Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
Kidney function gradually declines with age; more common in cats than dogs. It can't be reversed, but progression can be slowed.
What Is Chronic Kidney Disease
The kidneys filter metabolic waste from the blood. Chronic kidney disease is a long-term, irreversible decline in kidney tissue function. It usually progresses very slowly, with almost no symptoms early on — noticeable signs often don't appear until less than 1/3 of kidney function remains. Cats are affected far more often than dogs, especially those over 7 years old.
Common Signs
Increased drinking, increased urination, decreased appetite, gradual weight loss, more frequent vomiting, bad breath, and a dull, rough coat. These signs usually progress slowly, so owners often mistake them for normal aging.
The IRIS Staging System
The International Renal Interest Society (IRIS) classifies chronic kidney disease into Stage 1 through Stage 4 based on blood markers like creatinine and SDMA — the higher the stage number, the greater the loss of kidney function. Staging affects the diet and medication your vet recommends, which is why Chronlo's blood test import feature automatically shows the corresponding stage.
Key Care Points
After diagnosis, the focus is on "slowing progression," not "curing" — a prescription renal diet (usually requires a vet's prescription), constant access to fresh water, regular follow-up blood tests to track changes, and avoiding medications that burden the kidneys. Early detection and early dietary intervention can significantly extend quality of life and survival time.
Want to track this over time? Try Chronlo
A chronic-care app for cats and dogs: daily logs, trend charts, blood test OCR, and medication reminders — all your pet's health data in one place.
Sources:
- IRIS Kidney（International Renal Interest Society）腎病分期標準
- Cornell Feline Health Center
This site is for general reference only and is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis. If your cat shows unusual signs, please see a vet promptly.