lower than 1.6, which means that less than 66% of kidney functions have been lost. At this stage, most vets suggest switching the cat to a more kidney-friendly prescription diet that is lower in processed protein.