7 signs your senior cat may have kidney disease

As cats age, they’re more likely to develop kidney disease. However, with the right treatment, you can help reduce the discomfort your cat may be in.

It’s common for middle-aged to older cats to suffer from Chronic Kidney Disease caused by the degeneration of kidney tissue.

Here are 7 symptoms to look out for in your senior cat:

1. Drinking excessively and needing to wee more
2. Loss of appetite
3. Weight loss
4. Dehydration
5. Lethargy
6. Bad breath
7. Vomiting

As your cat ages, they may be more susceptible to Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), also known as renal disease, which is a common condition in middle-aged to older cats. It’s most often caused by age-related degeneration of the kidney tissue, though occasionally there’s an underlying cause, such as cysts in the kidneys, or ingestion of a toxin, such as lilies.

This is a progressive condition, so your cat could live for several years, if treated properly. It’s important you get a diagnosis from your vet as soon as you see any symptoms develop, as the sooner it’s diagnosed, the sooner we can start treatment.

Diagnosing kidney disease for older cats

CKD can be found during a general blood test, either because your older cat is unwell or on a routine test such as a pre-anaesthetic screen. Your cat will likely also need to do a

urine test , then your vet may recommend further tests to determine how serious it is. The tests your aging cat may need include:

• Urinalysis: Urine analysis is needed to confirm the diagnosis. Measuring the ratio of protein to creatinine in the urine can give us a measure of how "leaky" the kidneys are. A specific blood test: Symmetric Dimethylarginine (SDMA) is a natural amino acid byproduct produced by cells in the body, which kidneys filter out of the blood. The levels of SDME rise in early renal disease, so if it’s continuously high, it can help confirm and stage diagnosis.
• Blood pressure: Senior cats with renal disease often have or develop high blood pressure (hypertension), this should be checked at diagnosis and monitored regularly if possible.
• Imaging: An ultrasound assesses the structure of the kidneys and looks for cysts and tumours. An x-ray may be used if kidney stones are suspected.

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3 ways to look after a senior cat with kidney disease at home

With the right care, your cat could live a longer and more comfortable life. There are a few things you can do at home to help.

• Diet: A prescription renal diet contains high calories with low protein, controlled phosphorus, reduced sodium and increased potassium, vitamins and antioxidants. It should be introduced over one to three weeks and ideally be the sole food if this is tolerated. Prescription diets should only be used under the direction of your vet.
• Hydration: Avoiding dehydration is extremely important. Water intake can be encouraged with wet food, more frequent meals, and the use of water fountains.
• Medication: There is no medication to specifically improve kidney function, however, both high blood pressure and excessive protein in the urine can be managed medically; sometimes one drug will treat both problems. Cats with kidney disease often feel nauseous, so medication to reduce stomach acid or prevent nausea may be prescribed. In some cases, it may be appropriate to use appetite stimulants, though these are not usually a long-term solution and your vet will be able to provide specific guidance.