Chronic kidney disease is the most common age-related condition in cats. Attentive management significantly extends quality life and reduces suffering in affected animals.
Feline CKD management is one of the most important areas of senior cat welfare. The disease is prevalent, progressive, and associated with significant suffering from nausea, appetite loss, dehydration, and anemia. Yet with appropriate management, many cats with CKD maintain good quality of life for months to years after diagnosis. The welfare challenge is that many owners are unaware of CKD until late stages because early disease is clinically silent. Annual bloodwork for senior cats allows detection at Stage 1-2, when dietary management and blood pressure control can significantly slow progression. Owner-administered subcutaneous fluids, initially daunting, become routine care that many owners credit with extending their cats' healthy lives by years. Quality-of-life assessment tools help owners and veterinarians navigate end-of-life decisions.