Chronic kidney disease is the leading cause of death in older cats, causing progressive debilitation that requires careful management to maintain quality of life.
Chronic kidney disease in cats is a welfare challenge that demands attentive management because its progression from subtle to severe can span years. Cats with early CKD may appear normal while experiencing chronic low-grade nausea from toxin accumulation. As the disease progresses, nausea intensifies, appetite decreases, and quality of life declines measurably. The welfare obligation for CKD cats involves regular monitoring to catch progression early, aggressive management of symptoms, and honest quality of life assessment as the disease advances. Timely euthanasia to prevent suffering in late-stage disease is itself a welfare-positive intervention.