Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects over 30% of cats over 15 years old. Early detection and management can maintain quality of life for years.
CKD causes chronic nausea, reduced appetite, dehydration, and eventually uraemia - a toxic state causing profound illness. Cats with unmanaged CKD experience progressive deterioration in quality of life that is often misattributed to 'old age'. Early detection through annual blood and urine testing allows intervention at Stage 1-2 when management can maintain quality of life for years. Dietary phosphate restriction slows progression. Hydration support through wet food, water fountains, and subcutaneous fluids manages dehydration. Regular IRIS staging guides when to escalate treatment and when to transition to palliative care.