Cats are masters at hiding when something's wrong. Chronic kidney disease creeps along quietly, without any fuss — and that's exactly why the early signs and regular checks matter so much.
The early signs
They're often so subtle we put them down to "old age". Watch for whether your cat:
- Drinks more water and urinates more
- Gradually loses weight and muscle
- Eats less, vomits now and then
- Has a dull coat and seems more sluggish
Annual check after age 7
For cats over 7, a yearly blood check catches the disease before symptoms even appear — which is exactly when stepping in is worth the most.
Thirst as a red flag
Increased thirst is one of the first things that gives the disease away. If you notice your cat constantly emptying the bowl or running to drink from the tap, it's worth a check. Our water-intake calculator quickly shows you whether it's gone past normal.
How we reach a diagnosis
With blood tests (urea, creatinine, phosphorus, SDMA) and a urinalysis. Since the biochemistry and haematology are done here at the clinic, you get an answer straight away, no waiting.
Management
I won't tell you it reverses — it doesn't. But with a special kidney diet, good hydration and regular monitoring, cats live well for years. And the sooner we start, the better things go.