Chronic kidney disease is the leading cause of death in older cats. While incurable, modern management significantly extends good-quality life. Quality of life monitoring guides management decisions throughout the disease course.
Cats with CKD experience nausea, reduced appetite, and reduced energy that progressively affects quality of life as the disease advances. Modern management including dietary restriction, phosphate binders, anti-nausea medication, and fluid support significantly extends the period of good quality life. Regular quality of life assessment guides decisions about treatment intensity and euthanasia timing.