Chronic kidney disease is one of the most common conditions in elderly cats, and managing welfare through progressive renal failure requires a careful balance of treatment and quality of life assessment.
CKD in cats creates a prolonged period of progressive illness requiring constant welfare assessment. Cats with uncontrolled CKD experience chronic nausea, weakness, and the uncomfortable sensation of persistent dehydration. Appropriate management with subcutaneous fluids, phosphate restriction, and blood pressure control significantly improves comfort and extends good quality life. The welfare challenge is recognising when treatment burden outweighs benefit - when daily injections and veterinary visits cause more suffering than they prevent. Regular quality of life scoring helps owners and vets make these difficult decisions collaboratively.