Chronic Kidney Disease in Cats and Welfare

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is the most common cause of death in older cats and requires careful management to maintain quality of life.

Key Facts

CKD affects over 30% of cats over 15 years old
Cats mask early kidney disease well, with clinical signs often absent until 75% of function is lost
Phosphate restriction through diet or binders significantly slows CKD progression
Subcutaneous fluid therapy can be administered at home, improving quality of life
Regular blood and urine monitoring enables staging and management adjustments

Welfare Considerations

CKD causes progressive loss of kidney function leading to toxin accumulation, anaemia, hypertension, and nausea causing chronic welfare compromise. Cats in advanced CKD experience persistent nausea, fatigue, and reduced appetite. Early detection through regular screening in senior cats allows dietary intervention before clinical signs develop. Dietary phosphate restriction and fluid therapy can significantly slow progression and maintain quality of life for months to years. End-of-life decisions should be guided by quality of life assessment using validated tools.

What You Can Do

Screen cats over 7 years old for kidney disease with annual blood and urine tests
Discuss phosphate-restricted diets with your vet for cats diagnosed with CKD
Learn subcutaneous fluid administration techniques to manage CKD at home
Use a quality of life scale to guide decisions about CKD management and end of life