---
title: "What you need to know about Cats and Kidney Disease"
description: "Understanding chronic kidney disease (CKD) in cats: early symptoms, diagnostic blood and urine tests, and dietary management."
date: "2014-04-25T12:44:59Z"
author: "Just Cats Clinic"
image: "/img/0ad59fd1"
canonical: "/what-you-need-to-know-about-cats-and-kidney-disease/"
---

# What you need to know about Cats and Kidney Disease


Kidney disease, kidney failure, or chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a renal disease in which a cat’s kidneys
progressively shut down. Just as in the case of humans, cats often develop CKD as part of the aging process. Compared to
us, however, cats are much more likely to get the disease. CKD will develop in 10% of cats older than 10 and 30% of cats
older than 15. Younger cats can also get CKD, but in those cases, the illness generally is caused by exposure to toxins.

CKD can be a very difficult disease to treat because it is usually diagnosed only after it has progressed significantly.
It cannot even be detected until a cat has lost more than 65% of their kidney function. It is hard to know when this
happens, because the cat will often not even display any symptoms until the disease’s later stages. Moreover, the
symptoms of CKD, if displayed, may also indicate a completely separate infection.

## Diagnosis and Testing

If you suspect that your cat may have CKD, ask your vet to run a blood chemistry panel and a urine test. The latter
measures the concentration of the urine, which usually decreases as kidney functions are lost. It is important to
conduct additional tests to rule out the aforementioned infections.

After their cat has been diagnosed, people usually want to know how bad it is and how the disease can be treated. The
answer to both depends on the stage the disease is in.

## Stages of Chronic Kidney Disease

### Stage 1

The creatinine level in the blood test is lower than 1.6, which means that less than 66% of kidney functions have been
lost. At this stage, most vets suggest switching the cat to a more kidney-friendly prescription diet that is lower in
processed protein.

### Stage 2

The creatinine level is between 1.6 and 2.8, which means that 66%–75% of kidney functions have been lost. At this
stage, your vet might also recommend switching to a more kidney-friendly prescription diet if you have not already done
so. He or she will probably also recommend a follow-up blood test in six months.

### Stage 3

The creatinine level is between 2.9 and 5.0, which means that 76%–90% of kidney functions have been lost. At this
stage, your vet might suggest subcutaneous fluid administration to combat dehydration and ease the burden on your
cat’s kidneys. You can give the fluids at home using a very simple apparatus.

### Stage 4

The creatinine level is higher than 5.0, which means that 90% of kidney functions have been lost. At this stage, your
cat may be suffering quite a bit, so it is important to keep your feline friend as comfortable as possible. Your cat may
lose its appetite, but encouraging or helping them to eat can keep their strength up. At that point, your vet might
recommend feeding them whatever they like to eat, regardless of the effect on its kidney. Your vet might also recommend
increasing the frequency of the subcutaneous fluids.

## Outlook and Care

Though CKD is certainly a scary disease, do not despair if you learn that your cat has it. Talk to your vet about your
concerns. Many vets are willing to try different treatments and approaches to ensure that the needs of your feline
friend are met. And always remember to “treat the cat, not the numbers.” Your cat’s lab work might indicate that
the CKD has progressed to the later stages, but if your cat still appears healthy, that’s what matters. Don’t give
up just because the numbers are bad!

For more comprehensive information, please visit [www.felinecrf.org](https://www.felinecrf.org).