Kidney disease in cats is one of the most common health problems in felines, especially as they get older. In its chronic form it progresses silently over months or even years, which is why many cats show no obvious signs until their kidney function is already quite compromised. Understanding what it is, which symptoms to watch for and how it is managed is the best tool to help your cat live a longer, better life.
At our clinic in Somo we place special importance on feline medicine, because cats instinctively hide their problems. If you notice any change, it is also worth reviewing the signs that your cat is sick so nothing slips by.
What is feline chronic kidney disease?
The kidneys are essential organs: they filter the blood, remove waste products through the urine, regulate the body's water and minerals, and take part in controlling blood pressure and producing red blood cells. When we talk about chronic kidney disease (CKD) we are referring to a progressive, irreversible loss of that filtering capacity.
The key word is progressive. Damaged kidney tissue does not regenerate, so the goal of treatment is not to cure but to slow the progression, control complications and maintain the animal's quality of life for as long as possible. That is why early detection makes an enormous difference.
Symptoms: what you should pay attention to
At first the signs are subtle and easy to attribute to ageing. One of the most characteristic is that the cat starts to drink and urinate more than usual: you will notice that the water bowl empties sooner and that the litter tray has more urine or larger clumps. As the disease progresses, weight loss, lack of appetite, vomiting, apathy and a neglected or dull coat may appear.
It is worth remembering that these symptoms are not exclusive to the kidneys: loss of appetite and vomiting also appear in other digestive processes, as explained when a cat won't eat and vomits. That is why, when faced with any of these signs, the sensible thing is to see your veterinarian for a correct diagnosis.
| Symptom | Why it happens |
|---|---|
| Drinks more water (polydipsia) | The kidney loses its ability to concentrate urine and the body tries to compensate for the loss of fluids. |
| Urinates more (polyuria) | Because water is not retained properly, more diluted urine is eliminated in greater volume. |
| Weight loss and loss of appetite | The build-up of waste in the blood causes nausea and discomfort that reduce the desire to eat. |
| Vomiting and bad breath | The toxins the kidney fails to filter irritate the stomach and the digestive lining. |
| Apathy and a neglected coat | The general discomfort makes the cat groom itself less and appear more listless. |
Causes and risk factors
In many cases no single cause is identified: chronic kidney disease is often the result of wear and tear accumulated throughout the cat's life. Even so, there are factors that increase the risk or that can damage the kidney more directly.
Age and predisposition
Age is the most relevant factor: CKD is especially common in older or senior cats. Some breeds may have a greater predisposition, and certain congenital malformations also play a role. The simple passing of time causes kidney tissue to gradually lose efficiency.
Other diseases and insults to the kidney
Conditions such as arterial hypertension, urinary infections, obstructions, advanced dental problems or diseases like hyperthyroidism can contribute to kidney deterioration. So can poisonings (for example, certain plants such as the lily, or medications not prescribed by a veterinarian) and sustained dehydration. That is why you should never medicate your cat on your own.
“In feline kidney disease, early detection changes everything: the sooner we see it, the better the quality of life we can offer.”
Diagnosis: how it is confirmed
The diagnosis relies on several tests that complement one another. The foundation is the blood and urine test, which makes it possible to assess how the kidneys are working and to detect abnormalities before the cat shows clear symptoms. Measuring blood pressure is important because hypertension often accompanies kidney disease and can worsen it.
This is frequently combined with an ultrasound, which provides information about the size, shape and internal structure of the kidneys. With all this data, the veterinarian can establish the diagnosis and place the case within an internationally recognised staging classification, which helps guide treatment and follow-up without you having to worry about specific figures: what matters is the personalised plan for your cat. This kind of approach is part of veterinary internal medicine.
Management and treatment
Although CKD has no cure, its management is highly developed and allows many cats to maintain a good quality of life for a long time. The plan is tailored to each patient and their stage, and usually combines several pillars.
Renal diet and hydration
Feeding a specific renal diet is one of the most effective measures: these diets control the intake of certain nutrients to reduce the kidney's workload. Equally important is encouraging hydration, offering fresh water at several points, water fountains or wet food, since cats naturally tend to drink little.
Medication and regular check-ups
Depending on the case, the veterinarian may prescribe treatment to control blood pressure, nausea, mineral balance or other complications. None of this should be administered without supervision. Regular check-ups are essential: they make it possible to adjust the treatment as the disease evolves. Kidney care fits within broader attention to the older cat, as covered in this guide to caring for the senior pet.
The importance of early detection
The sooner the disease is identified, the sooner measures can be put in place to slow its progression. That is why we recommend regular veterinary check-ups in cats from a certain age, even when they appear to be perfectly healthy. Keeping general prevention up to date, including the cat vaccination schedule, also contributes to their overall health and makes it easier to detect problems in time at each visit.
If your cat drinks and urinates more than usual, loses weight or seems apathetic, do not simply put it down to age: these are the first warning signs and a veterinary assessment is advisable. In chronic kidney disease, the sooner it is detected, the sooner measures can be put in place to slow its progression.
Assess each case with your vet; the right treatment depends on each animal's age, weight, health status and history.
Frequently asked questions
Is kidney disease in cats curable?
The chronic form has no cure because the kidney damage is irreversible. However, with proper management its progression can be slowed and a good quality of life maintained for a long time. The key lies in diagnosing it early and following the veterinarian's guidance.
How do I know if my cat is drinking too much water?
If you notice that the water bowl empties faster than usual, that your cat seeks water from taps or that the litter tray has more urine or larger clumps, it is worth mentioning to your veterinarian. Drinking and urinating more is one of the first warning signs.
At what age should I start watching my cat's kidneys?
Although it can appear at any age, chronic kidney disease is more common in older cats. From the senior stage onward it is advisable to include blood tests and regular check-ups within routine examinations, even if the cat seems healthy.
Look after your cat's kidneys with our team in Somo
If your cat is getting on in years or you have noticed any of these changes, do not wait for the symptoms to worsen. At Clínica Veterinaria Somo, in Cantabria, we assess each case with a caring and rigorous approach. Book your appointment through our contact page or call us on 942 51 00 66 and we will help you look after the health of your feline companion.
