Kidney Disease in Cats: Symptoms, Diagnosis and Long Term Care

In this guide

Kidney disease is one of the most common conditions vets in India diagnose in older cats, and it is worth every cat owner understanding, since early detection makes a genuine difference to how long and how comfortably a cat can live with it.

What the kidneys do

A cat's kidneys filter waste from the blood, balance fluids and electrolytes, help regulate blood pressure, and produce a hormone that supports red blood cell production. When kidney function declines, waste products build up in the blood and several body systems are affected at once, which is why the symptoms can look varied.

Symptoms to watch for

• Increased thirst and more frequent urination
• Gradual weight loss and a dull, poor quality coat
• Reduced appetite and occasional vomiting
• Lethargy and general low energy
• Bad breath with a distinct ammonia like smell in more advanced cases

Chronic versus acute kidney disease

Chronic kidney disease develops gradually, usually in cats over ten years old, and is the more common form. Acute kidney injury comes on suddenly, often due to toxins such as lily plants, certain medications, infection or a blockage, and needs emergency treatment. Polycystic kidney disease, an inherited condition seen mainly in Persian and related breeds, is a less common cause worth knowing if you own one of these breeds.

How it is diagnosed

Vets diagnose kidney disease through blood tests measuring creatinine, blood urea nitrogen and a newer, more sensitive marker called SDMA, alongside a urine test to check how well the kidneys are concentrating urine. Blood pressure measurement and an ultrasound of the kidneys are often added to build a full picture. Based on these results, vets stage the disease from one to four using the international IRIS staging system, which guides how aggressively it needs to be treated.

Treatment and management

• A prescription renal diet, lower in phosphorus and moderated in protein, is usually the single most important step and is now widely available through Indian vet clinics and online pet pharmacies
• Medications to control blood pressure, reduce phosphorus levels, manage nausea or stimulate appetite as needed
• Subcutaneous fluid therapy at home for more advanced cases, which most owners learn to do themselves with a vet's guidance
• Encouraging water intake through wet food and fountains, since hydration support is central to management

Living with kidney disease

There is no cure for chronic kidney disease, but with the right diet, monitoring and treatment, many cats live comfortably for months to years after diagnosis. Regular blood work every six months, or more often in advanced stages, helps track progression and adjust treatment. Senior cats, generally from around seven years of age, benefit from annual wellness blood work even before any symptoms appear, since kidney disease is far easier to manage when caught early. Most Indian vet clinics offer a senior wellness panel that bundles these tests together at a lower cost than ordering them separately, so it is worth asking your vet what package options they have.

Article content © S Vejay Anand. All rights reserved.