Chronic kidney disease is the most common cause of death in cats over 10 years, but welfare-focused management significantly extends good quality of life.
CKD causes progressive accumulation of metabolic toxins causing nausea, lethargy, and eventually uremia. The disease is gradual, giving owners time to adapt management to maintain quality of life for extended periods. Early detection through proactive monitoring is the most effective welfare intervention — by the time clinical signs appear, significant progression has occurred.