Chronic kidney disease is the most common cause of death in senior cats, requiring careful management to maintain quality of life through dietary, medical, and supportive care.
Feline chronic kidney disease management is a welfare success story where proactive treatment significantly extends quality life. Without treatment, CKD progression causes nausea, weakness, and declining appetite that progressively reduce quality of life. With appropriate management - renal diet, fluid therapy, blood pressure control, and anti-nausea medication - many cats maintain good quality of life for years after diagnosis. Home fluid administration by owners is a manageable skill that dramatically improves both longevity and comfort. Early diagnosis through routine senior blood testing enables earlier intervention.