Feline kidney transplantation can extend the lives of cats with end-stage renal disease but raises complex welfare and ethical questions about the donor cat, the recipient, and the use of medical resources.
Feline kidney transplantation raises ethical questions at multiple levels. Donor cats undergo major surgery and removal of a healthy kidney for the benefit of another animal. While donors typically recover well, they bear a real surgical risk and long-term reduced renal reserve without being able to consent. Recipient cats benefit from extended life but require lifelong immunosuppression with associated side effects including increased cancer risk. Critics question whether subjecting a healthy donor cat to unnecessary surgery is ethically justified, even with post-operative adoption requirements. Proponents argue that improving recipient welfare justifies the procedure when donor welfare is protected. Veterinary ethical guidelines vary internationally on acceptable practice.