Understanding Kidney Disease in Cats: A Guide for Pet Parents

Kidney disease is one of the most common diseases in older felines, often progressing silently until significant damage has occurred. As a pet parent, understanding the condition, its causes, symptoms, and treatment options is crucial for ensuring a better quality of life for your companion.

What Is Kidney Disease in Cats?

The kidneys play a vital role in filtering waste, balancing fluids, and electrolytes, regulating blood pressure, and producing erythropoietin, a hormone essential for red blood cell production. When kidney function declines, toxins build up in the bloodstream, leading to serious health concerns.

There are two types of kidney disease: acute and chronic. Acute kidney disease occurs suddenly, often due to toxin ingestion, infections, or trauma and is often reversible with immediate medical intervention. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) – the more prevalent condition in catsis a slow and progressive condition, typically diagnosed when at least two-thirds of kidney function is lost. Terms like chronic renal failure (CRF) and renal insufficiency are used interchangeably with CKD.

Causes of Kidney Disease in Cats

Several factors contribute to kidney disease, including:

• Injury to the kidney – Severe infections, toxin exposure (antifreeze, lilies, rat poison), or adverse medication reactions.
• Hereditary conditions – Some breeds, are predisposed to polycystic kidney disease (PKD) and ideally cats with known family history of PKD should not be bred.
• Underlying medical conditions – Immune-mediated diseases, blood clot disorders, heart disease, and cancers such as lymphoma can lead to kidney damage.
• Unknown causes – In many cases, no definitive cause is found, making early detection even more critical.

Kidney Disease in Cat Signs and Symptoms

Recognizing kidney disease in cat symptoms early can help slow disease progression. Common signs include:

• Increased thirst and urination
• Vomiting and dehydration
• Weight loss and muscle wasting
• Foul breath (ammonia-like odor)
• Decreased appetite and nausea
• Lethargy and behavioral changes
• High blood pressure
• Swelling in limbs (edema)
• Urinary accidents and constipation

Since signs often appear in later stages, routine veterinary checkups are essential for early detection. If your cat is over 6 years of age, 6-monthly health check-ups in consultation with your vet are advisable to catch kidney disease at its earliest.

How Veterinarians Diagnose Kidney Disease in Cats

A veterinarian will diagnose kidney disease through blood tests, urinalysis, and imaging studies. Key diagnostic markers include:

• Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) & Creatinine (CREA) – Elevated levels indicate kidney failure.
• Phosphorus & Calcium – High phosphorus suggests kidney failure, while elevated calcium is seen in advanced cases.
• Electrolyte Levels – Sodium, potassium, and chloride imbalances affect overall health.
• Symmetric Dimethylarginine (SDMA) – A sensitive early indicator of kidney disease.
• Urinalysis & Urine Protein-to-Creatinine Ratio (UPC) – Determines protein loss and urine concentration.
• Blood Pressure Monitoring – High blood pressure is both a cause and consequence of kidney disease.
• Imaging (X-rays/Ultrasound) – Screens for kidney stones, cysts, or structural abnormalities and helps decipher the extent of kidney damage

Once diagnosed, kidney disease in cats is classified into four stages based on severity, with Stage I being mild and Stage IV being life-threatening.

Kidney Disease in Cat Treatment

While there is no cure for CKD, treatment aims to slow progression and maintain quality of life. Kidney disease in cat treatment options include:

• Hydration Therapy – Encouraging water intake through wet diets and, in advanced cases, providing subcutaneous fluids.
• Dietary Management – Prescription kidney diets with low phosphorus, moderate protein, and high omega-3 fatty acids can help slow disease progression.
• Medications – Depending on the underlying cause, treatments may include:
• Antibiotics for infections
• Phosphate binders to manage high phosphorus levels
• Blood pressure medications if hypertension is present
• Managing Secondary Conditions – Treating anaemia, nausea, and electrolyte imbalances to improve well-being.
• Regular Monitoring – Routine blood and urine tests help adjust treatment as needed.

Prevention and Long-Term Care

While some causes are unavoidable, pet parents can take steps to reduce the risk of kidney disease:

• Keep toxic substances like lilies, antifreeze, and certain medications out of reach.
• Provide fresh, clean water at all times.
• Schedule annual wellness exams and routine kidney screenings, especially for senior pets.
• Ensure a balanced diet which is high in premium quality animal protein, low in carbohydrate content and controlled phosphorus intake to support kidney function.
• Use feline-specific flea, tick, and heartworm preventatives (as recommended by your vet) to reduce infection risks.

Nutritional Support: Veterinary HPM^®

A well-balanced diet plays a key role in supporting kidney health. Veterinary HPM^® offers a high-protein, low-carbohydrate formula designed to meet the carnivorous dietary needs of pets. With 90% high quality animal protein, it supports greater water intake, thus supporting kidney function while avoiding gluten, artificial flavors, and colorings. Controlled phosphorus levels alongwith presence of chitosan help reduce kidney strain, making it a suitable option as a preventative diet.

Final Thoughts

Early detection and proactive management are key to improving the lifespan and well-being of pets with kidney disease. By staying informed about kidney disease in cat signs and treatment options, pet parents can make informed decisions to support their furry companions. If you notice any concerning symptoms, consult a veterinarian promptly to ensure timely intervention and the best possible care.