Chronic Kidney Disease in Cats: What Pet Parents Should Know

Adopting a feline companion is a lifelong responsibility, at least as long as your cat lives. You may have often heard that a cat has nine lives, but contrarily, you expect your kitty to live for less than two decades. PetMD notes that the average lifespan of a cat is 13 to 17 years, with factors like genetics and environmental conditions making a difference.

Being aware of potential threats and addressing them can help you extend your pet’s lifespan. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a common yet serious condition every cat parent should be aware of. It is likely to hit in the later years and compromise the health and longevity of your kitty. Equipping yourself with knowledge about the condition can keep you a step ahead of your cat’s renal health.

In this article, we will share a few facts that can help you support your furry companion through this challenging condition.

Prevalence of Chronic Kidney Disease in Cats

Chronic kidney disease primarily affects senior cats over seven years of age. According to statistics, 30-40% of cats over 10 years encounter the condition, while it affects 81% of cats over 15 years. Conversely, only 10% of cats less than three years old suffer from it. Whatever the age of your pet, this disease is a serious concern. 

The situation is dire because kidney damage is often not evident for several months or years. That is because of the large amount of spare capacity of the kidneys. It enables them to function well until at least two-thirds of them are damaged and dysfunctional. It is vital to be aware and act promptly before your cat’s kidneys are compromised and fail to filter waste products from the blood. 

Clinical Signs of Chronic Kidney Disease in Cats

In most cases, chronic kidney disease in cats is diagnosed at a late stage due to the limitations of conventional biomarkers. However, as a cat parent, you can watch out for some early clinical signs to get prompt diagnosis and begin timely treatment. Cats with this condition experience a buildup of wastes in the bloodstream. Over time, they appear lethargic, feel ill, and lose weight. 

Early red flags such as poor coat quality and weight loss are often dismissed as changes related to aging. In the early stages, the kidneys excrete a larger amount of dilute urine. Cats tend to drink more water to compensate for this heavy-volume water loss. This condition, called compensated renal failure, may lead to a sudden onset of severe disease.

As the disease worsens, your feline pet may experience severe symptoms such as decreased appetite, kidney infections, inflammation, diabetes, high blood pressure, and dental problems. Even worse, it may suffer from bone fractures, seizures, vomiting, dehydration, and coma. 

If you report these symptoms to a vet, they recommend testing for blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, and urine specific gravity (USpG) to confirm a diagnosis of chronic renal failure. Other tests include measuring the blood levels of proteins, calcium, potassium, and phosphorus.

Causes of Chronic Kidney Disease

Besides knowing the signs indicating the progression of kidney damage in cats, you must also understand its causes and risk factors. While older cats are at a higher risk, there are several more causes that contribute to the disease. Here are the ones you should be aware of:

Exposure to Toxins

Did you know that antifreeze and some plants like lilies can be toxic for cats? The worst part is that your feline friend may ingest them at home or on the street. Even small quantities of antifreeze can cause kidney failure, leaving little time for emergency treatment. Similarly, long-term use of medication can be harmful. Ensure that you give medication and dosage under a vet’s guidance. 

Blockage in Urinary Tract

Lower urinary tract disease is another possible cause of chronic kidney disease as it causes blockage in the urethra. Bladder stones and poor diet contribute to urinary tract disease. Your vet will recommend specialized cat food for kidney disease in this case. A therapeutic food product has clinically proven nutrition to support cats with insufficient kidney function. 

PetCareRx notes that a simple canned product can be a savior for your feline pet by helping its kidneys to effectively filter and reabsorb nutrition. Since your pet may have a low appetite, choose a prescription food that tastes good besides being therapeutic. 

Genetics and Congenital Problems

Certain cat breeds, such as Siamese and Persians, are genetically predisposed to kidney disease. Similarly, they may inherit the disease from one or both parents. Another risk relates to a congenital malformation of some parts of the kidney. 

Treatment Options for Chronic Kidney Disease in Cats

Although feline chronic kidney disease in cats is not curable, timely intervention can help manage the condition. It can make your cat comfortable and improve its quality of life. The following treatment options are recommended for cats suffering from CKD or having a high risk of developing the condition:

Therapeutic Diets

High protein and phosphorus intake can be harmful for cats with CKD because they increase the waste products in the bloodstream. The best renal diet has restricted protein and low phosphorus levels as they reduce the workload of kidneys. You can find several canned food products to match these requirements. 

Potassium Supplements

Besides reducing phosphorus and protein intake, you must consider potassium supplementation for your kitty. Cats with CKD often fall short of potassium due to excessive urination, leading to poor hair quality, stiffness, and muscle weakness. Supplementation can address the gaps effectively. 

Medications

Your vet may recommend some medications according to the severity of the condition and extent of kidney damage. For example, oral phosphate binders can reduce blood phosphorus levels and slow disease progression. Antibiotics may be required to address bladder infections. High blood pressure may have to be managed with drugs. Your cat may also need medications for vomiting, proteinuria, and anemia. In conclusion, CKD is a progressive condition that may affect the quality of life of your feline pet. The prognosis depends on the overall health, the stage of the disease, and the response to treatment. However, early detection, supportive care, and proper management can slow down the progression of CKD and extend the lifespan of your cat. 

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