This site has a pretty simple structure, but it does contain a lot of information. This page is therefore a brief overview of the various categories in the sidebar, telling you what each page contains. If you’re trying to find something and you’re still stuck, try the Search function.
An overview of what the bloodtests mean, which symptoms you may see, and which treatments you may be offered. This page is designed to be a starting point for those new to CKD, especially if you are feeling overwhelmed by the CKD diagnosis, though it could also be a handy refresher later on.
A simple explanation of the kidney’s functions, and what happens to them in CKD. This page also briefly discusses how much function is required, and why cats are often not diagnosed until over two thirds of kidney function have already been lost.
Discusses the causes of CKD, both proven and suspected. Once CKD is present, it is treated in the same way whatever the cause (except for glomerulonephritis, when additional treatments may be appropriate); so if you’re tight for time, skip this page. Also skip this page if you’re on a guilt trip: you did not cause your cat’s CKD through e.g. your food choices.
Acute kidney injury is a kind of kidney problem that comes on suddenly, usually because of an “insult” to the kidneys. It is difficult to treat, but some cats do make a complete recovery, though others will be left with residual damage (CKD).
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, this is probably the best page to start with. This page gives an overview of the main issues of concern for CKD cats. If you focus on any of these issues that are present, you greatly increase your cat’s chances of survival. The other pages in this chapter go into more detail about these issues.
High phosphorus levels in bloodtest results can make a CKD cat feel ill and may make the CKD progress faster. Even if the level is within normal range, this may not be enough. This page discusses the symptoms of high phosphorus levels and the possible treatments.
66% of CKD cats develop hypertension. It can make a cat feel rough, and in the worst case, the cat may go blind or have a stroke. Fortunately it is easily treated. This page covers possible symptoms and explains which is the best treatment.
Proteinuria means excess levels of protein in the urine. This can make the CKD progress faster. It can be difficult to treat, but possible treatment options include ACE inhibitors or ARBs (e.g. Fortekor).
Anaemia may develop for various reasons. Fortunately it is usually easy to control. This page discusses why CKD cats can become anaemic and describes commonly used treatments.
CKD cats often have an imbalance in their potassium levels. Most of them have levels which are too low, which can cause a number of problems, especially back leg weakness. This page discusses symptoms of a potassium imbalance and how to treat low or high potassium levels.
Metabolic acidosis means the cat’s body is too acidic (which has nothing to do with stomach acid). It is quite common in CKD cats, usually in those with more advanced CKD, and this page explains more about the problem and how to deal with it.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, this is probably the best page to start with. This page gives an overview of the main issues of concern for CKD cats. If you focus on any of these issues that are present, you greatly increase your cat’s comfort level. The other pages in this chapter go into more detail about these issues.
Most CKD cats have problems with vomiting, nausea and appetite loss. This page describes the possible symptoms and various treatments available for these problems.
CKD cats lose vitamin B through increased urination. This page explains how supplementation, particularly of vitamin B12 in the form of methylcobalamin, can help with problems such as anaemia and appetite loss.
If your cat refuses to eat therapeutic kidney foods, it can help to know the content, particularly the phosphorus content, of other cat foods. This page explains how and why I analyse the foods using Dry Matter Analysis (DMA), and gives a brief overview of what to consider when choosing a food.
Analysis of the phosphorus, protein, sodium, fat and carbohydrate content of a number of canned and pouch foods in the USA, many of which are also available in Canada. This is purely a list in order of phosphorus content, not a recommendation of any of these foods.
Analysis of the phosphorus, protein, sodium, fat and carbohydrate content of a number of dry foods in the USA, many of which are also available in Canada. This is purely a list in order of phosphorus content, not a recommendation of any of these foods.
How helpful I have found the various US cat food brands when I have tried to obtain information about their cats foods for my food data tables. This does not rate the food in any way. NOTE: currently not available.
Analysis of the phosphorus, protein, sodium, fat and carbohydrate content of a number of renal foods available in the UK, many of which are also available in the EU. This is purely a list in order of phosphorus content, not a recommendation of any of these foods.
It can be emotionally draining dealing with CKD, so this page gives tips on how to cope with the ups and downs of the CKD rollercoaster, including worrying about the future, and how to deal with practical issues, including financial concerns.
The stories of some CKD cats, all of whom have led high quality and, in most cases, long lives despite having CKD. Includes cases of young cats, cats with kidney stones, cats with acute kidney injury etc.
There are many possible symptoms of CKD. This page lists the symptoms which you may see in alphabetical order, and provides quick links to more information for each symptom and the relevant treatment.
Fluid and urinary imbalances are common in CKD. This page describes symptoms of dehydration, symptoms of overhydration, and urinary issues, such as blood in the urine.
This page describes the symptoms you might see relating to problems with waste product regulation, such as vomiting, gastrointestinal problems, mouth ulcers etc.
Imbalances in phosphorus and calcium levels are extremely common in CKD cats. This page explains more, and includes a discussion of high calcium levels, ionised calcium and calcification.
The USA uses a different measuring system to the rest of the world. This page explains more about this and how to convert values from one system to the other.
There are so many treatment options that it can seem overwhelming. This page explains which are the most important treatments, which may be necessary in some circumstances, and which are optional or not recommended.
Treatments for problems such as mouth ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding and diarrhoea. Discusses methods of reducing CKD toxins, including antioxidants, adsorbents, probiotics, prebiotics, Azodyl or Renadyl, and Astro’s CRF Oil or Nitrogen Scrub.
Discusses commonly used antibiotics (Baytril, Convenia, Clindamycin and Clavamox/Synulox) and painkillers, including meloxicam (Metacam). It includes a treatment protocol should your cat have been given too much meloxicam and developed acute kidney injury.
Describes some treatments which are not mainstream but which have proven to be effective for many CKD cats, such as slippery elm bark and acupuncture. Also explains which treatments may not be appropriate.
Explains more about using ESAs to treat severe anaemia (PCV or HCT under 20%). Commonly used products are Epogen, Eprex, Aranesp (darbepoetin), Procrit or Neorecormon.
Covers standard feline health issues as they apply to CKD cats, such as vaccinations and flea treatments. Also discusses arthritis treatments and cognitive dysfunction (feline dementia or kitty Alzheimers).
This page has suggestions on how to work with your vet as a team, and how to get a second opinion. It also explains the benefits of keeping your own records.
Discusses the dietary and nutritional needs of CKD cats. Includes a discussion of the reduced protein debate, and explains why reduced protein is not necessarily a good idea for cats in the early stages of CKD.
Tips on how to introduce a therapeutic kidney diet, and what your options are if your cat refuses to eat it. Also explains why certain foods, such as tuna or garlic, are not appropriate for cats.
Maintaining hydration is very important for CKD cats. This page gives a brief overview of the different fluid therapies (oral fluids, intravenous fluids and subcutaneous fluids), and explains which is used when.
Intravenous fluids (IV fluids, or a drip) are given into a vein, and are therefore usually given in hospital. For this reason they are normally reserved for crisis situations, such as when a cat crashes. They are also commonly used before, during and after surgery.
Subcutaneous fluids (sub-Qs or sub-cuts) are given under the skin and can therefore be given at home. They are used to maintain hydration. Generally speaking, CKD cats benefit from subcutaneous fluids once their creatinine is over 3.5 mg/dl (US) or 300 µmol/l (international).
This page gives an overview of the various sorts of fluids (lactated ringers solution, saline etc.). It also provides tips on which needles to use, how to keep your cat calm, and generally how to make the process easier for you both.
This page has a photographic demonstration of how to give sub-Qs using a syringe, the method usually recommended in the UK. It shows how you don’t have to stick your cat multiple times!
In Europe it can be extremely hard to find a vet who permits you to give sub-Qs at home. This page discusses commonly used objections and how you can try to counter these.
Description of peritoneal dialysis, haemodialysis and continuous renal replacement therapy. These treatments cost thousands, so are rarely performed on cats, but the information is provided in case of need.
Heart problems are not unusual in older cats, so you may find yourself dealing with these as well as CKD. This page explains the different types of heart problem, describes the various heart medications that may be used, and discusses how to balance treatment for both CKD and heart problems.
Hyperthyroidism means that the thyroid is overactive, so the body’s metabolic processes are in overdrive, causing a variety of different problems. Treating hyperthyroidism is therefore essential, but must be done cautiously because treating it may unmask existing but hidden CKD. This page explains more about hyperthyroidism and how to juggle both conditions.
Diabetes is relatively common in CKD cats. It is usually manageable. This page discusses the various treatments available and how to balance the dietary needs of a cat with both CKD and diabetes.
Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas. It is fairly common in CKD cats, and shares some of the same symptoms. If your cat has relatively low creatinine levels but is acting sicker than you would expect, with vomiting and severe appetite loss, read this page.
PKD is a genetic disease in which cysts form in the kidneys. It is most commonly found in Persian cats. It can eventually lead to CKD. This page explains more about the condition.
Most cats eventually develop dental problems, and many of them eventually need surgery. This page explains how to reduce the risk of dental problems, and what precautions are necessary in cats who need dental surgery.
Since CKD is ultimately terminal, eventually you will have to say goodbye to your cat. This page contains information on facing up to this painful parting, and explains the symptoms and behaviour which you may see in your cat’s last few days or hours. This page also contains a discussion on whether to opt for euthanasia, and a description of what to expect during the procedure if so.
This page consists of descriptions from a few brave people of what they and their cat experienced towards the end, and why in most cases they opted for euthanasia.
Describes various research studies in which it is possible to participate. You have to attend the research location for some but not all of the studies.
This site is also available in German. The site is no longer updated but may be of some use to German speakers. Wo Sie diese Webseite auf Deutsch finden können.
