Older Cats & Kidney Failure

Cats begin to experience symptoms of the aging process when they are between 7 and 10 years old. Feline kidneys lose some of their function as the cat grows older and this often leads to kidney failure.

  1. Chronic Renal Failure

    • Chronic renal failure, or CRF, is one of the leading causes of death among older cats, according to the Feline CRF Information Center. The disease does not have any symptoms until the kidneys have lost around 70 percent of their functionality, which makes it difficult to treat. It is caused by a combination of age, environment and genetics, but many renal diseases also contribute to CRF.

    Symptoms

    • The symptoms of renal failure include increased thirst and an increased need to urinate, as well as nausea and vomiting, appetite loss, weight loss and bad breath. The cat may seem depressed and its coat looks untidy because it no longer grooms itself the way it once did. As the kidneys stop functioning, the body becomes filled with toxins. This slow poisoning gradually weakens the cat.

    Treatment

    • CRF is managed through diet and medication. The Feline CRF Information Center indicates that there is no cure, but the symptoms can be controlled for months or even years.