Chronic Kidney Disease: Treatment and Management!

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a long-term condition that unfortunately has no cure. However, with the right care, many cats with CKD can live longer and enjoy a good quality of life.

The main goal of treatment is to slow the disease down and help your cat feel their best for as long as possible.

Treatment usually focuses on:

• Reducing the buildup of waste in the body

• Keeping your cat well-hydrated

• Supporting balanced nutrition

• Managing blood pressure

• Slowing the progression of kidney damage

1. Diet: A Critical First Step

Changing your cat’s diet is often one of the first and most important steps in managing chronic kidney disease.

Special kidney diets are designed to:

• Be lower in protein, phosphorus, and sodium

• Be higher in certain vitamins, fibre, and antioxidants

• Help your cat feel better and possibly live longer (some studies show 2–3 times longer than cats on regular food!)

  
  

However, switching to a kidney diet can take patience. Many cats are picky and may take time to accept a new food. A slow and gradual transition is key, and trying different flavours, textures (wet vs dry), or warming the food slightly can help.

It’s very important that your cat keeps eating, even a short time without food can lead to serious problems, especially in CKD cats.

2. Keeping Your Cat Hydrated

Cats with kidney disease are more prone to dehydration, which can make their condition worse.

To help:

• Offer wet food, which contains more moisture

• Provide multiple fresh water bowls or a cat water fountain (many cats love running water!)

• Place water in several locations around the house

3. Managing Other Health Issues

CKD often comes with other problems, which can be managed with medication or supplements:

• High blood pressure (hypertension) – usually treated with oral medication

• Protein loss in the urine – also managed with medications

• Anaemia (low red blood cells) – can be treated with injections/food

These treatments can make a big difference in your cat’s energy, comfort, and overall health.

Of course, advanced treatments like dialysis are also available in veterinary medicine, but they are expensive, complex, and not always accessible. These options should be carefully discussed with a veterinary specialist.

Prognosis: What to Expect

Every cat is different. The lifespan of a cat with CKD depends on how early the disease is diagnosed and how effectively treatment is administered

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• Cats diagnosed in early stages (IRIS Stage 2) can often live 2–3 years or longer.

• Cats in later stages (IRIS Stage 4) may live less than 6 months, though this can vary.

  
  

That’s why an early diagnosis and regular monitoring can make a huge difference.

Chronic kidney disease is common in older cats.

The early stages may have no clear symptoms, so routine vet checkups and bloodwork are essential, especially for senior cats.

With your support and a good treatment plan, many cats with CKD can continue to live happily and comfortably for years.