Kidney disease in cats

Chronic kidney disease is common in cats, especially as they get older. While it cannot be cured, damage can be slowed and the condition can be managed to give your cat a good quality of life.

What is kidney disease?

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is caused by damage to the kidneys which stop them from working properly. Sadly, as it is a chronic condition, CKD tends to get worse over time. It is often seen in middle-aged and older cats. The damage is usually part of the normal ageing process, but CKD can also be affected by inherited conditions, infections, cancers, and urinary stones.

Acute kidney disease is when the kidneys are suddenly and severely damaged. This can be caused by poison such as antifreeze.

What causes kidney disease?

There are many different causes of kidney disease in cats. It's often caused by changes in the kidney due to aging. But there can also be other causes including:

• infection
• genetics
• cancers
• urinary stones

The original cause is often no longer present at the time of diagnosis and sometimes will never be known. The body has more kidney tissue than it needs, so some of it may be lost before symptoms develop and before blood tests show changes.

Acute kidney disease is often caused by toxins.

What are the symptoms of kidney disease in cats?

• Drinking lots of water
• Urinating more, and urinating in the house
• Weight loss
• Vomiting
• Dehydration
• Lack of appetite
• Bad breath
• Weakness or tiredness
• Mouth ulcers

How is kidney disease diagnosed?

Your vet will make a diagnosis through a combination of blood and urine tests. An increase in the toxic substances that the kidney normally removes can be measured in the bloodstream.

Your vet may be able to take the blood and urine samples during your cat's consultation. But you may be asked to collect a urine sample at home. Your cat may also need other tests, such as a blood pressure check, X-rays or ultrasound scans, depending on their symptoms.

What is the treatment for kidney disease?

There is no cure for kidney disease in cats, but there are a few different treatments available.

Medication

Since CKD can affect so many parts of the body, there may be medications available depending on your cat's symptoms. Your vet may also recommend supplements to help replace lost vitamins and nutrients.

Diet

Feeding a kidney diet is one of the best ways to help manage your cat's disease. There are special veterinary diets available that help to reduce the waste products in your cat's blood. They also contain a balance of nutrients to support their health.

There are many different flavours and types of food available. Wet foods can help with hydration. If you're not sure which one is best for your cat, speak to your vet for advice.

Changing your cat's diet

Diet changes can be challenging especially if your cat is not eating well due to CKD. Here are a few tips that may help:

• Warm the food a little to make it smell better (it should be warm to the touch but not hot)
• Mix the new food with your cat’s normal food to start with. Start gradually changing to the new food over three to five days.  
• Try not to stand over your cat when they are presented with a new food for the first time. This may make them suspicious.
• If your cat does not enjoy one brand or flavour of a kidney diet, it's worth trying a different one. Speak to your vet if you’re not sure which one to choose or your cat will not eat their special diet.

A special diet works best if fed on its own without other food or treats. If you want to treat your cat, you can use their kidney food as a reward.

Water

Increasing your cat’s fluids will help stop them from getting dehydrated. Give your cat lots of opportunities to drink fresh water, and ideally change the water at least twice a day. You may need to put bowls of water in multiple places around your home.

Many cats like to drink from ceramic bowls, water fountains or even water glasses.

How long will my cat live?

The prognosis for your cat depends on the severity of the disease and the underlying cause. Your vet will also consider how quickly the kidney damage is occurring, but this may take time to observe.

The most important consideration is the wellbeing and happiness of your cat. Some cats, although thin and drinking lots, stay reasonably well for one to two years or more. Others can be unwell and deteriorate rapidly within weeks. If treatment stops being effective, or your cat's quality of life reduces, it may be time to consider putting them to sleep.