Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
Also called: Chronic renal failure, CRF, chronic renal insufficiency
- Cats
- Urinary & kidney
- Senior
CKD means the kidneys gradually and permanently lose their ability to filter waste from the blood, concentrate urine, and regulate other body functions. It is one of the most common diseases of older cats and cannot be cured, but it can often be managed for months to years. Because cats compensate well early on, signs often don't appear until significant kidney function is already lost.
Signs to look for
- Drinking more water than usual and urinating larger volumes
- Weight loss and reduced appetite
- Lethargy and a dull, unkempt coat
- Vomiting or nausea
- Pale gums and weakness (with anaemia, in advanced disease)
- Bad breath
How a vet diagnoses it
Blood tests (BUN, creatinine, and SDMA — which rises earlier than creatinine) and urinalysis. Diagnosis is ideally based on at least two blood and urine samples from a stable, well-hydrated cat. Blood pressure, phosphorus/electrolytes, and ultrasound may be added. The IRIS system stages severity.
Treatment
No cure; the goal is to slow progression and maintain quality of life. A therapeutic kidney diet is the proven first-line change. Maintaining hydration, phosphate binders, potassium supplementation, anti-nausea/appetite medications, blood pressure control, and management of anaemia are used as needed.
Monitoring at home
Repeat blood work (creatinine, SDMA, BUN, phosphorus, potassium), urine protein, blood pressure, body weight, hydration, appetite, and red blood cell counts.
Who tends to get it
Older and geriatric cats — age is the only well-established risk factor. Cornell notes CKD affects up to 40% of cats over 10 and 80% over 15.
This library is educational reference only. It is designed to help you learn about health conditions your pet may have been diagnosed with — it does not interpret your pet's symptoms, cannot diagnose, and is not a substitute for veterinary care. Cats and dogs often hide illness well, so signs can be subtle. Any new, persistent, or worsening sign warrants a vet visit.