Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is the most common cause of death in cats over 7. Early detection and appropriate management extends both lifespan and quality of life significantly.
CKD in cats is a condition where early detection and proactive management translate directly into better welfare outcomes. A cat diagnosed in early CKD (IRIS Stage 1-2) with appropriate dietary and medical management can remain comfortable and active for years longer than one diagnosed in late-stage disease. Yet most cats are diagnosed in Stages 3-4 because the disease is invisible to owners until it is advanced. Annual blood and urine testing from age 7, and biannual testing from age 10, catches early CKD when intervention is most effective. The welfare case for senior wellness testing is strongest for CKD detection.