Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is the leading cause of death in elderly cats. With appropriate management, many cats can maintain good quality of life for months to years after diagnosis.
Feline CKD management is one of the most complex ongoing welfare responsibilities in companion animal ownership. The disease causes progressive nausea, reduced appetite, weight loss, and in advanced stages, uremic toxicity that affects neurological function. Good management substantially improves welfare outcomes: prescription diets, fluid therapy, anti-nausea medication, and blood pressure management can maintain comfortable daily life even in moderate to advanced disease. The key welfare challenges are recognizing when quality of life is declining despite treatment, and making the decision to euthanize before suffering becomes severe. Tools like the Cat Quality of Life scale help owners assess daily welfare systematically. Veterinary guidance on recognizing end-stage CKD signs empowers owners to make humane, timely decisions.