Kidney Disease in Cats
PDSA advice on spotting the warning signs
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a common illness seen in older cats that can sometimes be mistaken for old age. This is because symptoms don’t display until an advanced stage, meaning it can go undetected and unmanaged.
One of the reasons to take your pet for a regular veterinary checkup is because illnesses such as CKD can be detected by vets at earlier stages. While CKD can’t be cured it can be managed and, if diagnosed early enough, there is a good chance of extending a cat’s life expectancy, potentially doubling the time they would have had left without treatment.
PDSA Vet Olivia Anderson-Nathan said: “CKD develops gradually, and many cats won’t show any symptoms until three quarters of their kidney function is lost. Changes to diet and medication can help to keep your cat well for longer, so it’s really important to get advice from your vet if you notice your cat displaying any symptoms.”
Early signs of CKD can include:
- Gradual weight loss
- Drinking and urinating more frequently
- Reduced appetite
- Sleeping more
- A poor coat
- Being off their food completely
- A lack of energy
- Bad breath, especially with a “urine-like” ammonia smell
- Mouth ulcers
The kidneys are responsible for filtering out waste products from the blood. As CKD means the kidneys aren’t working as well, toxins build up in the cat’s body. This makes them feel unwell and causes other symptoms listed above.
Olivia added: “CKD can be successfully managed if diagnosed early enough. There are diets and treatments that can slow the development of the disease, as well as improve a cat’s quality of life. The earlier the disease is picked up, the better the chances of successfully slowing its progression.”
If you notice any of the symptoms listed above then make a vet appointment as soon as possible. If your pet is diagnosed with CKD, your vet may recommend medication and a special diet, which helps reduce the amount of work the kidneys have to do. Changes to a cat’s diet are particularly effective in managing the disease. Your cat will also need regular checkups and monitoring, but with careful management, cats with CKD can still have a good quality of life.
PDSA is the UK’s leading vet charity. We’re on a mission to improve pet wellbeing through prevention, education, and treatment. Funding from players of People’s Postcode Lottery helps us reach even more pet owners with vital advice and information. www.pdsa.org.uk
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Haven’t seen it, but Fortekor is a miracle drug that gave my Birman years’ more life.
If you’re hesitant about Science Diet, Dave’s makes a more healthy equivalent to the prescribed kidney diet (U.S.).
Thank you ! I don’t know much about what’s available in the US so this is really helpful.
Yes, it was great to have an alternative to Science Diet here in the U.S. when I was caring for cats with kidney issues.
I just lost my 18 year old Heart Cat to this disease. I am writing his life story because I think he and his journey through life were exceptional. I wish I could share it with both cat people and others who don’t really understand cats.
Thanks for all you do for cats!
Oh no!!! So sorry to hear. If you’d like to put up a tribute you’d be very welcome to. <3
Thanks so much. I bet there are parameters I should know. I’ll look over the site to see before I send you my 15 page tome!!
We use very basic common sense parameters. Has to be cat focused and include plenty of photos. And no adverts. So your story should already tick those boxes. <3
I have lost 3 cats since 2017 from kidney disease and each one of them displayed an increased appetite, not reduced. 2 were litter mates who lived to be 15 and 15.5 years old and my oldest one, 18.5 years old! I miss them so much.
? so sorry to hear gou have lost 3 to this horrible disease.
<3
As a human on dialysis because of end term kidney disease, this reminds me that our animal friends don’t have the option of dialysis. Thanks for a reminder to keep an eye out for the symptoms in older kitties so we get veterinary care and recommendations at the eariest time possible. The later one ewaits (or fail to recognize the symptoms), the less success one can expect dealing with the disease. Another problem: people will come up with all sorts of spurious “cures” for your kitty. Well-meaning, they can hurt or kill your cat.
It’s not an easy one to spot in cats yourself so regular vet checkups are definitely needed.
Mookie was diagnosed in June and still doing well on the medication and food from the vets.
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