Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a very common condition in older cats. Catching it early is key to managing the disease and providing the best quality of life possible for your furry friend.

Sadly, CKD is a progressive, incurable disease but there are many things that can be done to help manage it, so regular vet checks are important as your cat gets older.

The kidneys have a number of functions that include filtering blood and balancing electrolytes, so when they are not working properly, a range of symptoms can occur.

What to look out for
Both the symptoms and progression of this disease can vary between individuals but common things you might notice in your puss include weight loss, lethargy, increased thirst and urination, and loss of appetite. If you are concerned about these things then best to book a check over.

CKD is diagnosed with a blood test and urine sample. These blood tests can pick up other complications such as changes in potassium levels and anaemia, which are commonly associated with CKD. High blood pressure is also a frequent finding. Dilute urine indicates that the kidneys are struggling to do their job, therefore urine samples are helpful to check both concentration and other urine abnormalities.

What can be done to help?
Occasionally, a specific cause for CKD is found and can be treated, but usually the specific cause is unknown and treatment is therefore just supportive and aims to slow the progression.

Medication can be given to manage potassium levels and blood pressure. Fluids may also be required to correct dehydration, and regular checks to monitor for urine infections are recommended (a common occurrence with CKD due to dilute urine). Diet modification is also a key part of the management. Ensuring high water intake through food and swapping onto a specific kidney support diet also helps.

Whilst this disease is a difficult diagnosis to be given, many cats will live with it for a long time with a good quality of life, especially if picked up early and managed well.