Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is the most common age-related disease of domestic cats. Understanding its welfare implications and management options helps owners provide the best quality of life for affected cats.
Cat CKD welfare management requires balancing treatment burden against quality of life. Cats in early stages may live years with appropriate management and minimal welfare cost. As disease progresses, nausea, weight loss, and lethargy reduce quality of life. Subcutaneous fluid administration at home - while initially challenging to learn - is well-tolerated by most cats and dramatically reduces the frequency of veterinary visits. The decision to begin palliative management versus continue active treatment should center on the cat's quality of life, using tools like the HHHHHMM quality of life scale.