# Kidney Disease in Cats — Quick answer

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/kidney-disease-in-cats): Kidney Disease in Cats — Quick answer. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is one of the most common conditions in older cats. Early signs include drinking and urinating more, weight loss, and reduced appetite. CKD cannot be cured but prescription renal diets, hydration support, and regular monitoring slow progression and keep cats comfortable for months to years.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/kidney-disease-in-cats): Kidney Disease in Cats — What is chronic kidney disease?. Kidneys filter waste from blood, regulate hydration, and balance electrolytes. In CKD, nephrons — the functional units of the kidney — are damaged and lost over time. Waste products accumulate, and the cat cannot concentrate urine properly. CKD is progressive but manageable. Cats may remain in early stages for years with appropriate care, or decline more quickly depending on the underlying cause and coexisting conditions.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/kidney-disease-in-cats): Kidney Disease in Cats — Causes and risk factors. - Age — most common in cats over seven years - Prior kidney injury — infections, toxins (lilies, antifreeze), blockages - Congenital abnormalities — polycystic kidney disease in some breeds - Hyperthyroidism — can mask or worsen kidney changes - High blood pressure — damages kidneys and results from kidney disease Many cases are idiopathic — no single cause identified.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/kidney-disease-in-cats): Kidney Disease in Cats — Symptoms by stage. Early CKD may show only subtle changes: - Increased thirst and urination — often the first sign owners notice - Mild weight loss - Reduced appetite - Poor coat quality - Bad breath (uremic odour) as disease progresses Advanced CKD causes: - Significant weight loss and muscle wasting - Vomiting and nausea - Lethargy and weakness - Ulcers in the mouth - Anaemia — pale gums, cold extremities - High blood pressure — vision changes or neurological signs Vets stage CKD using IRIS guidelines based on creatinine, SDMA, and urine concentration, guiding treatment intensity.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/kidney-disease-in-cats): Kidney Disease in Cats — Diagnosis. Senior wellness bloodwork and urinalysis detect CKD before clinical signs appear. SDMA is a sensitive early marker that may rise before creatinine. Urine specific gravity assesses concentrating ability. Blood pressure measurement and urine protein checks complete the picture.

Source: https://pethealth.org.uk/health/kidney-disease-in-cats