When a cat’s kidneys age

When a cat’s kidneys age


As cats age, their organs don’t work as well as they once did. The kidneys are especially prone to the effects of aging.

Chronic renal failure — or CRD — is a progressive waning of the kidneys’ ability to conserve water and remove toxins from the blood. Affected cats often drink more than normal, eat less and lose weight. But these signs — as well as abnormalities on bloodwork — don’t generally show up until a cat’s kidneys are functioning at only 30 percent of capacity.

Although the process is irreversible, it can often be slowed. If a cat’s bloodwork results improve after 1 to 2 days of in-hospital fluid administration, the kidneys are able to respond to treatment — some of which can be continued at home.

Eventually, this treatment won’t be enough. But until then, you can strive to make life comfier for your cat.

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