Chronic kidney disease is the leading health problem in older cats - what owners need to know about recognition, management, and quality of life.
Feline CKD is one of the most common welfare challenges in older cat management. The kidneys gradually lose function, causing accumulation of waste products that cause nausea, malaise, and reduced quality of life. Cats with advanced CKD often feel chronically unwell - reduced appetite, nausea, and lethargy affect their daily experience. Yet with appropriate management including dietary change, fluid support, and phosphorus binders, many cats can be maintained at a good quality of life for months to years. The welfare key is early detection before severe clinical decline, and honest quality-of-life assessment as disease progresses.