Companion Animal Welfare

Cat Feline CKD Fluid Therapy Welfare

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is the most common disease of senior cats - appropriate fluid therapy significantly improves quality of life.

Key Facts

CKD affects over 30% of cats over 15 years old
Subcutaneous fluid therapy can be administered at home after owner training
Fluid therapy reduces azotaemia and nausea, improving appetite and quality of life
Frequency of fluid therapy is titrated to response and owner capacity
Quality of life assessment should guide intensity of treatment in advanced CKD

Welfare Considerations

CKD causes chronic uraemia, nausea, and deteriorating quality of life in advanced stages. Subcutaneous fluid therapy that reduces azotaemia and nausea is both achievable at home and dramatically improves individual cat welfare in a condition affecting millions of senior cats.

What You Can Do

Have senior cats over 7 years screened annually for CKD through blood and urine testing
Discuss home fluid therapy training with your vet for cats with moderate CKD
Use quality of life assessment to guide treatment decisions in advanced CKD