Kidney Disease 101

Kidney disease is one of the most common and serious health conditions affecting cats—especially as they grow older. While it may not be obvious at first, this slow-progressing illness can impact your cat’s comfort, energy, and quality of life.

At Creature Comforts, we want every cat parent to feel confident spotting the signs early and knowing what steps to take. The earlier you detect kidney disease, the better you can manage it, and help your cat live a longer, healthier life.

Your cat’s kidneys filter waste, balance fluids, and help regulate blood pressure. When they aren’t functioning properly, toxins can build up in the body. This is known as chronic kidney disease (CKD).

CKD is most often seen in middle-aged to senior cats (age 7+), but younger cats can also be affected due to infections, toxins, or congenital issues.

Kidney disease can be subtle at first. Watch out for these early warning signs:

• 💧 Increased thirst and urination

• 🍽 Loss of appetite or weight loss

• 💤 Lethargy or hiding more often

• 🤢 Vomiting or bad breath (ammonia-like smell)

• 🐾 Dehydration or poor coat condition

These signs can creep in slowly, so it’s important to schedule annual wellness checks, especially if your cat is over 7 years old.

If your vet suspects kidney issues, they’ll recommend:

1. Blood tests to check kidney values (BUN, creatinine, SDMA)
2. Urinalysis to evaluate urine concentration and look for infection
3. Blood pressure measurement
4. Ultrasound or X-rays in some cases

Early-stage kidney disease may be detected before symptoms appear, which is why regular health checks are so important.

There’s no cure for chronic kidney disease, but it can be managed—especially if caught early. Treatment focuses on:

• 🥣 Prescription renal diets (lower in protein, phosphorus, and sodium)
• 💧 Increased hydration (including subcutaneous fluids in some cases)
• 💊 Medications to control blood pressure or nausea
• 🧪 Regular monitoring to adjust care as needed

With the right treatment plan, many cats with CKD live happy, comfortable lives for years.

Q: Is kidney disease painful for cats?
Not in the early stages, but later stages can cause discomfort. That’s why early diagnosis and management are key.

Q: How often should senior cats get checked?
We recommend a full health screen once a year for cats over 7, and every 6 months for cats with known kidney issues.

Q: Can I prevent kidney disease?
While age and genetics play a role, feeding a balanced diet, encouraging hydration, and getting regular vet checkups can help support kidney health.

Q: What can I do at home?

• Provide plenty of fresh water (consider a cat water fountain)
• Feed a vet-approved kidney-friendly diet if diagnosed
• Watch for appetite or behavior changes and report them early