Chronic kidney disease affects 30-40% of cats over 15 years and is the leading cause of feline mortality. Advanced management — combining renal diets, phosphorus binders, fluid therapy, and emerging treatments — substantially extends quality of life.
Feline CKD management has advanced dramatically in the past decade. SDMA testing has moved detection from symptomatic illness to early asymptomatic disease, enabling intervention when it can have the greatest impact. Multimodal management — appropriate diet, phosphorus control, blood pressure management, hydration support — extends comfortable life significantly compared to untreated cats or cats managed with diet alone. The welfare burden of CKD is substantial: nausea, lethargy, and poor appetite in later stages cause significant suffering. Active management that addresses each element of the condition reduces this burden and extends quality of life for affected cats.