Chronic kidney disease is one of the most common conditions in older cats. Appropriate dietary management, monitoring, and supportive care can significantly extend comfortable life.
CKD causes progressive deterioration in cat wellbeing — nausea, reduced appetite, weight loss, dehydration, and in advanced stages, neurological signs from uremia. Because cats mask illness instinctively, many owners do not recognize CKD until it is well advanced. Early detection through routine blood and urine screening allows intervention before significant functional loss. Dietary modification is critical: phosphorus restriction slows tubular damage, while adequate protein intake maintains muscle mass. Appetite stimulants and anti-nausea medications significantly improve quality of life by addressing the nausea that drives food refusal. Subcutaneous fluids administered at home by trained owners correct chronic dehydration effectively. End-of-life decision-making for CKD cats is challenging — quality of life assessment tools help owners and vets make compassionate decisions.