Chronic Kidney Disease Stages

Now that you know how CKD is diagnosed, let's explore its progression. Chronic kidney disease is divided into four stages based on the severity of kidney damage. Each stage comes with unique challenges and management strategies.

In Stage 1 the kidneys are damaged but still functioning well enough that symptoms aren't noticeable. This stage is often only identified through routine blood work. This is one of the many important reasons to have annual blood work performed on your cat each year.

Stage 2 is when early symptoms like increased thirst and urination might appear, although they're typically mild.

Stage 3 is where more obvious and severe signs appear, such as weight loss, poor appetite, and vomiting.

By Stage 4, Most cats will feel very sick, and the disease can significantly impact their quality of life.

Understanding the stages helps you work with your veterinarian to tailor the best care plan for your cat. Early intervention in Stages 1 and 2 can make a big difference, while supportive care in Stages 3 and 4 focuses on providing comfort and maintaining quality of life.

Next, we'll dive into the treatments available for CKD and how they can help manage symptoms and slow progression."