Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is the most common age-related disease in cats. With supportive management, affected cats can maintain good quality of life for months to years.
CKD causes progressive but often manageable suffering when properly treated. Untreated or poorly managed CKD leads to uremia — a toxic state causing nausea, headache (inferred from behavioral signs), severe lethargy, and eventually seizures and death. With appropriate management, however, many cats maintain good quality of life for years. The welfare burden of management must be weighed carefully: home subcutaneous fluids are generally well-tolerated by cats and owners, and renal diets — if accepted — reduce uremic toxin accumulation. However, forcing an anorexic cat to eat a diet it refuses has its own welfare costs. Palliative care focused on symptom control, appetite support, and comfort is appropriate as disease progresses. Regular quality-of-life assessment helps owners make timely, compassionate decisions.