Chronic kidney disease is the leading cause of death in older cats, and management decisions significantly affect quality of life through the trajectory of this progressive condition.
Feline CKD management is fundamentally a quality of life challenge, requiring owners and veterinarians to balance interventions that extend life against those that maintain comfort. Some interventions, including subcutaneous fluids and dietary restriction, require owner commitment but produce meaningful welfare improvements. Regular quality of life assessment using validated tools helps owners and veterinarians make decisions that prioritize the cat's experience throughout disease progression.