What Cat Owners Need to Know

CKD is one of the most common conditions affecting older cats, if not the most common, with studies showing that 20-50% of cats over 15 years old have some degree of kidney disease. While CKD can occur at any age, it is far more frequent in middle-aged and senior cats (7+ years).

By the time CKD is diagnosed, 80% of kidney tissue is already destroyed—meaning the kidneys can no longer fully perform their vital functions. Since CKD is progressive, its rate of decline varies in every cat.

Functions of the Kidneys

Cats have two kidneys, like most mammals, located inside their belly, that play essential roles in:

Filtering waste & toxins from the blood.
Regulating hydration & electrolyte balance.
Producing hormones that control blood pressure & red blood cell production.

When kidney function declines, serious health problems follow.

Which are the Signs of CKD in Cats

If you notice any of these symptoms, seek veterinary attention immediately:

Weight loss, even few grams make a difference.
Poor appetite, changes in appetite – May eat certain foods but refuse others.
Lethargy & hiding – Sleeping more, less active.
Increased thirst (polydipsia) – Drinking significantly more water.
Increased urination (polyuria) – Bigger urine clumps in the litter box.
Poor fur coat quality – Looks dull, unkempt.
Bad breath (uremic odor) – A very strong, unpleasant smell.
Vomiting – Due to toxin buildup in the blood

What Causes CKD?

Many cases have no clear cause, but some known culprits include:

Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) – Common in Persian cats, requiring early screening with ultrasound examination.
Chronic UTIs leading to Pyelonephritis (kidney infections), that’s why regular urinary tests are valuable, especially in older pets.
Kidney Tumors – Lymphoma being the most common and can be viral from the FeLV virus, which is preventable by regular vaccination against the virus.
Toxins – Lilies are extremely toxic to cats and can cause acute kidney failure, which may turn into CKD if untreated. Always cut the pollen bearing parts of the flower.

How is CKD Diagnosed?

Diagnosis involves blood and urine tests, including:

Creatinine (Crea), BUN, SDMA, Phosphorus – Assess kidney function.
Complete Urinalysis + Urine Protein:Creatinine Ratio (UPC) – Checks for protein loss and culture of the urine to identify possible infections.
Blood Pressure Measurement – Hypertension is common in CKD cats. It’s not sure if it’s the egg or the chicken.
Kidney Ultrasound – Helps assess kidney structure, very important for purebred or mixed Persian cats

Can CKD Be Cured?

No, but it can be managed. The goal is to slow progression and maintain a good quality of life.

How is CKD Managed?

According to IRIS Staging, your cat may need hospitalization to stabilize kidney values initially. After that, long-term management includes:

Subcutaneous Fluids at Home – To maintain hydration, you can refer to our reel on how to do this at home.
Gradual Transition to a Prescription Renal Diet (Hill’s k/d or Royal Canin Renal, wet & dry). Gradual is the key. Cats don’t like sudden changes of their diet and especially CKD patients, whose appetite is already compromised. As well, renal diet are not the tastier.
Appetite Stimulants – If eating becomes an issue. It’s good to have on handy at home for the difficult days.
Dental Disease Management – To reduce systemic inflammation.
Addressing Complications – Anemia, high blood pressure, and electrolyte imbalances.

Managing CKD can be costly, but it’s worth it—a well-managed CKD cat can live significantly longer with a good quality of life.

Early detection is key! If your cat is 7+ years old, annual or bi-annual check-ups with blood and urine tests can help catch CKD early and slow its progression.