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Kidney disease in cats
Last reviewed: 08.07.2025
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Cats with unhealthy kidneys have a reduced ability to excrete waste products into the urine, leading to the potential for toxic substances to accumulate in the bloodstream. While some feline kidney diseases develop suddenly, chronic kidney disease develops more slowly over a period of time. Prompt evaluation by a veterinarian, followed by supportive care and nutritional management, may allow some cats with kidney disease to maintain an adequate quality of life.
What causes kidney disease?
Here are some causes of chronic and acute kidney disease:
- High blood pressure
- Infection
- Immunological disease
- Congenital or hereditary disease
- Cancer
- Reduced blood flow to the kidneys
- Kidney injury
- Obstruction of the urinary tract, such as kidney stones
- Exposure to toxic substances, especially antifreeze
What are some signs of kidney disease?
If your cat has any of the following symptoms, take her to see a veterinarian.
- Loss/decrease in appetite
- Weight loss
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Drowsiness or depression
- Dehydration
- Change in water consumption
- Pain in the kidney area
- Litter box aversion
- Mouth ulcers
- Bad breath
- Constipation
- Bloody or cloudy urine
- Urinating in abnormal places or pain during urination
- Stumbling
Which cats are prone to kidney disease?
Kidney disease is more common in older cats, but can affect cats of any age. Cats can be born with kidney problems that never function properly. Some breeds, such as Persians, are predisposed to these inherited kidney diseases.
Additionally, outdoor cats are at risk for acute illness because they are more likely to be exposed to toxic substances that cause kidney failure, namely antifreeze.
How is kidney disease diagnosed in cats?
There are several ways to determine if your cat has kidney disease. Your veterinarian will perform a physical exam and take blood and urine samples to determine if your pet has kidney disease. Radiographs, ultrasounds, blood pressure measurements, and kidney biopsies may also be performed.
How is kidney disease treated in cats?
Determining the specific cause of kidney disease can be difficult. Depending on the stage of your cat's kidney failure, emergency medical care and hospitalization may be necessary. Acute kidney disease can sometimes be detected early, when damage to the kidneys is minimal. In some cases, long-term supportive care is helpful. Possible treatment options include:
- Treating the underlying cause of kidney failure (eg, antifreeze poisoning, infection)
- Drugs to increase urine production
- Therapeutic diet
- Treatment of electrolyte imbalances
- Infusion therapy
- Treatment of anemia
- Medicines for high blood pressure, vomiting and gastrointestinal diseases
- Dialysis
- Kidney transplant
Do cats with kidney disease need a special diet?
A special diet will not cure kidney disease, but monitoring your cat's protein, phosphorus, and sodium intake can help reduce symptoms and promote overall health and longevity. There are many commercially available veterinary diets for cats with chronic kidney disease.
Remember, changes to your cat's diet should not be drastic. Talk to your veterinarian about how to gently transition your cat to a new food.
How can I take care of a cat at home?
Take care of your cat's diet by strictly adhering to the diet prescribed by your veterinarian. Always have access to clean, fresh water, keep your home as quiet as possible, and make sure your cat gets the medical checkups and tests recommended by your veterinarian.
How to prevent kidney disease?
Do not give your cat over-the-counter medications unless directed by your veterinarian, and make sure she always has access to fresh water.
What happens if kidney disease in cats is left untreated?
If acute renal failure is not recognized and treated, cats can suffer from varying degrees of irreversible kidney damage and even die. Chronic renal failure causes many secondary problems over time, including decreased calcium levels, which can lead to demineralization of the bones. Anemia can also occur as the kidneys lose the ability to produce the hormone that stimulates red blood cell production. Ultimately, kidney failure is fatal if left untreated.
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