Introduction
Early kidney disease in cats refers to the initial stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD) before the condition has progressed. In the early stages, cats often have silent or minimal clinical signs, so kidney disease frequently goes undiagnosed. However, the prevalence of kidney disease in older cats is relatively high. One study found that 30-50% of cats over 15 years old have CKD.
The prognosis for a cat with early stage kidney disease can vary substantially depending on the underlying cause and other factors. With early detection and proper management, many cats with kidney disease can live for years before progressing to end-stage renal failure. However, the prognosis tends to decline as the disease advances through the main stages. Appropriate treatment tailored to the individual cat is important for maintaining quality of life and slowing further kidney deterioration.
Stages of Kidney Disease
Kidney disease in cats is staged according to the International Renal Interest Society (IRIS) guidelines, which classify the progression into 4 stages based on blood test results:
Stage 1 – Kidney disease is present but without clinical signs. This stage is characterized by elevated creatinine levels up to 1.6 mg/dL.
Stage 2 – Mild kidney disease. Some clinical signs may be present such as increased water consumption and urination. Creatinine levels range from 1.6-2.8 mg/dL.
Stages 1 and 2 represent early kidney disease in cats. With early detection and proper management, the progression can often be slowed dramatically and many cats can live happily for years. However, without treatment, kidney disease will continue advancing through stages 3 and 4.
Common Clinical Signs
Some of the most common early clinical signs of kidney disease in cats include:
Increased water consumption – Cats with kidney disease will often start drinking more water to compensate for inadequate kidney function. This increased thirst is due to the kidneys’ inability to concentrate urine. Source
Increased urination – Along with increased water consumption, cats with kidney disease will urinate more frequently and in larger volumes. This is again related to the kidneys’ inability to concentrate urine properly. Source
Weight loss – Appetite changes and metabolic abnormalities caused by kidney disease often lead to weight loss in affected cats. This unexplained weight loss is a red flag for kidney issues. Source
Reduced appetite – Loss of appetite is common in cats with kidney failure. Toxins building up in the bloodstream make cats feel nauseous andturned off by food. Source
Lethargy – Lethargy and overall depression are also common signs of early kidney disease. The kidneys’ inability to filter blood properly leaves cats feeling tired and weak. Source
Diagnostic Tests
There are several diagnostic tests vets use to diagnose kidney disease in cats:
Urinalysis – This is one of the earliest and most important tests. A urinalysis checks for high levels of protein in the urine (proteinuria), which is an early sign of kidney dysfunction. It also looks for abnormal crystals, cells, or casts that may indicate kidney problems.1
Blood tests – Blood tests check levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine. Elevated levels indicate impaired kidney function and help determine the stage of kidney disease. Over time, these levels will continue to rise as the kidneys fail. Vets will run blood tests periodically to monitor disease progression.2
Blood pressure – Many cats with kidney disease also develop high blood pressure (hypertension). Uncontrolled hypertension can accelerate kidney damage. Blood pressure testing is important to diagnose and monitor hypertension.
Prognosis
The prognosis for cats with early kidney disease largely depends on the underlying cause and how well the cat responds to treatment. However, many cats with early stage kidney disease can live normal or near-normal lifespans with proper management.
According to the ASPCA, most cats with chronic kidney disease progress slowly as long as their condition is managed properly. With treatment, cats may have “several years of quality, active life.”1 The key is catching kidney disease in its early stages, especially stage 1, when it is much easier to treat with diet changes and other interventions recommended by a veterinarian.2
For cats diagnosed in the advanced stages of chronic kidney disease, or in situations where treatment is not possible, the prognosis is worse and life expectancy is limited to weeks or months. However, the overall takeaway is that early detection and proper management of kidney disease can allow cats to live happily for years after diagnosis.
Treatment
There are several main treatments for cats with early stage kidney disease, including:
Fluid therapy – Providing subcutaneous or intravenous fluids can help restore hydration and flush out toxins. This helps reduce the workload on the kidneys. Vets often recommend daily subcutaneous fluids at home once kidney disease is detected.
Dietary changes – Feeding a kidney diet reduced in protein and phosphorus places less strain on damaged kidneys. These diets typically contain increased omega-3 fatty acids for kidney health.
Phosphate binders – Drugs like aluminum hydroxide bind to excess phosphorus from the diet to prevent buildup in the blood and kidney damage. Examples include aluminum carbonate and sevelamer.
Blood pressure medications – Hypertension is common in cats with kidney disease and can accelerate damage. Drugs like amlodipine help relax blood vessels and reduce high blood pressure.
Other supportive treatments may include antacids, potassium supplements, antiemetics for nausea, and erythropoietin injections for anemia. With treatment, cats with early stage kidney disease can often live comfortably for years. Source
Monitoring and Follow-Up
Regular monitoring and follow-up appointments are crucial for catching any progression of kidney disease in cats early on. According to the VCA Hospitals article “Chronic Kidney Disease in Cats” https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/kidney-failure-chronic-in-cats, the following should be done:
– Recheck lab work, including SDMA, creatinine, and BUN levels, every 3-6 months. This allows tracking of kidney values over time.
– Monitor blood pressure at each appointment, as hypertension is a common complication.
– Watch closely for any signs of progression or worsening kidney disease, such as increased thirst, weight loss, poor appetite, vomiting, or lethargy.
Catching deteriorations early, before cats show obvious outward symptoms, gives the best opportunity to adjust treatment and slow further kidney damage.
Prevention
There are several steps cat owners can take to help prevent kidney disease in their feline companions:
Annual senior wellness exams with your veterinarian are important to monitor kidney values and catch any changes early. Blood and urine tests can identify kidney issues before cats show outward signs of illness (Forza10 Nutraceutic Actiwet Renal Support Wet Cat Food).
Helping your cat maintain a healthy weight takes stress off the kidneys and improves quality of life. Obesity is a major risk factor for kidney disease. Ask your vet for guidance on an optimal weight for your cat’s age, breed, and body condition (https://braxtons.com/preventing-kidney-disease-in-cats/).
Encourage water intake by providing multiple fresh water bowls around your home. Consider getting a cat water fountain, which many cats prefer. Feed wet food, which has high water content. And limit dry kibble, which can dehydrate cats (How to Help Your Cat Avoid Kidney Disease).
Feed an age-appropriate diet to support kidney health. Some renal diets restrict phosphorus and provide extra antioxidants. Talk to your veterinarian about the best food for your senior cat (Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Feline Multifunction Renal Support + Hydrolyzed Protein Dry Cat Food).
Prognosis with Treatment
Cats with kidney disease often stabilize with treatment and may progress slowly over months to years. Though kidney function deteriorates gradually, with proper management most cats can live high-quality lives for years after diagnosis. One study found the median survival time for cats with stage 2 and 3 kidney disease was over 2 years with treatment. However, cats in stage 4 kidney failure had a poorer prognosis, with a median survival of only 35 days (Boyd 2008). By starting treatment early, the progression of kidney disease can be slowed dramatically.
Treatment focuses on managing clinical signs, maintaining hydration, controlling blood pressure, and feeding a kidney-friendly diet. With dedicated owners providing at-home care and frequent veterinary monitoring, many cats respond well and continue enjoying life despite chronic kidney disease (Cornell Feline Health Center). While kidney function will decline over time, treatment can extend and improve quality of life. Most cats with early-stage kidney disease can live happily for years when properly managed.
The Takeaway
The prognosis for cats with early kidney disease depends on several key factors. When caught and treated early, many cats can live with kidney disease for months or years. However, without treatment the prognosis declines rapidly as the disease progresses. Some of the key prognosis factors include:
- The stage of kidney disease – cats in early Stage 1 and 2 often have a better prognosis than those in late Stage 3 or 4.
- Response to treatment – cats who respond well to fluid therapy, medications, diet changes, etc. tend to have a better long-term prognosis.
- Presence of other illnesses – concurrent diseases may worsen the prognosis.
- Age of cat – younger cats tend to handle kidney disease better than older cats.
The takeaway is that early detection and treatment of kidney disease in cats is key to improving prognosis. Annual senior wellness exams, screening labwork, and monitoring for early signs can catch kidney issues early. Work closely with your veterinarian for ongoing monitoring, treatment, and care if kidney disease is found. With early intervention and good supportive care, many cats can still live high-quality lives for years.