Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is the most common cause of illness and death in senior cats. Managing it well preserves quality of life for months or years.
CKD causes a progressive accumulation of toxins that cause nausea, lethargy, and ultimately profound illness. Cats with advanced CKD experience nausea, oral ulceration, and muscle wasting that significantly reduce quality of life. Welfare-focused management addresses each source of discomfort: anti-nausea medication for nausea, phosphate binders to reduce toxin load, subcutaneous fluids to manage dehydration, and appetite stimulants to maintain body weight. Regular quality of life assessment is essential — owners and vets must collaborate to determine when treatment no longer provides net benefit.