Chronic kidney disease is the leading cause of death in cats over 10 years, requiring careful management to maintain quality of life through the condition's progression.
Feline CKD management is a welfare challenge because the disease is progressive and often diagnosed at advanced stages. Quality of life assessment must go beyond biochemical markers to include appetite, interaction, mobility, and comfort. Many cats live comfortably with well-managed CKD for years, while others deteriorate rapidly. Proactive management including dietary modification, hydration support, anti-nausea medication, and regular monitoring can significantly extend both lifespan and quality of life.