What you need to know about Chronic Kidney Disease in cats

Kidneys are very important organs: together with the liver, their main function is to filter blood to keep nutrients and important molecules inside the body and eliminate waste through urine. 

Unfortunately, many cats suffer from kidney diseases, with chronic kidney disease (CKD) being the most common. CKD is a progressive condition characterized by a gradual loss of kidney function, requiring lifelong management. The subtle problem with CKD is that clinical signs and symptoms become clearly visible only when the situation is already greatly compromised.

Risk factors 
Senior pets, as they age, are primarily impacted by this condition, with 80% of geriatric cats facing this disease. However juvenile onset can manifest due to genetic factors.

Additionally, acute kidney disease, resulting from toxin ingestion, infections, dehydration, or urinary tract blockage, may progress into CKD if not treated properly.

Common signs of CKD in cats
The clinical signs and symptoms vary based on the severity and underlying cause but commonly include:

• Increased thirst and urination
• Behavioral changes
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Vomiting
• Weight loss and poor appetite
• Poor coat quality
• Oral ulcers or bad breath

Prevention and management of CKD
Like for any serious health condition, prevention is always the key. Although not foolproof, here are some steps that can be taken:

Regular vet check-ups: By doing so your vet will be able to monitor key parameters such as blood pressure and kidney function.
If your pet has been already diagnosed with this condition, continue with regular visits to your vet who can provide tailored advice based on your pet’s specific condition.

Proper hydration: Help maintain proper hydration through access to fresh water and providing a balanced tailored diet can help support kidney health. Encourage your pet to drink fresh water to stay hydrated. You can help your pet drink more through wet food or adding water to dry food to help increase water intake.

Avoid toxins: Keep cats away from harmful substances like certain plants (e.g., lilies), over-the-counter drugs, antifreeze, and pest control products, as they can trigger acute kidney injury that could initiate CKD development.

Managing a cat with CKD
If your cat is diagnosed with CKD, follow these tips:

Dietary management: Feed your pet a specially formulated diet for CKD, like Farmina VetLife Renal, as recommended by your veterinarian.

Medication compliance: Administer prescribed medications precisely as instructed by your vet.

Keep a low-stress environment: Provide a comfortable, quiet space to reduce stress, which can worsen CKD symptoms.

Healthy weight maintenance: Monitor and adjust your cat's diet to prevent obesity or excessive weight loss, both of which can strain the kidneys and worsen CKD symptoms.

The role of diet in managing CKD
Nutrition is key to managing CKD in cats. A clinical diet can alleviate symptoms and slow disease progression. 
It is proven that cats who eat a prescription renal diet may live twice as long, after their diagnosis, as those who do not. ¹

Recommended diet
Farmina Vet Life Renal diet works alongside medication treatments, improving the quality of life and life expectancy of the patient. 

Farmina Vet Life Renal Diet helps reduce the workload of the kidneys thanks to its low content of high-quality protein, reduced amounts of sodium (helps prevent hypertension), and phosphorous.

Moreover, the presence of omega-3 fatty acids helps support the overall kidney function, thanks to anti-inflammatory action.

Ask your trusted Veterinarian or Farmina Nutrition Consultant for more information on Farmina VetLife Renal. Remember to always discuss any diet changes with them.

Conclusion
Understanding CKD and how to manage it can help your cat lead a happier and healthier life. For more information or if you suspect your cat may have CKD, consult your vet and consider seeking advice from a Farmina Nutrition Consultant.

1. Elliott, J., Rawlings, J. M., Markwell, P. J., & Barber, P. J. (2000). Survival of cats with naturally occurring chronic renal failure: effect of dietary management. The Journal of small animal practice, 41(6), 235–242. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1748-5827.2000.tb03932.x