Chronic Kidney Disease Treatment

Treatment for chronic kidney disease focuses on managing symptoms, supporting kidney function, and improving your cat's quality of life. The exact treatment plan depends on the stage of CKD, but some options are common across all stages.

Dietary management is one of the most effective treatments. Special kidney diets are lower in protein and lower in phosphorus, which reduces the strain on your cat's kidneys. If your cat doesn't like the prescription diet, talk to your vet about finding alternatives that meet their nutritional needs.

Medications may also be prescribed based on your cat's situation. Over time, there are different blood values that can start to be affected by CKD, such as potassium and phosphorous. Often, these are supplemented on top of the diet. In some cases, medications will be used to help your cat regulate these since the kidneys' ability has been compromised. Other problems that may require medical intervention include high blood pressure, not eating, vomiting, or low red blood cells.

For cats with advanced CKD, one of the most effective techniques to improve their quality of life, is administering a balanced fluid in their subcutaneous space, which is the space between the skin and the muscle. This is known as subcutaneous fluid therapy, and it can make a huge difference in how your cat is feeling by improving hydration and flushing out waste and toxins. We recommend having a conversation with your veterinary team about this therapy and when it should be started in your cat.

Next, we'll cover practical tips for managing CKD at home, including feeding strategies and recognizing when to call your veterinarian.