Companion Animals

Renal Disease Screening and Early Detection in Cats

Early detection of feline renal disease enables intervention before significant kidney function is lost.

Key Facts

Cats can lose up to 75% of kidney function before CKD becomes detectable through standard blood tests
SDMA is a more sensitive marker of early renal dysfunction than creatinine
Annual blood and urine testing from age 7 enables earlier detection of CKD
Blood pressure measurement is important in cats with CKD to detect hypertension
Early intervention with dietary management slows CKD progression significantly

Welfare Considerations

Early detection of feline CKD through regular monitoring provides the opportunity for dietary management that slows disease progression and maintains quality of life for longer. SDMA testing identifies renal dysfunction earlier than traditional markers, enabling intervention before the cat's welfare is significantly compromised. Regular health monitoring from middle age is the most important strategy for improving CKD welfare outcomes.

What You Can Do

Request SDMA testing alongside creatinine for cats from age 7 onward
Schedule annual blood and urine tests for all middle-aged and senior cats
Begin dietary management early when any signs of renal insufficiency emerge
Monitor blood pressure in cats diagnosed with early CKD
Discuss the benefits of early CKD screening with your vet at routine health checks