Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is the leading cause of death in senior cats, with evidence suggesting many affected cats experience pain from hypertension, oral ulcers, and neuropathy requiring proactive management.
CKD causes progressive and often painful deterioration in senior cats. Hypertension from CKD can cause sudden blindness through retinal detachment - a distressing acute event. Oral ulcers from uremic toxins cause mouth pain that discourages eating, creating a spiral of malnutrition and weakness. Nausea and vomiting add to discomfort. Cats in late-stage CKD often feel profoundly unwell - lethargic, nauseous, and in pain. Effective CKD management including blood pressure control, phosphate restriction, and fluid therapy significantly improves quality of life and extends comfortable survival. Regular quality of life assessment is essential to make timely end-of-life decisions.