Please note: If you are currently caring for a cat with Chronic Kidney Disease, we have excellent resources for you and your veterinarian here.
What do the Kidneys Do?
Healthy kidneys act as filters; they remove toxins from the bloodstream, excrete waste material via the urine, and redirect beneficial water and substances back to the body. When the kidneys stop working properly, they may become unable to remove toxins, and unable to redirect beneficial fluids back to the body. This can allow toxins to build up, and can allow beneficial fluids to be released in the urine, resulting in dilute urine and bodily dehydration. These noxious effects can result in illness and death.
What is Feline Chronic Kidney Disease (Feline CKD)?
It's the biggest killer of cats, claiming the lives of approximately 1 in 3 cats. Feline CKD is a gradual, irreversible deterioration of the kidneys, which ultimately results in renal failure and death. It is the most common cause of death of companion cats. C.K.D. is difficult to detect. Clinical signs and symptoms do not typically appear until about 70% of kidney function has been lost. Late detection hampers effective treatment.
What Are The Signs and Symptoms of Feline C.K.D.?
Signs and symptoms vary, but often include:
1. Nausea and vomiting,
2. Poor appetite,
3. Excessive thirst and excessive urination,
4. Weight loss,
5. Lethargy,
6. Neurologic problems, including confusion and loss of coordination,
7. Malaise*.
*A generalized feeling of discomfort, illness or lack of well-being. If your cat appears to be feeling “not quite right”, don’t just assume it’s due to the normal aging process).
Is There A Cure?
There is currently no cure for Feline CKD--we are working hard to change that, via support for groundbreaking research. Some supportive therapies, such as subcutaneous fluids and special diets designed to reduce stress on the kidneys, may temporarily help cats feel better and may help slow progression. Medications, including including vasodilators and anti-emetics, can also help, but they have mixed clinical results and can have serious side effects. No supportive therapy changes the inevitable; Feline C.K.D. is a terminal disease that causes tremendous pain and suffering.
What Can I Do?
Don't skip your cat's wellness checkups! Regular veterinary checkups, including blood work and urinalysis, offer the best chance of detecting CKD as early as possible. Young cats should have a checkup once per year. Seniors, and cats with special medical conditions should be seen at least twice yearly. If you are currently caring for a cat with CKD, it’s imperative that you work very closely with your veterinarian. Some great resources to help you and your vet provide your cat with the best care can be found here.
Become an ally in the battle against Feline CKD! Research is sorely underfunded, and is sorely needed to improve treatment options and ultimately, find a cure(s)*.
* (Feline CKD is complex, and kidney damage may occur by multiple mechanisms.)
Areas ripe for investigation include:
1. Earlier detection methods,
2. Genetics research: To help discover which cats are most at risk, and how we can help them,
3. Better medications: To improve kidney function, help patients feel better, and prevent disease progression,
4. Dietary studies to create higher quality and more palatable renal diets that put less stress on the kidneys.
PLEASE...
...EDUCATE yourself and others, to raise awareness of feline chronic kidney disease.
...GIVE GENEROUSLY. Research is very expensive, and it requires patience and persistence. It requires that equipment be purchased, and that veterinary staff be paid while they diligently work toward a cure. We are all volunteers here; every cent of your donations will help us work to combat this devastating disease, and improve the quality of life for companion cats and the people that love them.
Healthy kidneys act as filters; they remove toxins from the bloodstream, excrete waste material via the urine, and redirect beneficial water and substances back to the body. When the kidneys stop working properly, they may become unable to remove toxins, and unable to redirect beneficial fluids back to the body. This can allow toxins to build up, and can allow beneficial fluids to be released in the urine, resulting in dilute urine and bodily dehydration. These noxious effects can result in illness and death.
What is Feline Chronic Kidney Disease (Feline CKD)?
It's the biggest killer of cats, claiming the lives of approximately 1 in 3 cats. Feline CKD is a gradual, irreversible deterioration of the kidneys, which ultimately results in renal failure and death. It is the most common cause of death of companion cats. C.K.D. is difficult to detect. Clinical signs and symptoms do not typically appear until about 70% of kidney function has been lost. Late detection hampers effective treatment.
What Are The Signs and Symptoms of Feline C.K.D.?
Signs and symptoms vary, but often include:
1. Nausea and vomiting,
2. Poor appetite,
3. Excessive thirst and excessive urination,
4. Weight loss,
5. Lethargy,
6. Neurologic problems, including confusion and loss of coordination,
7. Malaise*.
*A generalized feeling of discomfort, illness or lack of well-being. If your cat appears to be feeling “not quite right”, don’t just assume it’s due to the normal aging process).
Is There A Cure?
There is currently no cure for Feline CKD--we are working hard to change that, via support for groundbreaking research. Some supportive therapies, such as subcutaneous fluids and special diets designed to reduce stress on the kidneys, may temporarily help cats feel better and may help slow progression. Medications, including including vasodilators and anti-emetics, can also help, but they have mixed clinical results and can have serious side effects. No supportive therapy changes the inevitable; Feline C.K.D. is a terminal disease that causes tremendous pain and suffering.
What Can I Do?
Don't skip your cat's wellness checkups! Regular veterinary checkups, including blood work and urinalysis, offer the best chance of detecting CKD as early as possible. Young cats should have a checkup once per year. Seniors, and cats with special medical conditions should be seen at least twice yearly. If you are currently caring for a cat with CKD, it’s imperative that you work very closely with your veterinarian. Some great resources to help you and your vet provide your cat with the best care can be found here.
Become an ally in the battle against Feline CKD! Research is sorely underfunded, and is sorely needed to improve treatment options and ultimately, find a cure(s)*.
* (Feline CKD is complex, and kidney damage may occur by multiple mechanisms.)
Areas ripe for investigation include:
1. Earlier detection methods,
2. Genetics research: To help discover which cats are most at risk, and how we can help them,
3. Better medications: To improve kidney function, help patients feel better, and prevent disease progression,
4. Dietary studies to create higher quality and more palatable renal diets that put less stress on the kidneys.
PLEASE...
...EDUCATE yourself and others, to raise awareness of feline chronic kidney disease.
...GIVE GENEROUSLY. Research is very expensive, and it requires patience and persistence. It requires that equipment be purchased, and that veterinary staff be paid while they diligently work toward a cure. We are all volunteers here; every cent of your donations will help us work to combat this devastating disease, and improve the quality of life for companion cats and the people that love them.
We care passionately about animal welfare issues, and about Feline Chronic Kidney Disease in particular, but please understand that we are not veterinarians, and are not qualified to provide veterinary medical advice. If you have a companion animal suffering from Feline CKD or other health issues, it is imperative that you consult with a licensed veterinarian, who is qualified to provide you with medical advice and care that meets your animal’s particular health needs.
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