FOUNDATION FOR FELINE RENAL RESEARCH

Our Thoughts on the Recently Released Research on Contaminants in Cat Food by The Clean Label Project.

10/5/2026

The Clean Label Project (CLP) recently released their research* about contaminants—heavy metals, pesticide and plastics—in cat food. Some heavy metals are inherent in the environments in which foods are cultivated, and can’t be completely eradicated. But heavy metals, together with pesticides and plastics, are also introduced to foods during the growing and production process. This is avoidable, and food companies should be striving to minimize harmful contaminants to the fullest extent possible.

CLP is offering their tested levels of contaminants as baseline figures, and as a way of comparing contaminant levels among various cat foods. There are no existing published guidelines for "acceptable", or "safe" levels of the aforementioned contaminants in cat food, and virtually every food tested contained at least one contaminant. But the testing results could have utility, within the scope of the brands and varieties tested, as a means of comparison.

CLP does have some foods that they recommend via their “Purity Awards; these foods are those that CLP found to be in the top 1/3 for fewest contaminants. Please note: It has been reported that companies who receive a CLP Purity Award pay to have their products tested by CLP, and for the initial receipt of and/or renewal of the Award. We have been unable to find published CLP guidelines regarding fees, and CLP requires that companies who seek certification sign a nondisclosure agreement. Additionally, some of the foods that received Purity Awards are raw or freeze-dried. Every veterinarian we have consulted has been very clear that raw and freeze-dried foods carry a highly increased risk of bacterial contamination. Bacterial testing is beyond the scope of the contaminant testing carried out by CLP, but it is important to keep this caveat in mind, particularly if you are caring for a cat with Chronic Kidney Disease, or other serious and/or chronic illnesses.

Determining what foods are safest for our cats is confusing, but one thing is very clear; cat’s and their families deserve better from cat food companies—better transparency and clearer information resulting from rigorous oversight. Food supply chains must be tracked, and data showing how and where ingredients are sourced should be independently verified, and easily accessible to consumers. These companies must also submit to regular testing for contaminants, bacteria and foreign bodies, and those results must be published, so that we can make informed decisions about the food we provide to our beloved feline companions—their lives depend on it.

* Article at CLP discussing their findings:
https://cleanlabelproject.org/wp-content/uploads/clean-label-project-cat-food-study-2026.pdf

* Article by CNN discussing the CLP findings:
https://www.cnn.com/2026/10/02/health/cat-food-toxins-wellness

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Can Testing SDMA Help Diagnose Feline Chronic Kidney Disease Earlier Than Other Diagnostics?

3/25/2026

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Symmetric Dimethylarginine (SDMA), is a byproduct which results from the enzymatic breakdown of certain proteins. SDMA is normally removed from the bloodstream by healthy kidneys. So, measurement of SDMA concentration in the blood can be indicative of kidney health.

Information about the value of testing continues to evolve. The prevailing opinion among veterinary nephrologists now is that SDMA measurement can be a useful diagnostic tool when utilized along with creatinine measurement, especially in older cats that are losing muscle mass.(1) However, there are caveats:

There is still research to be done: The International Renal Interest Society (IRIS)—the gold standard for CKD diagnosis and treatment guidelines—indicates that the ability of a persistently increased SDMA to predict CKD remains to be seen.(2)

And there are some specific concerns. For example, IRIS notes that SDMA utility may be compromised in cats and or dogs with lymphoma.(3) Also noteworthy is an early research study indicating that SDMA utility may be compromised in cats with diabetes.(4) IRIS also notes that the breed and/or size of some companion animals may affect their SDMA test results. For example, healthy Birman cats often have SDMA and creatine measurements that fall outside of the ranges generally considered normal.(3)

An additional concern expressed to us, by a prominent researcher whose research we have supported, is that SDMA testing may appear to perform better than the standard creatinine test, but that it actually may perform similarly depending on the "cut points" i.e.: the points where normal versus abnormal are defined for each test.

Despite these concerns SDMA testing does continue to demonstrate utility, and IRIS updated it's staging guidelines in 2022, and it’s educational materials in 2023, to reflect the evolving evidence, and they expect to continue doing so as more information emerges. (IRIS states that SDMA assays are offered by numerous laboratories, but that the methodology is not yet standardized, and that their recommendations are based on the IDEXX Laboratories proprietary methodology.)

At this time, it is advisable to obtain both creatinine and SDMA tests for your cats. And please remember, the best chance to catch Feline CKD as early as possible is with regular vet checkups, including bloodwork and urinalysis—see your vet yearly, twice yearly for seniors.

1. Creatinine is a normal by-product of muscle activity, and is normally removed from the body by the kidneys. If muscle is lost, (which often happens in older patients, and in patients with Chronic Kidney Disease), then less creatinine is produced. Therefore, creatinine levels in CKD patients could be falsely low (i.e.: closer to normal) than they would be if muscle mass were normal, thereby giving the impression that they kidneys are functioning better than they really are.

2.  https://www.iris-kidney.com/iris-staging-system

3. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/666b9ecb4064a156963b4162/t/66a6dbc90ca6986e1b5c06bd/1722211273243/2_IRIS_Staging_of_CKD_2023.pdf

4.   https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29230874/

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Hope.

3/1/2026

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It’s Kidney Month, and you know what that means…it’s time for our 12th annual "Feline Kidney Month" Feline Chronic Kidney Disease Awareness Campaign!

Our theme this year is “Hope”.

So many of us have lost beloved feline family members to Chronic Kidney Disease. It’s an aggressive and elusive disease. Research is a slow process. Progress takes time. It makes us feel sad, and frustrated. It seems that these feelings are reflected in many areas of our lives lately; so many of us worldwide are facing unprecedented challenges. It’s easy to feel worn down. Worn out. It’s easy to lose hope.

But Hope is only lost when we stop trying! When life knocks us down, let's lift ourselves and each other up, and keep marching forward, towards a brighter future.

Our gratitude to everyone who has stuck with the cause through good times and hard times is immeasurable. The progress we can make if we all work together has no bounds. Please have a look at the work we’ve done, and are doing to fight Feline CKD.
And please:
Give generously to support research,
Spread the word loudly to raise awareness,
Help and care for each other,
Help us work towards a healthier future for all the wonderful cats who bring such immense joy to our lives.

Thank you for caring.

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Hyperthyroidism Can Mask Feline Chronic Kidney Disease.

3/16/2021

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Updated March 10, 2025.

Do you know that hyperthyroidism can mask Feline Chronic Kidney Disease in cats? Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid glands produce an excess of thyroid hormone. Signs of thyroid disease can vary, but among the most common are weight loss coupled with increased appetite.

So how does hyperthyroidism mask Feline Chronic Kidney Disease? An excess of thyroid hormone causes an unhealthy and unsustainable increase in metabolic activity, which can increases the rate at which the kidneys filter toxins, thereby making them appear to be functioning better than their true condition would allow.

Additionally, weight loss associated with hyperthyroidism can cause a decrease in blood creatinine level. Creatinine is a normal byproduct of muscle activity, and is normally removed from the body by the kidneys. If the kidneys are not functioning properly, they will have a reduced ability to remove creatinine from the body via urine, and it will build up in the blood; that's why blood creatinine level is used as indicator of kidney disease. If muscle is lost due a disease such as hyperthyroidism then, because there is less muscle mass, less creatinine is produced. Therefore, blood creatinine levels could be falsely low (i.e.: closer to normal) than they would be if muscle mass were normal, thereby giving the impression that the kidneys are functioning better than they really are.

Managing Feline CKD and hyperthyroidism together can be challenging--work closely with your vet, and learn more about co-management of Feline Chronic Kidney Disease and hyperthyroidism:

Hyperthyroidism in Cats -- by Washington State University;
AAFP Guidelines for Management of Feline Hyperthyroidism --Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery;
(Includes a detailed discussion of co-management of Feline Hyperthyroidism and Feline CKD.)
Chronic Kidney Disease in Cats With Hyperthyroidism --Clinician's Brief (subscription required).

  Copyright 2025. Foundation For Feline Renal Research.

Feline Chronic Kidney Disease is a huge problem that we're working hard to solve.
Our current research study is a three year long project that costs $61/day! Please donate to help us give cats a healthier future. We're an all volunteer organization; every cent will be used to fund research. Thank you.

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What is a Compounding Pharmacy?

3/21/2020

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Information re-verified on March 23, 2025.

Those of us who have cared for feline family members with Chronic Kidney Disease or other illnesses know that it can be difficult to administer medications to cats. A compounding pharmacy may be able to help make the process easier.

Compounding is the process of tailoring medications for an individual patient. This can be especially useful because some drugs prescribed for cats and other companion animals may be readily commercially available only in a formulation that's intended primarily for humans. (Note: NEVER, NEVER give your non-human animals any drugs, especially human drugs, unless your vet specifically instructs you to do so—the results could prove fatal.) There are several ways in which compounding can be helpful. For example:

Avoiding Toxicity: Even if the active ingredients of of a medication are beneficial to your cat, the readily available human version could contain additives, such as xylitol, which are designed to make it more palatable to humans, but are unsafe for some non-human animals. A compounding pharmacist may be able to create a formulation without harmful additives.

Palatabilty: Readily available formulations may have flavorings, such as cherry or bubble gum, that are intended to appeal to humans. A compounding pharmacist may be able to create your prescription using the flavor of chicken, fish, etc., to appeal to your companion.

Dosing accuracy: It may difficult to create a proper dose of readily available human medication for non-human animals. For instance, if a commercially available human drug is only available in tablet form, it can be difficult to accurately cut that pill into the very small pieces required for a small animal. (Tablets often crush and crumble during cutting, which affects the dose.) A compounding pharmacist may be able to make pills in a tiny size that doesn’t require cutting.

Dosing form: Some drugs can be compounded in different forms and still be effective. For example if, despite your best efforts your cat can’t tolerate liquid medication, it’s possible that the active ingredient can be compounded into a pill or powder. If your cat refuses pills, a liquid or topical gel version of the drug may be a possibility.

And, on a related note, if you have trouble administering medicine to your cat, talk to your vet and your pharmacist about ways to make it easier. For instance it may be difficult to administer a liquid medication into your cat's mouth with a syringe but, if absorption of the medication is not affected by food, adding the meds to food may make the experience more tolerable.

Compounding of medication is not without risks, and must be done in coordination with your vet. It requires special training and facilities, and is governed by regional regulations. But done properly, it can offer great benefits.

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What is Renal Tech?

3/3/2020

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Information re-verified on March 8, 2021:

There is a new artificial intelligence/machine learning tool called Renal Tech* that may help predict whether or not a particular cat may develop Chronic Kidney Disease. Dr. Jonathan Elliott, whose Feline CKD genetics and inflammation research at The Royal Veterinary College we are proud to be supporting, is one of the developers of the test.

Essentially, Renal Tech is a computer program that compares your cat’s age and blood test results to those of thousands of other cats who have or have not been diagnosed with CKD. It applies a statistical analysis and, based on how your cat’s data compares to that of other cats, it tries to predict whether or not your cat will develop CKD. This tool is still at a very early stage, and how and under what circumstances it works is quite complex. (To see the original study publication in the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, look here.)

Studies must now be carried out to discover the practical applications of this predictive testing; ie: how it can be utilized to improve a cats’ health and quality of life? If we have sound reason to believe that a cat will develop CKD in the future, what can be done to change course? We don’t have those answers yet, but every step we take towards a better understanding of Feline CKD brings us closer to solutions that can help cats live healthier, happier lives. We will be watching these developments closely, and will keep you up to date as information becomes available. Please ask your vet if Renal Tech is appropriate for your cat.
*Renal Tech is a Trademark of Antech.

While you're here, will you please help us fight the biggest killer of cats?

Your support is essential. Please donate to help us continue funding the best cutting-edge Feline CKD research:

Yes, I'll Help!

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Don't Ignore Weight Loss in Your Cat.

3/9/2018

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Updated March 04, 2021:

Not only is weight loss a common sign of Feline Chronic Kidney Disease, but early research shows that it may actually be an early indicator of Feline CKD even in the absence of other signs or confirming test results.* This is a subject that merits further investigation. Be very alert to changes in your cat's weight, and consider weighing your cat at home once or twice a month, even if he/she has no other signs of illness. (It is best to weigh your cat at the same time of day each time, if possible.) The easiest way we've found is to get on a scale while holding your cat, then get on the scale alone, and record the difference in weight. Some people also report success in placing their cat on a baby scale to check their weight. If your cat is losing weight, it's time for a trip to the vet.

Also, please make sure that your vet checks and records your cat's weight at each yearly checkup (twice yearly for seniors). With diligence, trends can be spotted over time that may be helpful in detecting diseases, including Chronic Kidney Disease, earlier in your cat.

*For more information, please see the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine article:
Evaluation of Weight Loss Over Time in Cats with Chronic Kidney Disease
J Vet Intern Med. 2016 Sep-Oct; 30(5): 1661–1666.

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Meet Claudio!

10/24/2017

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Update: It is with great sadness that we must tell you that our friend Claudio passed away on March 5, 2018. He charmed all who knew him, and will always be remembered and loved. We are very grateful to Lesley-Ann and Claudio for sharing their story to help raise awareness of Feline Chronic Kidney Disease.

Claudio is a twenty year-old boy who enjoys sitting in the bath, having breakfast in bed, and playing with his toys. He also has Chronic Kidney Disease. His life story is inspiring—here’s what his Mom, Lesley-Ann, had to say about her “EXTRA-special” boy:

Claudio is an amazing character. I adopted him twenty years ago, when he was ten weeks old. He was a very sickly kitten and was less than half the weight of his siblings at birth. I fell in love with this tiny little black scrap of a kitten and his two much sturdier brothers. Their rescuer said the little black kitten was not up for adoption because he was so ill. He was not gaining weight, and was not expected to survive. I agreed that I would adopt his two brothers, but repeatedly asked if I could adopt him too. Even if he was not going to live for long I felt it would be better for him to be with his brothers than in a crowded rescue centre. I didn’t sleep all night--I couldn’t stop thinking about the three beautiful kittens I had fallen in love with, and I knew it wouldn’t be right to separate them. Even after speaking with the rescue centre vet who, again, warned me that the little black kitten was unlikely to survive, I still insisted that, for however long he survived, he would be better off with his brothers and me. Eventually they relented and agreed I could adopt all three kittens.

Kitten Claudy!

When I collected Claudio, he weighed less than 500g (1.1 pounds), had discharge coming from both eyes and looked a poor wee soul. I drove from the rescue centre straight to my vet’s office. When my wonderful vet, Mike, saw Claudio, he shook his head and sighed. Claudio and his brothers spent the night at his office. When I went in the next day, Mike was laughing--apparently the little black kitten had caused a commotion the night before by squeezing out through the door of the “pen”, and was discovered by the nurse boldly walking like a tightrope walker along the tiny ledge on the outside of the pen in the cat ward! He had made his mark already--everybody at the vet’s office was in love with this gorgeous, brave, tiny ball of black fluff. What he lacked in size he made up for in character!

Mike said he wasn’t sure what the little one’s chances were, but that together we would all do our best for him, and time would tell. That night I decided to call him Claudio, after Claudio Chiappucci, a brilliant Tour de France cyclist who was small in stature, but renowned for having the heart of a lion and never, ever giving up. A good name for my little fighter, I thought.

The days turned into weeks and the weeks to months. Claudio was sick a lot, and often had diarrhea, but we persevered. With special food and medicine, and a lot of determination from Claudio, he gradually managed to keep food down and began to gain weight. His eyes cleared up and he began to look healthier and stronger. We had turned the corner-- it looked like this little one intended to stay for a while.

Claudio loves to have a drink in the bath!

Somehow 20 years have passed. Following his tough start in life, Claudio became an incredibly energetic and charismatic little cat, and was never ill until February, 2014. I noticed that his appetite was poor, and that he was a bit lethargic. The vet ran blood tests and diagnosed him with Chronic Kidney Disease. Claudio takes blood pressure medication daily, has regular blood tests to monitor his kidney function, is weighed regularly, and is on a renal diet. He drinks more than he used to, and persuading him to eat is challenging; I actively encourage him to eat several times a day. He is served both wet and dry food, and goes through periods where he refuses his food. Warming his wet food just a bit, or putting a little bit of a cat treat on his dry food sometimes helps. I have many different brands of food, and when Claudio decides to stop eating his usual variety, I try a different one--I just don’t give up until I find a combination he likes.

Claudio has spent every day assuming the world is a wonderful place and that every person and animal he encounters is going to love him, and he’s right-- they do. I sadly lost both of his bigger, stronger brothers, aged eleven and twelve. Claudio has also shared me with six other cats over the years. Every new arrival has hissed at him and he has ignored their hissing and just rubbed his head up against them in welcome. My vet describes Claudio as the glue that holds the family together. All my other cats have adored him; you never find Claudio alone--there is always another cat cuddled in with him or playing with him.

On his twentieth birthday my vet put a photo of Claudio on the vet practice Facebook page with the caption “ Happy Birthday Claudio! An amazing cat--quite unique--he loves everyone, fears nothing and will probably never grow up! Keep it up Claudio!” That about sums him up. Every day is an adventure –-he has been a total joy every day of the 20 years we have shared. He still behaves like a kitten. Everybody who meets him is totally charmed by him. He is a joy. There will never be another quite like him. All cats are special, but my Claudio is EXTRA special.❤

We are very grateful to Lesley-Ann and Claudio for sharing their story to help raise awareness of Feline Chronic Kidney Disease.

"Good actions give strength to ourselves, and inspire good actions in others."
-Plato

If you love cats, please help give them a healthier future. Support groundbreaking CKD research today!

I Love Cats, and I Want to Help!

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Are You Prepared to Help Your Animals Survive a Natural Disaster?

9/8/2017

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Natural Disasters are unpredictable--you can never be entirely sure what will happen. If you evacuate, you may not know where you will end up, or for how long you will be away from home. Of course, it goes without saying that, if it's not safe for you, it's not safe for your companion animals; if you evacuate, take all family members with you. It is best to have an evacuation plan in place in advance, just in case a disaster strikes. If you do need to evacuate, here are some things you should bring with you to help keep your animals as safe and comfortable as possible:

1. Food and water to last for seven days.
2. Medications to last for one month.
3. Sturdy, escape-proof carriers and leashes. Bring a collapsable, pop-up kennel too, if possible.
4. Copies of all medical records, including vaccination* records.
5. Written information containing specific instructions* regarding your animals' specific care needs, with special attention to medication regimens.
6. Identification--be sure that your microchip contact info in the microchip database and the info on your animals' collar tags is up to date.
7. Pictures of your animals, and, if possible, pictures of you with them (if you are separated, these can help prove that they are your family members).
8. For cats, a makeshift litter box (small cardboard trays from cases of canned cat food work well).
9. For cats, litter to last seven days.
10. Small bags to dispose of waste and soiled litter.
11. A favorite blanket and favorite toys. Bring a favorite bed, if possible.
12. First aid kit (speak to your vet about what to include, and never administer medication to your animals without a vet's approval).

Additionally, please fill your gas tank, and keep enough cash on your person to last for several days. After a disaster, there may be power outages that cause a failure of gas pumps, ATMS, and/or credit/debit card merchant kiosks.

When you return home there may be dangerous debris scattered about, both inside and outside your home. There could also be downed power lines, and standing water that is unsanitary due to sewage, chemical, or other contamination. The environment may smell and look different, which can be frightening to animals. Do a thorough inspection of the inside of your home prior to allowing your animals to roam the house. And, even if you normally let your animals roam free outside (which we DO NOT recommend), please keep them indoors, or take them outside only on a leash under your very careful supervision.

* Keep your animal's vaccination records up to date--if you find yourselves in a shelter, or need to board your animals, you may be required to show proof of vaccination. And, if your animals need to be boarded, specific information about your animals' care requirements will be invaluable to their caretakers.

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We care passionately about animal welfare issues, and about feline 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 kidney disease 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.

Copyright © Foundation for Feline Renal Research, 2013-2017. All Rights Reserved. No part of this website may be reproduced without the express written consent of Foundation for Feline Renal Research, Ltd.

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Meet Moby!

8/28/2017

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Moby is a very sweet, special cat. He has Chronic Kidney Disease (IRIS Stage 3) as well as diabetes and arthritis, but he never lets that get him down! Here’s what Moby’s Mom, Marcie, has to say about her wonderful boy:

“Moby has a laid-back and mellow spirit like I’ve never seen in another kitty. He’s about 15 years old, and he became part of our family 12 years ago. When he was adopted, he immediately made it known that he wanted to be an active and social member of our little family. Since his adoption day, he has brought my husband, my dog Ginger, and me loads of unconditional love. He plays his little cat-games of ‘Catch Me’ or ‘Pet Me Forever Because You Love It and I Do Too.’ His sweetness, gentleness and patience calm me like no other--he is truly my heart animal.

In February, 2016, we noticed that Moby (who was a stable diabetic), was drinking more than normal, and had stopped grooming. Moby’s vet diagnosed him with kidney disease—I received the call while on jury duty, and almost had to ask the judge to excuse me because I was crying so much.

Moby was already on insulin for his diabetes—now subcutaneous fluids were added to his daily routine. My husband and I have both learned how to administer fluids on our own. In his typical sweet, patient fashion, Moby sits nicely for his daily 5 minute fluid sessions. He gets treats, and is petted and fawned over during his sessions, and has actually come to look forward to them.

Kidney Disease in cats is so much more common than I ever knew, and so many people are in situations similar to ours. When I meet a cat guardian who is caring for a cat with CKD, we connect immediately and it’s a nice feeling to talk to someone who has a similar kitty lifestyle. And people are very understanding of Moby’s needs: Although not every pet sitter can administer fluids, we are lucky to have neighbors who have experienced this with their cat, and are willing to help out. Also, my family always welcomes Moby when we visit, and accommodates him with his own quiet room. And FFRR has been so kind, understanding and supportive--they are invaluable! Any time I have a question about anything cat-health related, they assist me by hearing my concerns, and providing valuable information to help us get Moby the assistance and veterinary expertise he needs. All of this is very helpful in providing Moby with the best care, and insuring that, in spite of his medical issues he gets to participate in the family activities he enjoys.”

We are very thankful to Moby and Marcie for sharing their story to help raise awareness of Feline CKD.

March 1, 2019: It is with great sadness that we must tell you that our friend Moby has passed away. We will always remember him--he will be greatly missed, and forever loved.

"We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give." –Winston Churchill

You can help give cats a healthier future. Please--we can't do it without you.

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Welcome To Our Blog!

We're glad you're here, we'll strive to provide you with great information, and we welcome constructive comments. Please be courteous and stay on topic; bad manners, promotions and/or spam will disappear faster than Fluffernutter's dinner.

Our Thoughts on the Recently Released Research on Contaminants in Cat Food by The Clean Label Project.

Can Testing SDMA Help Diagnose Feline Chronic Kidney Disease Earlier Than Other Diagnostics?

Hope.

Hyperthyroidism Can Mask Feline Chronic Kidney Disease.

What is a Compounding Pharmacy?

What is Renal Tech?

Don't Ignore Weight Loss in Your Cat.

Meet Claudio!

Are You Prepared to Help Your Animals Survive a Natural Disaster?

Meet Moby!

Welcome To Our Blog!

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