Kidney failure in cats is
one of the most common kidney problems, particularly in adult and elderly cats. It can occur in acute or chronic form and, in the early stages, show few obvious signs.
This article will examine the symptoms of kidney failure in cats, its possible causes, how it is diagnosed (which must always be done by a vet), and what care and management strategies can help improve your cat's quality of life.
What is kidney failure in cats?
Kidney failure in cats is a pathological condition in which
the kidneys progressively lose their ability to function properly. When kidney function is reduced, waste substances tend to accumulate in the bloodstream, with negative effects on the cat's overall health.
The condition
can be acute or chronic.
Acute renal failure in cats has a sudden onset and is often linked to poisoning, serious infections or urinary obstructions. If recognised early, it can be reversible.
The chronic form, on the other hand, is progressive, more common in older cats and tends to manifest clinically when kidney damage is already advanced.
Kidney failure in cats: symptoms to recognise
The symptoms of renal failure in cats may initially be mild and non-specific, especially in the early stages of the disease.
The most common signs include:
- increased thirst (polydipsia)
- increased urine output (polyuria)
- loss of appetite
- progressive weight loss
- vomiting and nausea
- bad breath
- lethargy and reduced activity
- dull and dehydrated coat
As the disease progresses, particularly in cases of chronic renal failure and in the terminal stage, anaemia, hypertension, marked dehydration and oral mucosal ulcers may appear. Symptoms may vary depending on the stage of the disease.
In some cases, signs such as increased thirst or frequent urination may be caused by urinary tract disorders, such as the formation of struvite crystals. To distinguish between renal failure and other urinary causes, it may be helpful to read this article:
Struvite in cats: symptoms, causes and remedies.
Causes and risk factors
The main risk factors for renal failure in cats include:
- advanced age
- previous kidney or urinary diseases
- chronic infections
- high blood pressure
- systemic diseases such as diabetes or autoimmune diseases
- exposure to nephrotoxic substances or drugs
- acute intoxication
- urinary obstructions and stones
In older cats, the kidneys can undergo a slow and natural process of 'wear and tear' over the years.
The kidneys are vital organs because they filter the blood, eliminate toxins through urine and regulate the balance of water and minerals. With age, however, part of the healthy kidney tissue can gradually become damaged and lose efficiency, contributing to the onset of chronic renal failure.
For this reason, regular check-ups with your vet play a key role in preventing kidney problems in cats.
How kidney failure is diagnosed in cats
The diagnosis of kidney failure in cats is made by a vet through a comprehensive
clinical evaluation combined with specific
laboratory tests.
Blood tests measure parameters such as urea and creatinine, which increase when kidney function is impaired.
The introduction of
the SDMA test, a useful biomarker for assessing kidney function, has made it possible to detect kidney damage at an earlier stage than creatinine alone.
Urine tests are equally important for assessing renal concentration capacity and identifying any associated abnormalities.
The vet may also use
ultrasound or X-rays to assess the structure of the kidneys and complete the diagnostic picture.
Kidney failure in cats: treatment and management
The management of renal failure in cats depends on the form of the disease (acute or chronic) and its stage of progression. In any case
, the main objective is to reduce the workload on the kidneys, control symptoms and slow down the progression of the disease.
In cats with chronic renal failure, the disease is not reversible, but it can be managed over time through an integrated approach that includes regular veterinary monitoring, supportive therapies and a specific diet. In acute cases, however, prompt intervention can allow for partial or complete recovery of renal function.
Daily management often involves monitoring hydration, blood and urine parameters, and adapting the diet to the actual needs of cats with kidney problems, always under the guidance of a veterinary surgeon.
What does a cat with kidney failure eat?
Diet is one of the most important tools in managing kidney failure in cats. A well-formulated diet not only
reduces phosphorus and protein content, but also
supports kidney function and contributes to the cat's overall long-term
well-being.
Specialised foods for cats with kidney failure are designed to provide high-quality protein in controlled amounts and to limit phosphorus intake, thereby reducing the production of waste metabolites that the kidneys struggle to eliminate.
At the same time, it is essential that the food is highly palatable, especially for older cats or those with a poor appetite.
An example of dry food formulated with this approach is our
Renal Adult. Its uniqueness lies in the combination of an
adapted protein intake with the use of functional ingredients of botanical origin, incorporated through AFS Tablet technology.
The latter is a heart-shaped tablet, mixed with the kibble at a rate of 7%, which allows natural extracts such as
lespedeza,
dandelion and
cranberry to be delivered in a targeted manner. This system protects the active ingredients from the heat generated during the kibble production process, preserving their effectiveness over time.
The aim is to promote the elimination of toxic metabolites and support the balance of the urinary system without overloading the kidneys.
Alongside dry food,
the inclusion of wet renal food can be particularly useful for increasing overall water intake, which is essential for cats with kidney problems. In this context,
Gatto Renal – Lamb stands out for the high digestibility and quality of its selected protein sources and for
the use of Microcapsules Technology, which allows the botanical active ingredients to be enclosed in small protective spheres. This system helps to ensure their stability over time and
promotes their gradual release along the intestinal tract.
Here too, the presence of functional botanicals such as dandelion, lespedeza and cranberry contributes to supporting renal and urinary function.
As with any therapeutic diet, the choice and use of a renal food must always be under the guidance of a veterinary surgeon, who will assess the stage of the disease, the cat's general condition and any need for supplementation or adjustments over time.
Life expectancy and terminal stage
The life expectancy of a cat with
kidney failure
depends on several factors, including the form of the disease, the stage at the time of diagnosis and the quality of management over time.
In cases of chronic renal failure, especially in older cats, the disease is progressive but can be controlled for long periods with regular veterinary monitoring, supportive therapies and an appropriate diet.
In more advanced or terminal stages, the main goal becomes maintaining the best possible quality of life. The vet will assess the cat's condition on a case-by-case basis, adapting care according to overall well-being and response to treatment.
Can kidney problems in cats be prevented?
Prevention of kidney problems in cats is based primarily on
regular veterinary check-ups, especially from adulthood onwards. Regular blood and urine tests allow for early detection of any changes in kidney function, even in the absence of obvious symptoms.
A high-quality diet, proper hydration and attention to changes in your cat's behaviour are essential tools for reducing the risk of kidney failure or diagnosing it at an early stage.