Chronic kidney disease in cats is one of the most common long-term health problems seen in ageing felines. It develops slowly, often without clear symptoms of kidney disease in cat in the early stages, and continues to progress over months or years.
The sooner it is detected, the better the chances of helping a cat stay comfortable and active.
What is Kidney Disease in Cats?
The kidneys act as the body’s filters. They remove waste products, balance water and salts, regulate blood pressure, and support red-blood-cell production.
When the kidneys start losing their filtering ability, waste begins to accumulate in the bloodstream. This leads to chronic kidney disease in cats. Hence, any cat suffering from chronic kidney disease or CKD often drinks more water and pees more frequently.
If you notice your cat eating less, losing weight and drinking more water, it is time for an urgent veterinary check-up complete with blood tests.
What are the Signs of Chronic Kidney Disease in Cats?
So, what signs do cats with CKD show? Any individual with compromised kidney function will experience a buildup of waste products in their bloodstream since their kidneys can no longer “suck out” the waste from their blood.
Early signs –
- Lack of appetite
- Lethargy
- Gradual weight loss
- Poor fur quality
- Increased thirst
- Increased urination
- Dull or unkempt coat
Advanced Signs –
- Vomiting
- Severe loss of appetite
- Dehydration
- Severe anorexia
- Bad breath
- Ulcers in the mouth
- Blood in the urine
- Weakness or Confusion
- Disorientation
- Muscle wastage (atrophy)
- No urine production
- Pale mucous membrane
- Swelling of the limbs
The function of the kidneys deteriorate over time and finally become detectable through blood and urine tests. Sadly, by the time CKD diagnosis is confirmed the kidneys undergo around 50% to 70% destruction.
What Physical and Behavioral Symptoms Indicate Kidney Dysfunction in Cats?
Cats with declining kidney function may also show:
- Uremic breath (strong ammonia-like smell) – caused by the build-up of waste products in the blood
- Depression or social withdrawal – the cat becomes less interactive and hides more often
- Refusal to eat – nausea and mouth ulcers can make eating uncomfortable
- Reduced grooming – their coat may look dull or greasy because they feel too weak to clean themselves
- Frequent night-time urination – the kidneys lose the ability to concentrate urine, leading to more frequent trips to the litter box
- Urination outside the litter box – they may not be able to hold urine for long
- Sudden weight drop – ongoing muscle loss and poor appetite contribute to a fast decline
- Dry or flaky skin – dehydration affects skin moisture levels
- Increased sleeping or low activity – they tire easily due to toxin build-up
- Wobbly or unsteady walking – electrolyte imbalances can affect muscle function
- Hunched posture – indicates abdominal discomfort
- Night-time crying or vocalisation – discomfort, nausea, or disorientation can make cats more vocal at night
Schedule a Pet Health Checkup at Vetic for early detection.
What are the Causes of Kidney Disease in cats?
You should know and remember that CKD doesn’t happen overnight. The process of the compromise of kidney function begins at least a couple of months or years before the CKD diagnosis in cats.
There can be several reasons why a cat’s kidneys begin to undergo deterioration or degradation.
Top contributors include:
- Age-related degeneration
- Toxins (antifreeze, lilies, certain household chemicals)
- Chronic dehydration
- Long-term infections
- Complications from untreated dental disease
- Side effects of certain medications
What is Genetic & Acquired CKD in Cats?
Certain breeds show a higher tendency toward kidney disorders:
- Persian
- Abyssinian
- Maine Coon
- Ragdoll
- British Shorthair
Senior cats, obese cats, and those consuming very high-protein home-made diets without veterinary planning may also be more vulnerable.
What is Polycystic Kidney Disease and Its Hereditary Nature?
There are multiple cysts that develop inside the kidneys overtime as a result of a series of mutations. PKD is common in Persians and related breeds.
What is Amyloidosis and Its Impact on Kidney Function?
The disease is rare and commonly found among Siamese and Abyssinian cats. This disease results in the accumulation of a protein inside the kidneys that compromise the kidney functions.
What Bacterial Infections can Cause CKD in Cats?
How Does Acute Pyelonephritis Lead to Kidney Inflammation?
Acute pyelonephritis is a serious bacterial infection in cats that causes the inflammation of the kidneys. It is one of the most common causes of chronic kidney failure due to complications from UTI (urinary tract infection) in cats.
How Does Periodontal Disease Contribute to Kidney Damage?
Chronic and advanced Infection of the gums can reach the heart (endocarditis) and the kidneys. Dental health care in cats is most crucial to prevent the development of CKD in cats older than 7 years of age.
How Does Pyometra Affect the Kidneys in Cats?
Adult, unspayed female cats or intact female cats are at risk of developing pyometra. It is a bacterial infection of the uterus that can reach the kidneys and cause irreversible damage to the organ’s working parts.
What Viral Infections Can Cause CKD in Cats?
How Does FeLV (Feline Leukaemia Virus) Affect Kidney Function?
Feline Leukaemia Virus (FeLV) is common, but we don’t yet have a vaccine for FeLV in India. FeLV can create an immune response that damages the kidney function in the affected cat irreversibly.
How Does FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus) Increase the Risk of Chronic Infections and Kidney Damage?
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) works similar to other immunodeficiency viruses in other species, but FIV only affects cats. We do not have a vaccine against FIV. an infected cat becomes predisposed to other infections including the bacterial and viral diseases mentioned in this list. FIV increases the risk of a cat accumulating kidney damage by making the cat more susceptible to other bacteria and viruses.
How Does FIP (Feline Infectious Peritonitis) Leads to Renal Damage?
Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) is a result of Feline Coronavirus infection. Since the virus can manipulate the cat’s immune system, it can cause severe damage to all organs, including the kidneys. With timely diagnosis and treatment of FCoV infection and FIP, kidney damage in cats can be avoided in particular cases.
What Other Conditions Can Cause Kidney Disease in Cats?
How Does Chronic Pancreatitis Affect Kidney Health?
The insufficient function of the pancreas can lead to the destruction of kidney tissues and function. Cats suffering from chronic pancreatitis often also show signs of renal disease.
How Do Tumours and Kidney Cancer Lead to Renal Failure?
Benign as well as malignant tumours of the kidneys can lead to CKD in cats. In many cases, surgical removal of the tumour in the kidneys remains a challenge due to the unavailability of advanced surgical infra. In the cases of cancer of the kidneys, the disease often spreads considerably before the detection and diagnosis.
How is CKD in Cats Diagnosed?
Diagnosis of CKD in cats is possible through blood tests and urine analyses. Your veterinarian will likely check the following parameters before commenting on your cat’s kidney function and kidney health.
- Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)
- Creatinine (Crea)
- SDMA test (detects early kidney loss)
- Phosphorus
- Electrolytes (Phosphorous, Sodium & Chloride)
- RBC
- WBC
- Urinalysis:
- Urine specific gravity
- Urine protein to creatinine ratio (UPC)
- Infection screening
- Urine sediment
- Urine culture
- Ultrasound (USG) or X-ray to examine kidney size and structure
- Biopsy (FNAC) of kidney tumour(s)
Book a diagnostic test at a Vetic clinic
What are the Stages of Kidney Disease in Cats?
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What are the 4 Stages of CKD in Cats?
Once the test values come through, the veterinarian will classify the cat’s kidney damage into one of the following 4 IRIS stages of CKD in cats–
CKD Stage I in Cats
- Mild or no visible symptoms of kidney disease in cat
- Early changes in SDMA
- Management: hydration, early renal diet introduction
CKD Stage II in Cats
- Noticeable signs: mild weight loss, reduced appetite
- Increased thirst and urination
- Management: renal diet, periodic blood tests, supplements
CKD Stage III in Cats
- Vomiting, dull coat, bad breath, lethargy
- Clear biochemical changes
- Management: intensive hydration support, appetite stimulants, phosphorus binders
CKD Stage IV in Cats
- Severe toxin build-up
- Weakness, dehydration, mouth ulcers
- Survival often limited even with treatment
- Management: palliative care, fluid therapy, nutritional support
What is the Treatment of CKD in Cats?
The treatment of CKD in cats varies according to the stage or progress of kidney disease and the underlying cause(s). The main goals are to maintain hydration, correct electrolyte imbalances, and slow the progression of kidney damage.
A renal diet is the most crucial part of treatment. These diets are low in phosphorus, have moderate high-quality protein, and help reduce the workload on the kidneys. Wet or canned renal food also supports hydration.
(Visit Vetic Nutrition Guide for Cats to learn more)
Fluid therapy is commonly needed; IV fluids during initial management and, in later stages, subcutaneous fluids to maintain hydration (prevent dehydration in cats).
If blood pressure is high, medication may be started to keep it controlled and protect the remaining kidney function.
Dialysis may be considered in severe cases when toxin levels remain high despite standard treatment.
Based on the BUN, Crea, and UPC values, the veterinarian will likely recommend the following additional therapies –
- Medicines such ACE inhibitors, potassium supplements, phosphate binders, anti-nausea drugs, and antibiotic therapy if there’s an infection
- Immunosuppressive medicines if the kidney disease is caused by an autoimmune disorder
- Surgery and chemotherapy if there are tumours or cancer present in the kidneys
If there’s any obstruction causing damage to the kidneys, then the veterinarian will likely recommend ways to remove the obstruction as soon as possible. It may need need specific procedures such as surgery, chemotherapy, or targeted antibiotic therapy.
What Veterinary Treatments and Medical Care are used for Cats with CKD
Vets may prescribe:
- Subcutaneous fluids for home use
- Prescription renal diets for cats, such as Hill’s k/d or Royal Canin Renal Support
- Blood pressure medicines
- Supplements for phosphorus and potassium balance
What Home Care Tips Help Cats with Kidney Disease?
Daily home care for cats with kidney failure symptoms makes a big difference:
- Ensure constant access to fresh water
- Prefer wet renal food over dry food
- Monitor body weight every 2–4 weeks
- Keep the litter box clean to track urination
- Reduce stress and loud noises
- Keep follow-up tests on schedule
How to Prevent Kidney Disease in Cats?
Some cases of CKD or kidney disease in cats can be prevented. However, genetic causes of CKD cannot be prevented. They can only be delayed. Which demands frequent testing of your cat’s blood parameters.
Follow these simple steps:
- Prevent access to lilies and toxic household items
- Avoid giving salty human food
- Keep your cat hydrated
- Maintain dental hygiene
- Schedule yearly kidney screening
- Consult a vet before giving any medication
What is the Prognosis and Management of Kidney Disease in Cats?
When a cat is diagnosed in the early stages, their chances of leading an almost normal life is higher. They may require renal food and supplements for the rest of their lives, but they may lead a decent quality of life for months or even years to come.
However, the prognosis of Stage III and Stage IV CKD in cats is guarded to poor. They require extensive medical and nutritional assistance, including –
- Erythropoietin injections to maintain a healthy haemoglobin level.
- Supplements to reduce phosphorus in their system
- Supplements to boost potassium levels
- Anti-vomiting medicines for helping with low appetite and high nausea
- Fluids given regularly to maintain a healthy hydration level
Most cats diagnosed with CKD Stage III and IV do not experience a high quality of life during or post treatment. Their chances of recovery are extremely low.
Thus, with proper care, cats with early-stage CKD can live comfortably for years. Regular monitoring and renal diets extend lifespan. Later stages need closer medical care and may require more frequent vet visits.
Consult Vetic for long-term kidney management plans.
When to See a Vet for Kidney Problems in Cats?
Seek veterinary help immediately if your cat shows:
- Vomiting for more than 24 hours
- Rapid weight loss
- Persistent thirst
- No urine or very little urine
- Visible weakness
- Foul-smelling breath
- Sudden loss of appetite
What Related Conditions Should Cat Parents Be Aware Of?
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FAQs about Kidney Disease in Cats
How is kidney disease in cats diagnosed?
Diagnosis involves blood tests, urine tests, and sometimes ultrasound to assess kidney function and structure
What is the treatment for chronic kidney disease in cats?
Treatment includes dietary changes, medications, and hydration therapy to manage symptoms of kidney disease in cats and slow disease progression.
Can diet affect kidney disease in cats?
Yes, a low-protein, low-phosphorus diet can help reduce the workload on the kidneys and slow disease progression.
Is chronic kidney disease in cats painful?
Kidney disease itself isn’t painful, but complications like urinary tract infections can cause pain, swelling and discomfort.
Can chronic kidney disease in cats cause vomiting?
Yes, as toxins build up in the blood, it can lead to nausea and vomiting.
What is the difference between acute and chronic kidney disease in cats?
Acute kidney disease occurs suddenly, while chronic kidney disease develops over time.
Can young cats get chronic kidney disease?
While more common in older cats, young cats can also develop kidney disease due to various causes.
How can I prevent chronic kidney disease in my cat?
Regular vet check-ups, a balanced diet, and good dental hygiene can help prevent kidney disease.
Does chronic kidney disease cause weight loss in cats?
Yes, cats with kidney disease often experience weight loss due to decreased appetite.
Can chronic kidney disease in cats be cured?
No, kidney disease is usually progressive and incurable, but it can be managed to improve quality of life.
